Epsom is a stunning Surrey market town that has lured in visitors and those looking to settle down for years. Its proximity to London makes it an ideal place for commuters looking to base themselves outside of the fast-paced city, and its traditional town atmosphere gives residents a feel of serenity and safety.

Epsom has lots to offer so let’s take a look at why Epsom could be your new base.

What is Epsom famous for?

Perhaps the first thing that springs to mind is the racecourse! Famed for the Epsom Derby, thousands of racing fans and those looking for an exciting day out flock to the course alongside royalty to witness the best runners and riders tackle one of the most famous races in the world.

It would be remiss to think Epsom is only famous for one thing though! Epsom, or Ebbesham as it was first referred to back in the 13^th Century has a rich and fabled history that is still very much evident today.

The Assembly Rooms

The Assembly Rooms in Epsom were built over 400 years ago, in 1692, and were the focal point of all things social and business-related in the town. If you wanted something done in Epsom, there is every chance you went to the Assembly Rooms to get it done. Stop for a drink with friends in the tavern, hold a meeting with colleagues, play some billiards or simply have a party, the Assembly Rooms saw it all, and today the building is still standing! Having undergone several alterations where it changed from a social hub to housing and retail, to financial services, it now sits as a JD Wetherspoons, where after a name change in the Victorian Era when it was named Waterloo House, it returned to being “The Assembly Halls.”

Epsom Clock Tower

Perhaps just as famous is the Epsom Clock Tower. First documented in the late 17^th century, an original date of origin is hard to find, although after the Epsom watch house was demolished, the clock tower we see today was built in 1847 to pay homage to the original. Serving as an iconic focal point of the town, it’s a celebration of the times gone by as well as those still to come. For a detailed look back at its history, a fantastic article has been produced by the Epsom and Ewell Explorer.

Epsom salts

A spa day is always a wonderful way to feel rested and relaxed but who knew that Epsom would have been your go-to destination for the ultimate in spa therapy? Stories tell us that water was discovered in Epsom that held high quantities of magnesium sulphates in the early 1600s, and an enterprising John Livingstone took advantage. Suddenly Epsom became a hub for those looking to enjoy the water’s purifying, relaxing and therapeutic properties. Known as a spa town, it drew crowds from near and far including royalty and other celebrities of the time. It enjoyed this status for many years until chemists, among others discovered ways to replicate the Epsom Salts. Today though, the spas are no more, however, you can still buy Epsom salts from a host of businesses.

Property prices in Epsom

Property prices in Epsom are considerably higher than the England average with an average house price of £493,269 eclipsing the £298,000 average seen nationwide. It would appear prices are falling though. When compared to the previous year, the average property in Epsom and Ewell was 10.2% higher at £549,507.

Current data shows that as of April 2024, when the last House Price Index (HPI) report was issued by the ONS, houses were, on average, priced as follows:

• Detached £864,552
• Semi-detached £582,030
• Terraced £425,091
• Flat/maisonette £297,059

Between Jan and March 2024, house prices in Epsom tumbled to their lowest in quite some time. Whether this trend continues will depend much on how interest rates will change over the coming months.

If you are a first-time buyer, you may be encouraged that the average price paid by a first-time buyer is significantly lower than homes being purchased by existing owners. The average price for a first-time buyer is currently sitting at just under £375,000.

Schools in Epsom

Schools in Epsom provide children living there with excellent educational opportunities. Ofsted ratings of “outstanding” and “good” are common in each educational sector.

In the primary school sector, St Joseph’s Catholic, Wallace Fields Infant, Stamford Green and Danetree Primary all hold the “outstanding” rating, whilst a further 13 primary schools including Ewell Grove, Wallace Fields Junior, Southfield Park and Riverview CofE all received the good accolade.

Secondary schools in the area also perform well with both Glyn and Roseberry earning the “outstanding” grade. If you venture a little further out and still manage to reach the catchment areas, you could benefit from a further 10 secondary schools rated the same way. Back in Epsom itself, two further secondary schools, The Blenheim High and Epsom & Ewell High hold the “good“ Ofsted rating.

Pre-school care is also in abundance with a host of nurseries available to choose from.

Travel to and from Epsom

Epsom is located in the perfect position for those needing to reach London or further afield in Surrey. Epsom train station takes you to Waterloo in just 35mins and if you need elsewhere in the capital, journeys to Victoria and London Bridge are both accessible if you change at Hackbridge or Sutton, respectively. If train travel isn’t necessary, the easy access to the M25 that Epsom provides means you can venture to almost anywhere in the southeast easily.

