cafe
Rykas Cafe
Iconic biker and cyclist cafe at the foot of Box Hill in Surrey, a must-stop gathering point on one of England's most famous riding roads.
9 km · about 15 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomEngland
Epsom
England, United Kingdom · Europe
About Epsom
Epsom works well as a base: 10 minutes from Chessington, 9km from Box Hill.
Epsom is in England, United Kingdom, with about 31,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Chessington, about 4 km away.
Epsom is a town in the borough of Epsom and Ewell in Surrey, England, about 14 miles (22 kilometres) south of central London. The town is first recorded as Ebesham in the 10th century and its name probably derives from that of a Saxon landowner. The earliest evidence of human activity is from the mid-Bronze Age, butRead more
the modern settlement probably grew up in the area surrounding St Martin's Church in the 6th or 7th centuries and the street pattern is thought to have become established in the Middle Ages. Today the High Street is dominated by the clock tower, which was erected in 1847–8.
Like other nearby settlements, Epsom is located on the spring line where the permeable chalk of the North Downs meets the impermeable London Clay. Several tributaries of the Hogsmill River rise in the town and in the 17th and early 18th centuries, the spring on Epsom Common was believed to have healing qualities. The mineral waters were found to be rich in Epsom salts, which were later identified as magnesium sulphate. Charles II was among those who regularly took the waters and several prominent writers, including John Aubrey, Samuel Pepys and Celia Fiennes recorded their visits. The popularity of the spa declined rapidly in the 1720s as a result of competition from other towns, including Bath and Tunbridge Wells.
Organised horse racing on Epsom Downs is believed to have taken place since the early 17th century. The popularity of Epsom grew as The Oaks and The Derby were established in 1779 and 1780 respectively. The first grandstand at the racecourse was constructed in 1829 and more than 127,000 people attended Derby Day in 1843. During the 1913 Derby the suffragette Emily Davison sustained fatal injuries after being hit by King George V's horse.
The opening of the first railway station in Epsom in 1847, coupled with the breakup of the Epsom Court estate, stimulated the development of the town. Today Epsom station is an important railway junction, where lines to London Victoria and London Waterloo diverge. Since 1946, the town has been surrounded on three sides by the Metropolitan Green Belt, which severely limits the potential for expansion. Two local nature reserves, Epsom Common and Horton Country Park, are to the west of the centre and Epsom Downs, to the south, is a Site of Nature Conservation Importance.
Where to Stay in Epsom
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Epsom?
Within an hour or so of Epsom: Rykas Cafe (9 km), David's Cafe at Box Hill (9 km), Box Hill (9 km), Box Hill National Trust Cafe (10 km).
Are there any good drives near Epsom?
The nearest famous roads are Crystal Palace Circuit, Goodwood Festival of Speed and Rhinefield Ornamental Drive.
Where is Epsom?
Epsom is in England, United Kingdom, about 4 km from Chessington.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 31,489
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- England
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 51.3305, -0.2701
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Epsom
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
cafe
David's Cafe at Box Hill
A popular roadside cafe at the base of the Box Hill zig-zag road, serving as the unofficial meeting point for the Surrey biker community.
9 km · about 20 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Box Hill
A steep chalk escarpment above the Mole valley, the Zig Zag Road on its flank made famous by the 2012 Olympic road race.
9 km · about 20 min drive
cafe
Box Hill National Trust Cafe
The hilltop cafe at the summit of Box Hill offering sweeping views across the Surrey Hills, a classic destination for drivers and cyclists alike.
10 km · about 20 min drive
museum
Brooklands Museum
The birthplace of British motorsport and aviation, featuring the world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit from 1907.
14 km · about 25 min drive
racetrack
Brooklands
The world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit, opened 1907, where surviving sections of the towering concrete Members' Banking rear up out of the Surrey woodland. The museum holds racing cars and aircraft on the original site.
14 km · about 25 min drive
historic highway
Crystal Palace Circuit
A parkland racing circuit in south London that ran until 1972 and still hosts occasional sprint events. Sections of the old track survive as park roads and footpaths, complete with original kerbing among the Victorian terraces.
17 km · about 20 min drive
landmark
Thorpe Park
Thrill-focused theme park near London catering to older children and adults with intense roller coasters.
19 km · about 20 min drive
Driving roads near Epsom
4 named roads, passes and coastal drives within 150km.
- Right hereBox HillA steep chalk escarpment above the Mole valley, the Zig Zag Road on its flank made famous by the 2012 Olympic road race.
- 17 kmCrystal Palace CircuitA parkland racing circuit in south London that ran until 1972 and still hosts occasional sprint events. Sections of the old track survive as park roads and footpaths, complete with original kerbing among the Victorian terraces.
- 19 kmLeith HillThe highest point in south-east England at 294 m, its 18th-century tower taking visitors just above the 1,000-foot mark.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
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