The Surrey town of Epsom is not only a prime commuter town, but also the perfect gateway between urban London and rural Surrey. The town itself has plenty to offer, with a mix of lively bars, traditional pubs and green spaces. There’s a thriving arts and music scene, thanks to several creative colleges in the town. Of course, Epsom is also famous for the horse racing derby held every year in June.
Where to stay in Epsom
Epsoms location alon means it has a huge variety of accommodation - from chic studios in the town centre to large luxury houses on the outskirts. If you are planning an extended stay in the town, then choosing a serviced accommodation can be by far the most convenient and cost effective means of getting the most from your visit. Affording the privacy of a private residence, whilst offering all the amenities of a hotel - such as room servicing, reception and a host of other facilities.
What to do in Epsom
Epsom is one of those places where the more time you spend there the more you find to do. There are plenty of pubs and bars in the area, which ensure the town has a thriving nightlife seven days a week, whilst the broad selection of restaurants also contribute to its strength as an after-hours destination.
The town is also great for those who enjoy the outdoors, as it has several parks in its immediate vicinity, as well as being surrounded by superb golf courses and the Epsom Downs - which is popular with dog walkers and cyclists and also features a couple of restaurants and pubs.
Another major selling point for Epsom is that it is only twenty minutes from London by rail, meaning that anyone staying in the town has easy access to all the attractions of the capital. Alternatively, heading the other way takes you into the heart of the Surrey hills - a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Tips for staying in epsom
Where to eat
Epsom has a particularly high concentration of great restaurants, most of which are on the high street. El Patio Tapas Bar & Restaurant in the centre of town is a popular and lively venue, whilst Il Capriccio Restaurante is an italian eatery that regularly hosts live music. Alternatively, for those looking for something simple, The Jolly Cooper is a traditional pub with a fun and varied menu.
Shopping
The Ashley centre is the main place for shopping in the town, although the high street also has numerous retailers, ranging from independent craft shops to famous fashion brands. There is also a weekly market held by the clocktower on weekends, which offers everything from local food produce, to consumer electronics. The retail park on Kiln Lane also offers a large superstores, including Sainsburys and Halford.
Attractions
Epsom’s most famous attraction is undoubtedly its world-famous racecourse. The race itself is held once a year, but the venue also hosts numerous other engagements - from craft fairs to rock concerts. Those who enjoy the outdoors will find that Epsom common offers plenty of walking trails and pleasant open spaces, whilst Rosebery park is very popular in the summer months.
Transport
Epsom has an four-platform railway station that features express services into London Waterloo, with a journey time of 20 - 30 minutes. There are also services into Guildford and Dorking. A regular bus service also runs routes to the surrounding towns of Ashtead and Leatherhead as well as towards Croydon, Wimbledon and Chessington.
Local business
Epsom has several financial services firms in the area, including accountants Hakim Fry, insurance services such as available at Ashmore Ltd., and Premium Credit. There are also several colleges for creative arts in the area, particularly the world-famous Laynes Theatre Arts and the Realistic Music Academy.
