Redhill is an historic market town, just 30 minutes by car from our very own Merrywood Park. I recently took a trip here to visit the local market, that still operates on the High Street.Today, the market is organised by Tudor Markets and runs from Thursday through to Saturday, between 9am and 5pm.
I parked at Clarendon Road pay and display car park, which cost £4.00 for 5 hours. If you plan to spend a bit longer, the maximum parking period is up to 10 hours and costs just £6.00 (costs correct as at September 2021). I arrived via the M25 and found this was the closest parking spot for my route. However, if you come from Box Hill, via the A25, you may find a car park more convenient to your route. Either way, Clarendon Road can still be accessed via the A25 and if you pop it into the Sat Nav, you will have no trouble finding it.
The High Street is just a short walk from where I parked. If you head out of the car park, back towards the A25 and turn right, the High Street is just ahead. I crossed the road and walked past the biggest Sainsburys I had ever seen and continued straight, towards the market. I could see the tops of the green and white gazebos that lined the busy High Street. The Market is described as having a mix of commodities, from arts and crafts to general goods and food, so I was excited about what I might find.
I decided to take a slow walk down to the end of the High Street, browsing at the different stalls as I passed. The first stall I came across had a stylish selection of ladies fashion, a little bit different to what you might find in the usual high street shops. There were some pretty dresses and tops, many with Italian designer looking labels. The collection was reasonably priced, ranging from £25 – £50. There was also a sale rack with items for under £10, which I couldn’t resist looking at, as I love a bargain.
Next door was a stall packed with freshly baked bread and delicious looking cakes, all smelling divine. I asked the market stall trader if there was any olive bread, as this is my favourite but it had already sold out! So, perhaps get there early if you want your favourite loaf. I settled for a yummy looking rosemary and garlic focaccia. When I asked how much, I was amazed…it cost me just £1! The focaccia was huge and I know, I would have paid much more in a supermarket.
It was only as I started chatting to the trader, that I realised the market stalls are different on each day. I went on a Friday and there seemed to be a mixture of goods for sale. It would have been interesting to know what other stalls there are on Thursdays and Saturdays but I’m sure, whichever day you decide to go on, you won’t be disappointed.
As I ventured on, I came to a crossroad in the High Street. To my left and right there were more stalls but I continued straight, with the intention to look at these on my way back. The fruit and veg stall was vibrant looking, with all the wonderful colours on display. The produce looked extremely fresh. I stopped at a stall selling olives and Turkish delight. The trader kindly offered, for me to taste some olives of my choice and also a bit of feta cheese, that was delightfully creamy and smooth. I purchased a tub of garlic olives to go with my focaccia, the tub cost just £3.50 and was a reasonable size, similar to those those that you get at a deli counter in the supermarket.
Just next door there was a delicious aroma of spices, garlic and ginger, where freshly cooked Thai food was being prepared. The dishes on display looked mouth-watering and many people were queuing to order. A little further on there were some lovely hand-made crafts, including hats and bags made with quirky looking fabrics. The stall was full of little bespoke pieces that would make lovely gifts.
As I came to the end of the High Street, I arrived at one of the entrances to the Belfry Shopping Centre. I was pretty certain that if I walked through the shopping centre, I could make my way out to where I had seen more stalls, back at the crossroad. The shopping centre was a fair size and had a good selection of shops, including Marks and Spencer. It had a few eateries and quite handy if you needed to use the facilities. I followed the shopping centre round and as I had expected, it led me back out to the market, where I came across a stall selling a selection of traditional and modern style rugs.
I stopped at a stall selling organic, hand-made body scrubs made from coconut oil. The trader had a selection of testers out to smell and try. I liked one in particular and purchased a small jar, which cost just £5, for my Mum who’s birthday was coming up.
Back at the crossroads, I headed across to where I hadn’t yet ventured. A huge meat truck was selling fresh produce, there was a large range of different meats and cuts. It was very busy, with lots of customers stocking up on their weekly meats. I would love to have bought some bits to try but with what I had already bought and my camera, I wasn’t sure I could manage a load of sausages as well. I think it would be a good idea to take one of those pull along shopping trolleys for everything to go in!
I was feeling a bit peckish by this time and headed back to a café that had caught my eye earlier. West Central café was opposite the bakery stall and had an urban style look to it. There were a few table and chairs outside and plenty of seating inside. A big sign outside, advertising freshly baked jacket potatoes, is what enticed me to this café. Inside at the counter there were an array of yummy looking cakes and treats. On the back wall was the menu. I really fancied a jacket potato but sometimes they can be too filling. What excited me though, is that I could choose to have just half a jacket with the topping of my choice, perfect for a light bite to eat. I ordered at the counter, half a jacket with tuna and a cappuccino and took a seat inside. When the food arrived, the jacket was just as I had hoped, fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
If you do decide to stay for a spot of lunch and fancy something a bit more substantial, the Junction pub with a twist, is on the corner of the crossroads. Downstairs is a traditional pub, whilst upstairs serves up a selection of Asian style dishes. The stunning listed building that sits on what was once the crossroads of the A25 and A23, dates back to 1902. Another option, is to grab some of the delicious cuisines on offer at the market and take a walk up to Redhill Memorial Park, to enjoy a bit of a picnic. The Memorial Park, which is not far from where I parked, just past the big Sainsburys, has large open green spaces. There is also a another pleasant little café here and a children’s play area.
Redhill has great transport links and is easily located by car, via the A25 from Merrywood Park. There is also a direct rail line from Betchworth station, with Redhill train station in easy walking distance to the market, not far from the Memorial Park. I thoroughly enjoyed pottering around, taking in all the delights that were on offer. Whether you like visiting markets for their unique appeal or because you prefer to buy fresh produce away from the supermarkets, then Redhill Market definitely has both at hand.
When I got home, I finished my day with an evening meal of rosemary and garlic focaccia, a touch of balsamic dipping sauce, olives and a glass of red wine, whilst relaxing on my recently purchased garden furniture in the late evening sun.