Getting around Epsom is also made easy, with a host of buses able to take you to and from the town centre. You can currently hop on or off the 166, 293, 318, 406, 408, E5, E9 and plenty more.

Things to do in Epsom

Epsom provides you with plenty to do regardless of age or interests. With restaurants, a bustling shopping centre, frequent markets, lots of open spaces and stacks of leisure facilities, it will be hard not to find something to do when living in Epsom!

Green spaces in Epsom

Whether it be indulging in some fast-paced sporting activity, relaxing under the shade of a tree or enjoying what nature has to offer on a peaceful walk, Epsom has it all.

Roseberry Park offers 12 acres of space for all ages to enjoy. With a playground for the young ones and green spaces for all, Roseberry Park gives you ample opportunity for a rest stop after a busy school or work day. A large duck pond complements the park alongside a variety of trees, plants and colourful flowers. Given QE2 status in 2012 the park is protected for future generations, ensuring whenever you move to Epsom, you’ll still be able to benefit from it.

Access Roseberry Part at Ashley Road, South Street, Avenue Road or Ladbroke Road.

Court Recreation Ground gives Epsom residents the perfect opportunity to enjoy a range of sports and fitness activities as well as the lush greenery. With three football pitches available Oct-Mar, a year-round astroturf and three tennis courts, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to get the heart rate rising. Factor in the outdoor gym too and you’ll be able to spend all your exercise time in the park! With a playground too, kids can get just as active as the adults if they wish!

Rich in trees, plants, flowers and wildlife, the 16.5-acre park has a historic tilt to it thanks to the woodland that has been in place since 1842 at least.  This provides a wonderful home for a variety of birds and other wildlife so keep an eye out for them!

Enter the grounds through Pound Lane or Court Land off West Hill.

Mounthill Gardens offers a great opportunity for romantic walks or just the chance to escape from noisier areas. The park is simplistic as it offers no playground or sporting facilities but sometimes, this is exactly what you are after. A space to let the world pass you by without distraction!

Gain access via South Street and Rosebank.

Shopping, eating and drinking in Epsom

Epsom offers an abundance of shopping, eating and drinking opportunities. The Ashley Centre caters for all with a host of big names and independents vying for your custom. You can indulge in a spot of retail therapy with brands such as Pandora, Deichmann, Sports Direct and Next among many others before you decide whether a Costa, a Muffin Break or a Pret is the ideal rest stop.

Away from the shopping centre, a wealth of restaurants is available to suit all tastes. El Rincon scores 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor and is praised for its friendly welcome as well as its high-quality European and Latin American meal options.

If Indian food tickles the tastebuds, then Dastaan on Kingston Road may be your preferred choice. Also hitting 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor, this restaurant has been praised for its attentive staff and the fact it dives a little deeper into Indian cuisine than many other similar restaurants do.

We could list Epsom restaurants that are worth trying for pages and pages, but we’ve got other topics to cover! Just be aware that whether it be a gastropub, Italian, Turkish or Asian, you’ll find it in Epsom!

Leisure facilities and things to do with kids in Epsom

Aside from the abundant green space that provides you with a host of sporting and fitness opportunities, Epsom also offers a wide range of attractions designed to let you relax and enjoy the day with or without the kids.

Epsom Playhouse allows you to enjoy live music, theatre shows, comedy acts and more. Check out the latest listings and see what takes your fancy.

If you prefer your action on the big screen, an Odeon Cinema brings you all the latest blockbusters whilst a museum and art gallery can slow the pace a little if you prefer a spot of culture to soak up the afternoon.

Three 18-hole golf courses are also within the area, as is a David Lloyd centre to keep you active. The Rainbow Centre provides a great leisure centre that suits all ages. With a huge array of sports activities to enjoy as well as a play park for the under-10s, everyone can let off some steam at The Rainbow!

It’s also worth remembering Chessington World of Adventures is only a short distance away…..

If you are looking for houses for sale in Epsom, speak to the team at Cairds. We can help you find your idyllic Epsom home. Our experienced team of estate agents are on hand to help you secure the perfect property in Epsom for you.  Should you be looking to sell your home in Epsom to move to another part of the town, or further afield, our team can help there too. We can have your property listed and put in front of a huge audience as soon as you are ready to sell. If buying isn’t yet on the cards, you can also enquire about renting in Epsom, our experience in the Epsom rental market is unmatched and our knowledgeable team will gladly help you find the perfect short or long-term tenancy property.