Epsom offers several distinct reasons to stay: a long racing history, the Assembly Rooms on the High Street, and natural areas on Epsom Common and Epsom Downs. When planning, it is worth distinguishing events with fixed dates from local and landscape attractions. This lets you choose the focus of your trip without making the visit solely about horse racing.
Racing with a long history
The first recorded race meeting in the country took place in Epsom on 7 March 1661. From 1730, race meetings on the Downs were regularly scheduled for May and October. The chronology thus runs from the earliest recorded meeting to recurring events in two specific months, giving Epsom’s racing history a concrete timeframe.
A fixed date can also be a deciding factor when planning a visit today: the Betfred Derby Festival is scheduled for Friday 4 and Saturday 5 June 2027 at Epsom Downs Racecourse. As event dates and sponsorship can change, check the latest information before planning your trip around this weekend.
Spa town history and the Assembly Rooms
Epsom was one of the very first spa towns in the United Kingdom. In the 17th century, the town was also the birthplace of Epsom Salts. This local history can be complemented by another historic landmark: the Assembly Rooms on Epsom High Street.
The Assembly Rooms probably date from around 1692 and are Grade II* listed. They are also considered the earliest surviving example of this type of building in England. The probable date of construction and the nationwide classification of the building type offer two different perspectives on Epsom’s architectural history. Together with its spa town tradition, they provide a cultural and historical focus independent of the racing calendar.
Epsom Common and Epsom Downs
Epsom Common was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in the 1950s and additionally gained Local Nature Reserve status in 2001. The area is managed for nature conservation and is open to the public. The two designations mark different stages in its protected status; nature conservation and public access are also part of the Common’s described role.
Epsom Downs offers a different kind of landscape: extensive chalk grassland and woodland provide habitats for wildlife. Visitors can walk, cycle, and ride on the Downs. This means there are specific outdoor activities to choose from alongside racing. Conditions on individual routes may vary, so it is worth bearing this in mind when planning an outing.
Plan events and travel
The Horton is open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday, or five days a week. There are also selected evenings for performances and events. Opening days and the evening programme may be important to your visit, so check the venue’s latest schedule in advance.
Epsom is a short train journey from three of London’s mainline stations. If you plan to travel by train, check the suitable connection and journey time before setting off. Epsom is also on the national cycle network. If you include a cycling route in your stay, check the current route of your chosen trail, as route details may change.
Find a hotel to suit your reason for travelling
When looking for a hotel in Epsom, it is worth deciding on the purpose of your trip first. For the Betfred Derby Festival, specific dates are key; for The Horton, opening days and the selected evenings with performances or events also matter. Visitors drawn to Epsom’s local history or landscape have a different focus from travellers making an event on the Downs the centrepiece of their trip. Match your travel dates to the occasion and check the latest event information before finalising your plans.
Discover more destinations: Abinger Common, Farleigh, Hersham, Thorpe, Redhill, Banstead, East Horsley, Bletchingley.
For the broader travel overview: Surrey.
