Epsom Downs is most famous for its famous racecourse; home to two of the great British horseracing classics. The Derby and the Oaks are fantastic days out for indulging in a flutter as the horses and jockeys make light work of the furlongs. The Gallops, which neighbour the friendly village of Langley Vale, are used to train racehorses. Epsom Downs is home to the third largest racehorse training centre in the country.
The Epsom Downs area itself is an area of chalk upland expanding over 600 acres near Epsom in Surrey. The area is set in the North Downs; with breath taking views of the rolling countryside in one direction juxtaposed against the London skyline in the other.
History of Epsom Downs
Epsom Downs is steeped in history, and it turns out the British monarchy has always played a part. Charles II is rumoured to have been a keen horse racing attendee. This tradition has been followed ever since, with the Royal Family often spotted enjoying Derby Day.
The racecourse also has its more prolific history. In 1913, suffragette Emily Davison threw herself in front of King George V’s horse, in a bid for women to be given the right to vote. Sadly, Emily died 4 four days later in Epsom Cottage Hospital and thus, was never able to see that all women over the age of twenty-one were given the right to vote in 1928.
Epsom Downs Leisure Activities
Equine pursuits aside, the beautiful Downs provide residents with a plethora of activities. The area is regularly enjoyed by picnickers, dog walkers, joggers, and cyclists, who revel in the unspoilt heath and woodlands. Locals also like to take to the skies, and the summer skies of the Epsom Downs are often full of kites and model planes, courtesy of the Epsom Downs Model Aircraft Club.
The Grandstand at the racecourse offers a programme of entertainment over a series of Summer Race Meetings. People attend the events in their droves and, in the past, have been able to enjoy concerts from the likes of Razorlight, Will Young, Franki Valli, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Epsom Downs Transport Links
Epsom Downs is bountifully served by two railway stations; Epsom Downs and Tattenham Corner. These are located inside Zone 6 of the London rail network, meaning commuters can benefit from reduced costs to Croydon, London Bridge, and Victoria. These stations are also at the start of the service, guaranteeing commuters a seat on the morning leg!
Road links are also strong for the area, just a stone’s throw away from the M25. Easy routes to two junctions allow for seamless access to both Heathrow and Gatwick airports, as well as the South Coast and the wider UK motorway network.