Living in Epsom, Surrey
Have you considered Living in Epsom? This vibrant town surrounded by beautiful countryside will not disappoint.
Epsom in Surrey is a lovely, traditional English town. Nestled between the hustle and bustle of London and the county’s rolling hills, Epsom is the perfect mix of urban and rural living.
It is renowned for the Epsom Downs Racecourse, which is owned by the Jockey Club. This Grade 1 course is popular for its summer evening race meetings and, for many years, Queen Elizabeth II attended the Derby here.
Also famous for Epsom’s Salts (minerals that were found in the spring at Epsom Common), the town has a long history, with the earliest evidence of human activity being from the mid-Bronze Age.
Epsom has a vibrant high street with independent shops, cafes, and eateries, plus lots of beautiful green spaces.
Convenient train links to London make living in Epsom ideal for connectivity, plus the choice of homes available and the excellent schools make the town an attractive place to live for both professionals and families.
In this article, we explore both the lifestyle benefits and practicalities of living in Epsom, one of the best places to live in Surrey and the UK overall.
What types of property are in Epsom, Surrey?
In Epsom, you’ll find a diverse range of period properties, spanning Georgian homes (from when Epsom was a popular spa town), Victorian, and Edwardian styles on leafy streets, gated roads with exclusive homes, as well as contemporary residences and stylish apartments in the town centre.
These properties vary from expansive detached homes offering spacious living accommodation and private outdoor spaces (making them ideal for families or those seeking more privacy) to quaint Victorian cottages – great for downsizers and smaller households.
The Burgh Heath Road Conservation Area, situated to the south east of the town centre, and the Ewell Downs Road/Higher Green Conservation Area, are notable for their substantial 1920s residences constructed by the renowned local builder, Ernest Harwood. Over time, many of these properties have been thoughtfully extended and upgraded.
Luxurious detached family homes and elegant semi-detached houses can be found at The Ridge, near the prestigious Woodcote Park – Royal Automobile Club.
Schools in Epsom
Epsom has excellent educational establishments including several reputable state and independent schools. For those seeking further education, there are lots of opportunities including both the prestigious Kingston University and the University of Surrey. Plus, the University of Creative Arts has a campus in Epsom.
Primary schools in and around Epsom
- Danetree Primary School;
- Epsom Primary School and Nursery;
- Shawley Community Primary Academy;
Secondary and sixth form schools in and around Epsom
- Rosebery School – an all-girls school for pupils aged between 11 and 18, and with an academy status;
- Epsom & Ewell High School – a co-educational secondary school with academy status for pupils aged 11–18;
- Glyn School is a boys’ comprehensive secondary school – with a co-educational sixth form;
Independent schools near Epsom
- Epsom College – a day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 11-18;
- Ewell Castle School – a co-educational, Church of England school for pupils aged 3 -18;
- Kingswood House School – a co-educational school for students aged 11-16.
Leisure and green spaces in Epsom
Those Living in Epsom are blessed with plentiful green spaces, parks, and attractions that offer residents opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and leisure activities. The area also has plenty of cycle paths, too. Some notable attractions in and around Epsom include:
Woodcote Park – Royal Automobile Club
Nestled in 350 acres of stunning countryside, Woodcote Park has a pair of 18-hole downland golf courses, complemented by facilities for squash and tennis, a state-of-the-art gym, an expansive indoor swimming pool, treatment rooms, restaurants, and bars.
The Walled Garden is designed to cater to families, offering an indoor pool specifically for children, a soft play area, and numerous playgrounds tailored to entertain children across different age groups.
Woodcote Park is also distinguished by its Motor House, a treasure trove that showcases the Club’s heritage fleet, serving as a vibrant venue for a variety of events, including screenings of the Grand Prix.
Nonsuch Park
Nonsuch Park is a historic and picturesque green space renowned for its beauty and cultural significance. The 250-acre park’s name derives from Henry VIII’s grand palace, Nonsuch Palace, which once stood within its grounds. Although the palace no longer exists, the park retains remnants of its illustrious past, including the ornamental gardens and avenues.
Nonsuch Park has vast expanses of lush greenery, woodlands, and open fields, providing visitors with stunning views and tranquil surroundings. The park’s diverse landscape offers opportunities for leisurely walks, picnics, and nature appreciation.
The park hosts a variety of cultural and recreational events throughout the year, including outdoor concerts, historical re-enactments, and family-friendly activities.
Refreshments can be enjoyed at the Tea Room in the 18th-century Georgian Mansion House.
Dogs are welcome, but the area also has fenced-off dog-free areas that children can use.
Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve
Popular with walkers, cyclists and horse riders, Epsom Common is a 438-acre Local Nature Reserve (the largest in Surrey).
It encompasses a wide range of habitats, including woodland, heathland, and grassland areas.
These habitats support a variety of plant and animal species, contributing to the biodiversity of the reserve.
Visitors can explore designated walking trails, observe wildlife in their natural habitats, and enjoy the beautiful scenery and tranquil surroundings of the reserve.
Horton Country Park
Horton Country Park (376 acres) features a rustic scenery comprising fields (you may spot horses grazing on them), hedgerows, ancient woods, and ponds, offering rich wildlife and beautiful views.
Designated as a Local Nature Reserve in 2004, it provides a haven for people to enjoy. Well-maintained paths and tracks enable easy exploration of this captivating landscape year-round.
The Reserve is popular with dog walkers, joggers, cyclists, and for family days out.
A section of the area is dedicated to Hobbledown Children’s Farm, featuring adventure playgrounds inspired by folklore themes. The farm also houses a small zoo showcasing domestic farm animals and exotic species including meerkats, emus, and Bactrian camels.
Epsom, Surrey transport links
Epsom is an excellent place to live for commuters. It has its own train station with London Waterloo and London Victoria typically under 45 minutes’ away by rail. Epsom is also part of the Oyster card system.
The M25 and M23 motorways are nearby, with Central London just over an hour by car. Both Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport – flying to regional and international destinations – are typically less than an hour away by road.
Places to eat, drink, and shop in Epsom
Epsom has an eclectic mix of places to eat and drink, with cuisine ranging from cosy pubs serving traditional pub grub to delicious Turkish and Thai cuisine. There are plenty of independent restaurants, cute cafes, and tea rooms where you can stop for a quick bite or a long, languishing meal.
Shopping-wise the Ashley Centre – in the heart of Epsom – has over 50 high street and independent shops covering fashion, cards, mobile phones, jewellery, and food.
The twice-weekly Market in Epsom Market Square next to Epsom’s iconic clock tower features fresh, locally sourced products, including seasonal fruits and vegetables, freshly baked bread and pastries, a butcher’s selection, fashion items, and much more.
There is also a Farmer’s Market on the first Sunday of every month as well as a regular Artisan Market.
Why consider living in Epsom?
Living in Epsom, you can enjoy its rich history, great community, and vibrant high street. With ample green spaces abound, Epsom is ideal for anyone seeking the great outdoors.
With a diverse range of housing options from period properties to contemporary homes, there’s bound to be a property to suit your requirements.
Epsom’s educational landscape includes reputable schools and prestigious universities. Commuters can benefit from excellent transport links, and there are plenty of dining and shopping options.
If you would like to further explore the benefits of living in Epsom, Surrey, then please contact us today to see how Garrington Property Finders can help you get your dream home.
