Chipstead, Surrey

Chipstead is a predominantly commuter village in the Reigate and Banstead district, in north east Surrey, England, that has been a small ecclesiastical parish since the Domesday Survey of 1086. Its rolling landscape meant that Chipstead's development was late and restricted compared to parishes of comparable distance from London. Formerly and formally including Hooley and Netherne on the Hill, on census day, 1831 Chipstead had 66 homes. Today, excluding those two parts, the village has 1,212 homes spread across the slopes and crests of a northern section of the North Downs. Parts of the village are in or adjoin the Surrey Hills AONB.

The land within and to all sides forms curved valleys of downland. Beyond Chipstead's boundaries are the villages of Woodmansterne and slightly more distant Coulsdon, Banstead, Hooley and Kingswood. Woodmansterne is in two parts, one of which is in Greater London (as is Coulsdon) – the nearest, the Surrey part is the western follow on to the built up valley street of Chipstead. Housing and parks span the east slopes of a narrow valley known as Chipstead Valley or Chipstead Bottom which is a dry valley. This has some subterranean flows common in the chalk hills of the North Downs, a long hill range south of Woking, Croydon and the Thames Estuary.

The residents of Chipstead have prevented installation of street lighting, particularly in the southern parts of the village. Two residents associations exist, both founded in the 20th century. One caters broadly for all parts from Chipstead Valley to Hooley, while the second concentrates on architectural beauty and views from public places in areas where these may be at risk. Identified as among Chipstead's characteristics are its mature trees, hedgerows, rural wildlife and dark skies at night:

Chipstead Downs is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). To the north west of the village is Banstead Heath, a rolling plateau of open common land. This area is maintained by the Banstead Commons Conservators. Today Chipstead does not have a clearly defined village centre; instead there are several small areas of economic activity in a largely residential area. The village is home to many societies, some of which are linked to the church. Another focal point of the village is a small parade of shops, near to the railway station.

Chipstead railway station is on the Tattenham Corner Line. There are no bus services through the village – route 166, run by Arriva London for London Buses, passes its suburban northern edge to serve neighbouring Woodmansterne. Route 405 passes through Hooley, a short walk from the church. Other services are at Banstead and Coulsdon.

Actress June Brown lived in Chipstead. The poet Catherine Maria Fanshawe (1765–1834) was born at Shabden in Chipstead. Professional golfer Charles Mayo lived there in 1906. Former footballer Danny Murphy and his actress wife Joanna Taylor are residents of Chipstead. Singer songwriter David Wiffen spent his early childhood in Chipstead. Mark Serwotka, General Secretary of the Public and Commercial Services Union, lives in Chipstead.