The borough of Reigate and Banstead is both urban and rural. It ranges from historic Reigate with its castle remains and priory, to Redhill, which grew up around the London to Brighton railway. To the south lies Gatwick airport. The rural part comprises the places lying on and at the foot of the North Downs, which has provided a source for stone and fuller's earth, especially in the areas around Nutfield and Merstham.

