Town & Country: Epsom & Ewell

With racing pedigree and a spa day past, Epsom and its neighbouring Ewell have been attracting visitors for generations. While the racecourse still thrives and the area is rated by some as among the ‘happiest places to live in England’, there’s also been a focus on building its cultural offering in recent years

- James Knighton

Best-known as the home of the internationally-renowned Derby Festival at Epsom Downs Racecourse, which is attended by Her Majesty the Queen and thousands of horse racing fanatics every year, Epsom and Ewell was named as the 10th happiest borough to live in England by a Royal Mail index last year. A ranking that apparently took into account life expectancy, crime rates, carbon emissions, and personal wellbeing, among other factors, perhaps could have also included the many unique places to visit in the area as a reason to bring smiles to people’s faces.

While the world’s spotlight hits Epsom Downs racecourse for one special weekend every year (this year’s Derby race is on Saturday, June 6, for those who like to plan ahead), it hosts a packed racing calendar from April, music nights during the summer and much more.

It’s also a fantastic place to enjoy a stroll, as you can follow the track around its picturesque curves and stop in at a pub or two along the way – including The Rubbing House, which is found inside the track itself.

As well as The Queen, the area has many famous connections including housewives’ favorite Isabella Beeton, who spent part of her childhood living at Epsom Downs, before going on to write her seminal text, Mrs. Beeton’s Guide to Household Management, in 1861.

The Downs is a five-minute drive to the south of the town centre, which is surrounded by some gorgeous countryside. Epsom Common, a local nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, is another destination to explore and, if you can wangle an invite, the 350-acre Woodcote Park estate is home to the RAC’s prestigious country clubhouse.

Much may have changed since it was known as a spa town in the Georgian era (Epsom Salts were discovered in mineral-rich springs here back in the day), but there are still plenty of places to escape and find peace nowadays too.