Things to Do in Epsom This Weekend: A Local's Guide

# Things to Do in Epsom This Weekend: A Local's Guide

Whether you're a long-time resident or visiting Surrey for the first time, Epsom offers a brilliant mix of outdoor spaces, cultural venues, and welcoming spots to eat and drink. The beauty of this town is that you can easily spend a Saturday or Sunday outdoors for free, then enjoy a proper meal or pint afterwards. Here's how to make the most of your weekend in Epsom.

!Epsom Downs — open chalk grassland near the racecourse, Surrey
Photo: Peter Trimming / Geograph CC BY-SA 2.0

Walk Epsom Downs for Free Views and Fresh Air

Start your weekend with a visit to Epsom Downs, one of the town's greatest assets. This 800-acre chalk downland plateau is freely open 365 days a year, offering panoramic views across Surrey and beyond. On a clear day, you can see for miles—perfect for photographs and simply breathing in the fresh air.

The Downs are home to Epsom Racecourse, so even when no race is on, you'll often spot horses exercising on the gallops in the early morning. Walking here feels more like countryside than suburban Surrey, and there are well-maintained paths suitable for all fitness levels. Bring a packed lunch, find a spot on the grass, and enjoy a peaceful few hours. The Derby Arms pub sits conveniently near the racecourse entrance if you fancy a pint with your view.

Explore Nonsuch Park—Perfect for Families

If you're planning a family weekend, Nonsuch Park near Ewell deserves several hours of your time. This 200-hectare park is completely free to enter and beautifully maintained. It's built on the site of Henry VIII's palace (though little remains of the original structure), and today it's a haven for walkers, cyclists, and families.

The park has excellent playgrounds, open grassland for running about, and woodland trails. There's also a visitor centre and café if you need refreshments. The lake is lovely for watching waterfowl, and in spring the bluebells here are stunning. It's genuinely one of Surrey's best-kept secrets and costs nothing to enjoy.

Browse Epsom Market on Saturday Morning

For a taste of Epsom's community life, head to the Epsom Market on Saturday morning on the High Street. The outdoor market runs year-round, with stalls selling fresh produce, flowers, street food, and clothing. It's a proper market—friendly, bustling, and full of local traders. Grab a coffee, chat with the stallholders, and soak in the atmosphere.

For full details on traders and seasonal highlights, see our Epsom Market Guide. There's also a Wednesday market if Saturday doesn't suit, though Saturday is the larger of the two.

Take the Hogsmill River Walk

For a gentler, more contemplative weekend activity, follow the Hogsmill River Walk. This scenic route runs through Ewell and connects some beautiful green spaces. It's an easy, mostly flat walk ideal for all ages, and you'll pass through woodland and open parkland along the way. The river itself is peaceful, and you're likely to see birds and small wildlife.

The walk links conveniently with Bourne Hall in Ewell, a historic mansion set in lovely grounds with a small museum, café, and park facilities. It's a perfect half-day outing: walk the river, explore Bourne Hall's exhibits, have tea in the café, and relax on the grass.

Dine Out: Restaurants and Pubs

After a day outdoors, Epsom has plenty of good eating and drinking options. For Indian cuisine, Dastaan on Kingston Road holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand award—a genuine mark of quality at reasonable prices. Yaadein in Stoneleigh is another solid choice for Indian food. If you fancy something different, Everest Spice near the station offers Nepalese and Indian dishes, or try Beijing Palace or Mei House for Chinese.

For a relaxed pint and pub atmosphere, The Rifleman on East Street and The Jolly Coopers on Horton Lane are both welcoming locals' pubs. Spring Tavern and Marquis of Granby are also worth a visit if you're exploring the town centre.

Plan for the Season

Timing your weekend can make it even better:

- Spring: Ashtead Common's bluebells are exceptional—a short drive from Epsom town centre and absolutely free.
- Summer: If the racing season is on, visit Epsom Racecourse for a day out. The Epsom Derby itself (first Saturday in June) is world-famous, though book well in advance.
- Autumn: Woodland walks through Ashtead Common and Nonsuch Park are magical with autumn colours.
- Winter: Watch for Christmas markets and festive events in the town centre.

Practical Summary

Best free activities: Epsom Downs, Nonsuch Park, Bourne Hall grounds, Hogsmill River Walk.
Best for families: Nonsuch Park, Epsom Downs.
Best for food: Dastaan (Indian, Bib Gourmand), or any of the pubs for a casual meal.
Getting there: Two train stations (Epsom and Stoneleigh) connect you to London and Waterloo. Ample car parking in town centre.

For more ideas, see our comprehensive Things to Do in Epsom Guide.

Epsom rewards the visitor who takes time to wander—whether that's across the open Downs, through a historic park, or simply browsing the Saturday market. You'll find genuine warmth from local spots, plenty of fresh air, and no pressure to spend more than you want. That's the Epsom weekend at its best.