Things To Do
in Epsom
Epsom is a historic market town in Surrey, southwest of London, known for its spa heritage and green spaces. The town combines a lively High Street with leafy parks and easy access to surrounding countryside. It sits on the fringe of the North Downs, offering quick escapes to Box Hill and Nonsuch Park while remaining well connected to the capital.
With its renowned racecourse, welcoming pubs, and family-friendly amenities, Epsom makes a convenient base for both city visits and countryside strolls.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk on Epsom Downs, where you can enjoy the beautiful views of the rolling hills and lush greenery. Take some time to visit the iconic Epsom Downs Racecourse, which is steeped in history and offers various walking trails. Grab a coffee at a local café while soaking in the serene morning atmosphere.
After a leisurely lunch at a nearby pub, head to the Epsom Playhouse to catch a matinee performance or explore the local art galleries. Don't forget to visit the nearby Nonsuch Park, where you can wander through the scenic gardens and historical structures. This afternoon is perfect for a picnic by the lakeside, surrounded by nature.
As the sun sets, enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, sampling traditional British cuisine. If you’re in the mood for entertainment, check out a live music venue or enjoy a quiet evening stroll through the beautifully lit streets of Epsom. End your day with a nightcap at a cozy pub, reflecting on the day’s adventures.
Begin your day with a visit to the Epsom Common, where you can explore the rich history and natural beauty of the area. After a refreshing walk, head to the Epsom Museum to learn about the town's fascinating past, from its roots in horse racing to its role in the local community. Capture some photographs of the historical buildings that line the streets.
Enjoy lunch at a quaint café before continuing your historical adventure at the nearby Epsom Clock Tower, a landmark that has stood for over a century. Stroll down the High Street to discover charming shops and boutiques that offer unique local products. Take a moment to relax at one of the local parks, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the town.
As evening approaches, treat yourself to a fine dining experience at one of Epsom's acclaimed restaurants. Following dinner, visit a local theater for a theatrical performance or a movie screening, immersing yourself in the local culture. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk through the town, taking in the lovely evening ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant | $15-25 |
| 🏨1 night in mid-range hotel | $120-180 |
| 🚆Public transport day pass | $8-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close proximity to London with fast rail access
- Abundant green spaces and parks
- Historic charm with a compact town centre
- Limited nightlife compared with central London
- Peak-season travel can be pricier in the Surrey area
Places to Visit in Epsom
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide views across the downs, especially striking at sunrise or golden hour from vantage points near the grandstand.
Historic clock tower framing on busy market days, great for architecture and street photography.
Formal gardens and the historic mansion provide elegant landscapes and symmetry for photography.
Expansive open spaces, wetlands, and woodlands ideal for wide-angle landscape shots.
Near Epsom, Box Hill offers dramatic panoramas across the North Downs and countryside, perfect for sunrise captures.
Food in Epsom
Epsom Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Crispy battered fish with thick-cut chips, often served with mushy peas; commonly found in pubs and chippies along the High Street.
Must-Try!
Roast meat with potatoes, vegetables, yorkshire pudding, and gravy; a staple in many pubs across Epsom on Sundays.
Scones with clotted cream and jam, served with tea; popular in local cafes and tearooms.
A indulgent toffee-flavored sponge pudding, a common dessert option in pubs and British-style eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly town market offering fresh produce, bread, pastries, and ready-to-eat bites in Market Square.
Seasonal pop-ups and street food vendors around the town centre, offering a variety of international snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
British etiquette emphasizes orderly queueing, politeness, and keeping to the left on pavements and escalators.
Respect quiet hours in residential areas; be mindful of neighbors after late hours in pubs or bars.
Share paths safely; call out when passing and give way to pedestrians on narrow walkways.
Safety
Tipping in Epsom
Ensure a smooth experience
In UK sit-down restaurants, service charges may be included or optional; if not included, 10-15% is customary. For pubs and cafes, rounding up or a small tip is appreciated but not obligatory.
Cards (debit/credit) and contactless payments are widely accepted; cash is still accepted at most venues; mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with fresh greens and budding flowers; a good time for park walks and street photography with soft light.
Warmer weather and longer daylight; expect occasional showers; ideal for outdoor dining, downs views, and festival vibes.
Color-rich foliage along trails and parks; cool air and golden light enhance landscape and architectural shots.
Cool, damp days with shorter daylight; cozy pubs, festive decorations, and moody skies suitable for atmospheric photography.
Epsom at Night
Hiking in Epsom
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular North Downs route offering sweeping views, chalk downs, and woodlands; accessible by car or bus from Epsom.
Gentle woodland and meadow trails around the historic mansion, suitable for family walks.
Open spaces and lakes with easy hiking paths ideal for casual hikers and families.
Airports
How to reach Epsom by plane.
London’s largest international hub, reachable by road or rail; convenient for international travel from Epsom.
Major international hub to the south; typically reachable by car or rail connections from the area.
Smaller, city-focused gateway; options exist via rail and road for travel to and from Epsom.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of residents are families attracted by good schools and ample green space.
A large share of residents commute to London or other parts of Surrey for work via fast rail links.
A stable senior population enjoys parks, clubs, and accessible healthcare facilities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Epsom Downs Racecourse hosts the famous Derby and other meetings, a cornerstone of local sporting culture.
Several courses in and around Epsom provide accessible ways to enjoy a round amid Surrey’s green spaces.
Local clubs and park pitches are common in summer for informal or club-level cricket.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Epsom.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most pubs and cafes offer vegetarian mains, salads, and veggie sides; many places can adapt dishes on request.
Gluten-free options are commonly available; ask staff about cross-contamination and dedicated GF menus where available.
A growing number of venues provide vegan dishes or plant-based options; look for clearly labeled vegan mains or salads.