Discover Epsom: Horse Racing History, Nature and Culture

Epsom combines an exceptional horse racing history with diverse natural areas and cultural traces spanning several centuries. Anyone planning a trip to Epsom can choose between nature experiences on Epsom Common and Epsom Downs, historical discoveries in the town, and special event dates. A holiday apartment or holiday home in Epsom is therefore a suitable option for anyone who wants to organise their days flexibly between excursions, culture and their own travel plans.

Horse Racing and Historical Highlights

The history of horse racing is one of Epsom’s most distinctive features. The country’s first recorded race meeting took place in Epsom on 7 March 1661. From 1730 onwards, race meetings on the Downs in May and October became regular events. This long tradition is more than just a historical footnote: the Betfred Derby Festival will take place on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 June 2027 at Epsom Downs Racecourse. Anyone wishing to plan their stay around such a date should factor the travel date into their search for accommodation at an early stage.

Epsom High Street also offers a glimpse into the past. The Assembly Rooms probably date from around 1692 and are listed as Grade II*. They are considered the earliest surviving example of this type of building in England. In addition, Epsom was one of the very first spa towns in the United Kingdom. In the 1600s, the town was also the birthplace of Epsom Salts. These historical themes give a trip to Epsom more than just a single event focus and suit visitors who want to get to know the character of the town across several eras.

Nature on Epsom Common and Epsom Downs

Epsom Common was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI, in the 1950s and additionally became a Local Nature Reserve in 2001. The area is managed for nature conservation and is also open to the public. Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve is considered open year-round. This makes it possible to combine a stay with time in nature even when no major programme of events is planned.

Epsom Downs presents another side of the area’s landscape. Extensive chalk grasslands and woodland provide habitats for wildlife. Visitors can walk, cycle and go horse riding on Epsom Downs. This creates various options for planning the day for families with different interests: while some may want to explore horse racing or Epsom’s history, others can spend time in the open countryside. The activities mentioned should each be regarded as separate excursion options.

Culture, Events and Getting There

The Horton is open to the public five days a week, from Tuesday to Saturday. There are also specific evenings for performances and events. Anyone wishing to include cultural dates in their trip can take the published opening days and the relevant event into account when planning, without basing their entire stay around a single programme.

Epsom is only a short train journey from three London mainline railway stations and is located on the national cycle network. These two details offer different points of reference when choosing the pace of your trip: you can treat Epsom as a destination in its own right or combine the journey with other activities. When searching for a holiday apartment in Epsom, it is therefore worth deciding on your preferred focus first: horse racing and historical sites, days in nature on the Common and Downs, or a mix of culture and activity.

More Destinations for Your Search

If you would like to compare other places in addition to Epsom, here is a compact selection: Newchapel, Redhill, Hersham, Ockley, Abinger Common, Bagshot, Walton-on-Thames and East Molesey. This allows you to review different destinations and then decide which place best suits the experiences you have planned.

For the overarching travel overview: Surrey.