Epsom Downs Racecourse

Home to The Derby at Epsom Downs

Located in Surrey, England, Epsom Downs is home to the prestigious Epsom Derby and Coronation Cup. This Grade 1 racecourse is a staple venue within horse racing and showcases impressive thoroughbred racing year on year. Officially owned by The Jockey Club the racecourse has long enjoyed affiliations with the Royal Family and the Queen.

The first race held at Epsom Downs Racecourse was reportedly back in 1661. It didn’t take long for Epsom to become a well-established racecourse. By 1730 the course was hosting two races year on year which proved increasingly popular.

The public location of the racecourse meant that people could in fact, watch the race for free, which in previous years had made The Derby the most attended event of the sporting calendar.

Travel FAQs Epsom Downs Hospitality  Register Your Interest

Epsom Derby Hospitality Packages 2024

You can indulge in one of the most renowned racing events on the British sporting calendar. Enjoy the 245th running of the Epsom Derby, the season’s major tournament for the finest colts.

Official VIP hospitality packages for Epsom Derby in 2023 at Epsom Downs Racecourse

We are pleased to provide official VIP hospitality packages and tickets to the prestigious Epsom Derby in 2024. A true Classic in horse racing.

Our Epsom Down Racecourse hospitality provides you and your guests with a unique way of witnessing all the thrills and action from Epsom. Other facilities include the Tattenham Straight Marquee, Private Boxes and the Chez Roux @Blue Riband plus much more. Whatever your requirements are for race day we will ensure you enjoy a first class VIP experience like no other.

Discover More About Epsom Downs Racecourse

History of the racecourse

Epsom is a small market town located in Surrey, around 13 miles south of London. Best known for hosting The Derby, the town is now a major name within horse racing. The town also has their own Non-League football club named Epson & Ewell F.C.

Henry Wicker, a herdsman, located a water source northwest of the turnpike road connecting Epsom and Ashtead in 1618, and as a result, Epsom was formed. Although local physicians advised against drinking the water, it was later shown to have strong purgative properties, with one gallon having 480 grains of calcareous nitrate. In 1640, Epsom Sales went on sale for five shillings per ounce. The Earl of Clarendon convened a gathering of royalists on Banstead Downs eight years later, during the American Civil War, under the guise of horse competition.

This resulted in racing at Epsom regularly occurring, becoming a well-attended event. However, under the Commonwealth (1649-60), horseracing was banned, although the first recorded race occurred in March 1661 with Charles II in attendance. Early in 1730, race meetings at Epsom were held regularly in May and October, with cups and plates awarded to the local nobility as rewards.

While there are no details of the foundation of the Derby, the first running of the Debry Stakes occurred in May 1780, which opened to three-year0old colts and fillies at 50 guineas rach, running over a mile.

Epsom Racing

The highlight event at the racecourse is undoubtedly the Epsom Derby. It is regarded as Britain’s richest horseracing event and the most prestigious out all the classics ran during the traditional flat racing season. The race sees thoroughbred horses over the age of three compete over the 2,420 metres course in hopes of becoming the Epsom champion.

The Derby at Epsom Downs Festival begins on Friday 31st May 2024 with Epsom Ladies Day. This famous event combines the very best in fabulous fashion, style and riveting horse racing, giving guests a luxurious day out. What a day to enjoy with the ultimate The Derby at Epsom Downs Festival 2024 competition, with a prize worth over £1.5m to win!

Epsom Music Nights

Epsom Music Nights combine impressive racing with music to create the ideal setting for all to enjoy a day at the races.  The 00s Dance Anthems will host a brilliant party as we mark the end of the series in style and welcome an iconic dance DJ to play songs that everyone loves, keeping you dancing long after the racing finishes.

Partner Events

Horse racing is not the only event that can be enjoyed at Epsom. The racecourse also hosts major events and exhibitions in their indoor facilities. The indoor venue has hosted weddings, celebrations, exhibitions and many other events of the years. The beautiful scenery and stretching views of the London Skyline makes Epsom the perfect venue for events.

Local Area

Nonsuch Park

Nonsuch Park is home to various species of flowers, birds and insects. Be sure to visit Nonsuch Mansion, which was recently refurbished to be used for weddings and private parties.

Hobbledown

Hobbledown is a fantastic day out for the family. The play area is set on 50 acres with a fantastic wooden adventure play area, Fern’s castle, animals, a mining village, zorbing and a high rope to climb.

Jungle Island Adventure Golf

This adventurous course raises the bar for crazy golf. Play 18 holes of brand-new outdoor golf while having a blast.

Epsom Derby is one of the highlights of the sporting calendar and the most prestigious of all five Classic races run in England. The renowned two-day meeting showcases some of the finest horse racing action of the season, with high-class jumpers, trainers and jockeys all hoping to be victorious.

In 2022 we witnessed the 243rd annual Derby race, which took place at Epsom Downs Racecourse on Saturday 4th June. Favourite Desert Crown, ridden by Richard Kingscote, won the derby! It was a stunning performance as crowds were on their feet, applauding his brilliant style and grace as he won his biggest race.

Travelling to Epsom Downs Racecourse

Please use the Google map provided for further information.

How to get to Epsom Downs Racecourse by car?

From Epsom Town Centre, the B290 Epsom Downs Road is a short journey to the racecourse. Alternatively, take junction 9 of the M25 to reach the racecourse. AA signs will mark all significant routes during the racing season for your convenience.

How to get to Epsom Downs Racecourse by train?

Both South West Trains and Southern Trains offer convenient service to Epsom Station. There are excellent connections to these stations from London Waterloo and London Victoria. From the station, we advise taking a 10-minute taxi or bus trip to the event. Getting from Epsom Down Station to the racetrack takes around a mile. Guests can take a shuttle bus from Epsom station during the Derby Festival.

During the Derby Festival, a shuttle bus will be available for guests from Epsom station.

How to get to Epsom Downs Racecourse by bus?

Metrobus runs a 460, 480 and 406F service from Epsom Town Centre to Takkenham Corner Station. Guests should reach the racecourse in 3 stops.

Epsom Downs Racecourse FAQs

Epsom Downs Racecourse operates a cashless service, including concessions. However, guests may bring cash when placing bets on all on-course bookmakers. Please note there are no cash machines at the racecourse.

Epsom Downs racecourse operates a no dress code policy; however, guests can wear smart jackets and trousers with collared shirts.

Epsom Downs Racecourse offers accessible parking, toilets, viewing platforms by the rails, ramps and lifts.

Guests may take photos in the public enclosures providing that they are not used for commercial use.


Interested in our Epsom Downs Racecourse hospitality packages for 2024?

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