ライゲートアンドバンステッドの天然記念物・トップ5

The very modern monument we encounter here was erected to mark the turn of the millennium, from the end of the 20th century to the 21st century. Nevertheless, its formal language draws on ancient models that take us far back into the past, several millennia before Christ.

Reigate Priory Park was originally the grounds of Reigate Priory, which was founded in the 13th century. The town bought the grounds and priory buildings in the mid 1900s. The ridge like top of Park Hill is unforested and therefore offers amazing views over the surrounding lowlands.

Banstead Wood and Chipstead Downs are combined to form a National Nature Reserve and SSSI. The woods were a medieval deer park as part of the Banstead Park Estate. Look out for some of the rare species of butterflies, birds and orchids that live here.

There's a great gravel trail that follows the ridgeline that grants views like this all over the place. Amazing stuff.

The stones were not visitable when I went yesterday (Monday, around 3 pm). Gates, a distance away, were locked, by the main sign, couldn't see a way in. Google says it's "open 24 hours", but it isn't!

Fantastic views from the top of the North Downs over looking Surrey

Make sure you look south as you run along up here. The views are magnificent taking in both Surrey and the South Downs National Park.

The Millenium Stones were installed between 1998 and 1999 to mark the double millenium between 1AD and 2000AD. Look closely at the stones as each is engraved with a quotation from each of the 200 years in that time period.