Things to Do in Epsom, Surrey — The Complete Local Guide
From Epsom Downs and the famous racecourse to Nonsuch Park, the town market, and the Hogsmill River walks — a resident's guide to the best of Epsom.
Epsom is best known outside Surrey for the racecourse and The Derby, but residents know the town has much more to offer. Here are the highlights.
Epsom Downs and the Racecourse
The Downs are the town's great open space — a broad plateau of chalk grassland south of the town where horses train early every morning and the public can walk freely. The views north towards London are exceptional on a clear day.
Epsom Downs Racecourse hosts approximately 20 fixtures a year, with The Derby (first Saturday in June) as the centrepiece — one of the world's most prestigious flat races, drawing crowds of over 100,000 on the day.
Nonsuch Park
Just north of Epsom, Nonsuch Park is a 200-hectare historic estate on the site of Henry VIII's Nonsuch Palace. The parkland features formal gardens near the mansion, wide grassland, and woodland walks. The park is free to enter and excellent for families.
The Town Market
Epsom's twice-weekly outdoor market (Wednesday and Saturday) on the High Street is one of the most established in Surrey. It draws traders from across the region with fresh produce, street food, clothing, and household goods.
The Hogsmill River Walk
The Hogsmill flows north from Ewell through Kingston to the Thames. The river path makes an excellent linear walk, particularly the stretch through Ewell and into the Kingston area. The meadows near the source of the river are said to have inspired part of Millais' famous Ophelia painting.
Bourne Hall, Ewell
The striking circular 1970s Bourne Hall in Ewell houses the borough library, local museum (with a good exhibition on the history of the borough), and community facilities. The grounds around the spring and the village pond are pleasant for a stroll.
Eating and Drinking
Epsom town centre has a good range of independent restaurants and cafes, particularly on the Upper High Street and in the Ashley Centre area. Ewell village has its own cluster of well-regarded independent pubs and cafes.