Epsom is famous for the Derby and for the salts that carry its name, but this Surrey town has a lot more to offer than its two best-known exports. Peters Cars has run taxis out of Epsom for more than ten years, so we spend our days driving past the places visitors ask about and the ones locals keep quietly to themselves. This guide covers the sights, green spaces, family days out and evenings worth planning around, with practical notes on getting there. Opening times and event dates change, so it is worth checking before you set off.
Epsom Downs and the Derby
Start with the Downs. Epsom Downs Racecourse has hosted the Derby since 1780, and the Derby Festival in early summer is still one of the great days in the racing calendar. You do not need a ticket to enjoy the area, though. The open downland around the course is free to walk, and on a clear day the views stretch all the way to the London skyline. Families fly kites here, dog walkers loop the perimeter, and runners use the wide grass tracks all year round.
If you want to make a proper outing of it, nearby Langley Vale Wood was planted as a First World War centenary wood and adds miles of extra paths. Finish with lunch at a pub near the Grandstand and a view of the course. Race days are wonderful but busy, with heavy traffic and road restrictions around the Downs, so plan your journey in advance and do not assume you can pick up a taxi at the last minute.
Epsom Common and the Story of Epsom Salts
The name Epsom is known worldwide thanks to a bitter spring. In the early 1600s a local farmer noticed that his cattle refused to drink from a pool on Epsom Common, and the minerals in that water, magnesium sulphate, went on to become famous as Epsom salts. Visitors flocked to the town's wells to take the waters, and Epsom grew into a fashionable spa town.
Today the Common is a wonderful place for a slower day. Ancient woodland, open meadows and ponds make it a haven for birdlife, dragonflies and wild flowers, and the paths are mostly flat and easy underfoot. Spring bluebells and autumn colour are the highlights, but it is peaceful whatever the season. Bring a flask, wear sturdy footwear after rain, and allow a couple of hours.
Horton Country Park and a Day Out with the Children
On the edge of town, Horton Country Park is a large expanse of meadow, hedgerow and woodland on former hospital farmland. It is ideal for a long walk, with far fewer crowds than you would find on a sunny weekend at the Downs, and the mix of habitats keeps the wildlife interesting. Nearby, Hobbledown Epsom is an animal park and adventure play centre that has become a favourite with young families. Check the current opening days and book ahead in school holidays, when it fills up fast.
If you are arriving with pushchairs, grandparents and a boot full of picnic gear, a taxi to the entrance is often easier than searching for a parking space. Our larger vehicles seat up to eight passengers, which suits a family or friends outing perfectly.
Nonsuch Park and Bourne Hall
Straddling the border with Ewell and Cheam, Nonsuch Park is the site of Henry VIII's lost Nonsuch Palace, which was begun in 1538 and demolished long ago. Today you will find open parkland, woodland walks and an early nineteenth-century mansion house, with plenty of space for picnics and ball games. It is free to visit and one of the best places locally for a relaxed afternoon.
Nearby in Ewell, Bourne Hall is a local landmark thanks to its distinctive design from around 1970, often compared to a flying saucer. Inside are a museum telling the story of Epsom and Ewell, a library and a café, while outside a pretty lake and gardens mark the source of the Hogsmill River. It suits a rainy-day visit or a gentle stroll with a coffee. Ewell village itself has old streets and pubs that reward a wander afterwards.
Around the Town Centre
Epsom's town centre is compact, walkable and full of character. The Victorian Clock Tower, built in 1847, is the traditional meeting point at the heart of the High Street, and around it you will find independent shops, cafés and the Ashley Centre for the familiar high street names. If you fancy browsing market stalls, check the current schedule before you go.
For an evening out, Epsom Playhouse on Ashley Avenue offers a programme of theatre, comedy, music and film, and it makes for a much more relaxed night than heading into London. History fans should keep an eye out for the older buildings along the High Street and its side streets, since much of Epsom's past hides in plain sight.
Where to Eat and Drink
Epsom has a good spread of independent cafés, pubs and restaurants, mostly clustered around the High Street and its side streets. For a Sunday lunch with a view, the pubs on the Downs, such as The Rubbing House, are hard to beat, particularly after a walk. In the evening you will find everything from relaxed pubs to family-friendly restaurants in and around town. If you are planning a proper night out, sort out the journey home in advance. Our drivers work around the clock, so there is no need to worry about being stranded or driving after a drink.
When to Visit
Epsom suits every season. Spring brings bluebells to the Common, summer brings racing and long evenings on the Downs, and autumn is ideal for woodland walks at Horton and Nonsuch. Winter is quieter, which makes it a good time for Bourne Hall, the Playhouse and a long lunch. Weekends in fine weather are the busiest, so if you want the green spaces to yourself, aim for a weekday morning. Whatever the time of year, dress for changeable British weather and keep a waterproof in the bag.
Getting Around Epsom
Epsom is easy to reach but not always easy to explore without a car. The station has direct trains into central London, which makes the town a great base for visitors, but most of the green spaces above sit a few miles from the centre and are not always well served by public transport in the evening or on a Sunday. That is where a local taxi earns its keep. A few practical tips:
- Pre-book for race days and big events. Roads around the Downs are restricted and demand is high, so a confirmed booking saves a great deal of stress.
- Plan your airport and station journeys. We run regular airport transfers and station transfers from Epsom, Ashtead and Ewell, with drivers who track your journey and turn up on time.
- Use us for the last leg. Arriving by train with luggage? Book a local taxi and we will take you straight to your hotel, guest house or friend's front door.
- Explore beyond Epsom. Neighbouring places such as Ashtead, Ewell and Leatherhead are all worth a visit, and our areas we cover page shows where we drive every day.
Peters Cars operates 24 hours a day with DBS-checked drivers and a fleet that ranges from saloon cars to eight-seaters. You can see our local taxi services for everyday journeys, or check our prices before you book.
A Simple Day in Epsom
If you only have one day, try this. Begin with a morning walk on the Downs and a coffee near the Grandstand. Head into town for lunch around the Clock Tower, then spend the afternoon at Bourne Hall or Nonsuch Park. Round things off with dinner in town and a show at the Playhouse. It is an easy, affordable day that mixes history, fresh air and good food, and a taxi between each stop takes the stress out of the logistics.
For a nature-focused day, swap in Epsom Common or Horton Country Park, and for a family day put Hobbledown at the centre of the plan.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are visiting for the racing, moving to the area or simply looking for something new to do at the weekend, Epsom rewards curious people. Its mix of open countryside, real history and easy access to London is hard to beat. Have a favourite spot we have missed? Tell us when you next ride with us.