Skimmington

Skimmington is a small, rather quiet locality in the borough of Reigate and Banstead in Surrey, England, lying on the edge of the chalk ridge of the North Downs. It feels firmly part of the Surrey countryside rather than a built-up suburb, with lanes, fields and hedgerows surrounding a handful of houses and farms, while larger centres such as Reigate and Redhill are a short drive away and London is within commuting distance.

Its name catches the eye: “skimmington” also refers to an old English folk custom of a mock procession used to shame social transgressions, and that folkloric echo gives the place a hint of local heritage. Economically and socially the area reflects the wider borough’s mix of rural agriculture, small local businesses and commuter households, and residents tend to value the semi-rural character and easy access to nearby town amenities.