Car Hire Epsom

Located in Surrey, it’s within easy driving reach of south-west London, with convenient access via the A24 and A240. The area sees mild weather throughout the year but spring and early autumn tend to bring the clearest skies and most comfortable temperatures for outdoor exploration. A light waterproof and good walking shoes are wise choices to pack for exploration of this town with 31,000 residents.

Best known for the iconic Epsom Downs Racecourse and the Derby, the town also reveals gentler charms—from woodlands and open parks to curious little museums. There’s a quiet pace here, which makes it easy to settle into the day without rushing from one stop to the next.

Attractions In Epsom

Wandering around Epsom brings all sorts of surprises. Some corners feel like countryside escapes, while others offer more urban character, with street-level cafés and tucked-away museums.

Hobbledown Adventure Farm Park And Zoo

Set along Horton Lane, this family favourite blends imaginative play with animal encounters. We loved how immersive the experience was—it’s part petting zoo, part fantasy village. The animals were a hit but the play structures and themed areas kept the energy going all day. It’s open from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm most days and well worth a stop for families making a trip from Sutton.

Epsom Common

This large green space offers trails that are surprisingly peaceful. We followed a winding path near Richmond Crescent and stumbled upon grazing animals and quiet ponds. It’s one of those places you could get lost in for hours—in a good way. The common is open 24 hours, making it a popular spot for early walkers and late-evening wanderers alike. We heard it’s a go-to for residents of Cheam looking for nature close to home.

Horton Country Park

Just down the road from Hobbledown, Horton Country Park adds another layer of nature-based adventure. We saw a few familiar faces from the zoo along the park boundary, which was a pleasant surprise. It’s open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and there’s a network of trails perfect for a relaxed amble or a full day out. We planned a morning walk here before continuing our journey towards Leatherhead later in the afternoon.

Rosebery Park

Right off Ashley Road, Rosebery Park is compact but well-kept. The children’s play area had plenty to offer and we saw lots of locals making the most of it even on a weekday. It’s open 24 hours and we found it a great place to recharge between visits to nearby attractions. It’s also an easy detour for those heading to the town from Banstead.

Langley Vale Centenary Wood

This woodland memorial site felt both peaceful and purposeful. We took the Headley Road entrance and followed signs to a sculpture-filled play area—perfect if you’re travelling with kids. The views are expansive and the trails well marked. Open from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, it’s ideal for daytime visits, especially in autumn when the leaves turn golden.

Alexandra Recreation Ground

Tucked behind Bridge Road, this park was a pleasant find. It’s quieter than Rosebery, with open fields and tidy paths that were ideal for a morning walk. Open all day and night, it’s one of those places you can swing by on the way to something else or just linger a little longer than planned. We visited here after a stopover in Tadworth and it offered the perfect wind-down.

Bourne Hall Museum

Set within a round, almost space-age building in Ewell, this small museum surprised us. The exhibitions are compact but thoughtful, touching on the area’s history in creative ways. We particularly enjoyed the brass rubbing station. Open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, it makes for a clever stop—a nice surprise en route to Ewell village centre.

Epsom Well

Tucked off Well Way, Epsom Well offers a glimpse into the town’s spa-town history. There’s not much signage but it’s a charming stop nonetheless. We didn’t get into the shop but still found the visit enjoyable. Open 24 hours and well suited to a short detour. While nearby in Chessington, we decided to take a short drive over and have a look.

The Cockney Museum

Hidden behind a row of shops in Stoneleigh, this museum leans into nostalgia and cultural memorabilia. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm, we found it warm, quirky and packed with detail. Definitely not your typical museum—and that’s what we liked about it. It’s often recommended by folks based in Ashtead who want something off the beaten path.

The Millennium Stones

We wandered over to this set of standing stones at Gatton Park on a whim and were glad we did. The countryside walk that surrounds them is a bonus. The stones are open to visitors all day, every day and while they’re simple in design, they create a strong impression—especially on a misty morning.

Tying Together A Calm And Complete Epsom Visit

Epsom offers a laid-back yet surprisingly rich experience for those who prefer to explore at their own pace. You’ll find cafés along the High Street, countryside pubs tucked away near the commons and a pleasant mix of independent shops and familiar names. Places to stay are dotted throughout the town—from warm guesthouses to clean, modern hotels.