Hidden Surrey - Caterham

Cultural sights and community action in the North Downs

Caterham makes most people think of the world-famous car manufacturer, whose offices, factory and showroom were all located in the town until 1987.  But there is more to Caterham than lightweight sports cars. Alongside world famous artwork and beautiful natural sites, people here are pulling together to Make It Happen through youth initiatives, Your Fund Surrey, and the new Neighbourhood Area Committees.

Neighbourhood Area Committees

As we enter local government reorganisation and move towards devolution, we are establishing Neighbourhood Area Committees (NACS). These committees bring people together and create real opportunities for local collaboration in towns and villages across Surrey.  They will inform and influence decision-makers, access information, and work together to truly help their local area thrive.

We are initially piloting these in three areas across Surrey,where we are already working closely with communities on important projects via Your Fund Surrey.

• Caterham and Warlingham
• Dorking and villages
• Cobham and Esher

We were pleased to kick off the first round of Neighbourhood Area Committee (NAC) meetings with a workshop in Caterham and Warlingham on Monday 28 July 2025. It was attended by representatives from county, district and parish councils, as well as blue light, health, business, education and voluntary sector partners. They discussed their shared vision, potential ways of working and how they might best represent their communities.

NACs are still very much “work in progress” as we formulate how they might evolve. There will be some more formal meetings in September, October and November where the administration and operating models are further progressed.

To see what's going on in communities in the other two pilot areas see Hidden Surrey – Dorking and Hidden Surrey – Cobham.

Skaterham

Know any young skaters looking to catch a sesh? Head down to Skaterham – the UK’s only skatepark in a chapel! Born out of a collective vision to create a safe space for young people to skate, scoot and ride, this charity-run facility welcomes riders of all ages and abilities, in the evenings, on weekends and during the school holidays. Find out more about opening hours and sessions via the Skaterham website.

Skaterham, The Chapel (opposite Tesco), The Village, Guards Avenue, Caterham, CR3 5XL

The Doom Mural at St Peter and Paul’s Church

Did you know that Surrey is home to one of the earliest known English wall paintings? The Doom Mural dates from 1200 and is unlike any in Europe. It depicts ‘The Ladder of the Human Soul’ together with ‘Purgatory and Hell’. Challenge yourself to spot the different jobs and trades represented in the painting, as well as the deadly sins! St Peter and St Paul’s Church is open daily to visitors.

Church Lane, Chaldon, Caterham CR3 5AL

East Surrey Museum

East Surrey Museum run free craft activities for under 11’s during the school holidays. They also have a dedicated room for young children, making it the perfect place to capture their imagination and bring the past to life for inquisitive minds. If you are an adult history buff, the East Surrey Museum has a fantastic range of collections, spanning from Bronze and Iron Ages to the Victorian era. They even offer ‘handling boxes’, so you can literally get in touch with your local history.

When you visit, keep your eyes peeled for the carved wooden sign. This was financed by the Your Fund Surrey Small Community Projects fund, which opens for new applications in the week commencing 4 August 2025. Use our interactive map to see what Your Fund Surrey has already made possible in Caterham and your local area.

Stafford Road, Caterham CR3 6JG

Caterham Libraries

Did you know that Caterham has not one, but two libraries? Check out the Caterham Valley Library and Caterham Hill Library websites for events and activities, including a LEGO club, children’s code club and sketch club.

Marden Park

Marden Park is a mosaic of ancient broadleaved woodland, ravines and rare chalk grassland. In summer, it’s a treat for the senses, with an amazing variety of colourful butterflies and the scent of wild marjoram wafting across the grasslands. Keep your eyes peeled for a marbled white, purple emperor, white admiral or Camberwell beauty! There is a free car park on site just off Grangers Hill (what3words reference: slimy.metro.priced).

Gangers Hill, Woldingham, Caterham CR3 7AD

Millennium Cairn

Built and formally opening in 2000 to mark the new millennium, the Carin is a well-visited feature on the Farthing Downs with excellent views in all directions. Use the direction pointers to orientate yourself and spot famous landmarks such as The Shard and The Gherkin in the distance.

Ditches Lane, Chaldon, Coulsdon CR5 1AD