Living in Epsom

The community spirit in Epsom is underpinned by its established neighbourhoods, active voluntary groups, and regular local events. Life in Epsom often centres around traditional markets – the weekly Epsom Market and the monthly farmers’ market draw shoppers and traders from across Surrey. Community centres such as Epsom Methodist Church Centre and The Ebbisham Centre host clubs, activities, and support groups for all ages.

Outdoor spaces figure prominently in local life, with Epsom Common, Epsom Downs, and Horton Country Park offering miles of walking, cycling, and riding routes. Sports and recreation are well supported, with local cricket, football and tennis clubs alongside a modern leisure centre and swimming pool.

Annual highlights include the Epsom Derby Festival, local summer fairs, and charity events. The sociable yet peaceful feel of Epsom appeals to those seeking a sense of belonging, whether through cultural pursuits, volunteering, or regular community get-togethers.

Epsom is generally perceived as a safe place to live, ranking favourably compared to both urban and some neighbouring suburban locations in Surrey. The town centre and surrounding residential neighbourhoods benefit from a visible police presence and active community safety partnerships aimed at crime prevention and local engagement. Most of the area’s issues relate to minor anti-social behaviour, particularly in busier nightlife zones, rather than serious crime.

Safer neighbourhood teams operate out of the local police station, and initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch and community forums help foster stronger relationships between residents and law enforcement. Recent years have seen targeted regeneration of certain areas, enhancing public spaces and improving street lighting. While crime rates in Epsom are relatively low, as with all urban areas, care should be taken in late-night environments in the town centre.

Parking in Epsom is generally manageable, with several town centre car parks and on-street parking spaces available for shoppers and visitors. Many residential zones operate permit schemes to ensure spaces for locals, particularly near the railway station and busy shopping streets. Congestion can increase at peak commuting times and around large events such as the Epsom Derby, but outside of these periods, road conditions are comfortable for drivers.

Key arterial routes near Epsom include the A24, which runs through the town and offers a direct route to central London and Dorking, and the M25 motorway which circles nearby and enables travel across the South East region. The A3 is another major access road connecting Epsom with Surrey towns and southwest London suburbs. Road surfaces are well maintained and signposted.

Nearby towns and approximate travel times:

• Leatherhead – approx. 10 minutes via A24 (4 miles)
• Guildford – approx. 35 minutes via A3 (23 miles)
• Croydon – approx. 30 minutes via A232 (14 miles)
• Kingston upon Thames – approx. 20 minutes via A240 (8 miles)
• London – approx. 50 minutes via A24/A3 (16 miles)

Epsom presents a rich variety of dining and social options, catering to a diverse community. The high street is home to numerous cafés, restaurants, and traditional pubs such as The Marquis of Granby and The Assembly Rooms, both popular with locals and visitors. Food offerings encompass a broad spectrum from independent bistros to well-known chains, encompassing Italian, Indian, Thai, and British cuisine.

The town’s restaurants are complemented by a lively café culture, with many venues suitable for brunch, afternoon teas, and casual dining. For nightlife, Epsom offers a modest range of late-night bars and pubs, but it is not widely regarded as a nightclub destination. The nearby Epsom Playhouse Theatre hosts a variety of performances, from musicals to comedy and concerts, providing evening entertainment beyond food and drink. Takeaways and delivery services are readily available, serving everything from pizza to curry.

Overall, the town’s social scene is relaxed and friendly, well-suited to both families and professionals, with options from quick lunches to leisurely evening meals.

School quality
The provision of schools in Epsom is a significant attraction for families, with multiple highly-rated primary and secondary options. Ofsted 'Outstanding' schools and a range of independent offerings cater to differing educational priorities.

Parks and green space
Families benefit from extensive access to outdoor environments, including Epsom Common, nearby Horton Country Park and family-friendly playgrounds in most neighbourhoods. These spaces provide a venue for sports, picnics, and children’s activities year-round.

Childcare
There are numerous nurseries, pre-schools, and registered childminders within Epsom, supporting both working and stay-at-home parents. Many primary schools also provide breakfast and after-school clubs.

Safety
Perceived as a safe town for families, Epsom’s community policing and regular neighbourhood events foster an inclusive atmosphere. Children and teenagers benefit from youth clubs and dedicated community resources.

Family activities
Families can access a strong leisure offering, including Epsom Playhouse theatre, leisure centre swimming, soft play facilities, themed park events and nearby interactive farms. The town’s calendar is regularly filled with holiday clubs and sporting camps.

Epsom ranks as a particularly pet-friendly town, benefiting from proximity to Epsom Downs, Epsom Common and Horton Country Park, all offering extensive dog-walking paths, woodlands, and fields. Many local parks have designated dog-walking zones, and there’s a network of footpaths and bridleways linking green spaces around the area.

A number of veterinary practices and pet shops can be found in and around Epsom’s town centre and suburbs. A selection of cafés and pubs, especially those with outdoor terraces, welcome dogs. Pet-sitting and dog-walking services are widely available, and many landlords are open to pets, reflecting modern housing trends. Local pet-related social media groups and events regularly bring dog owners together for group walks and charity fundraisers.

Epsom enjoys excellent transport links with both London and the wider Surrey region. The town’s main railway station, Epsom Station, offers frequent direct services to Victoria, Waterloo, and London Bridge, with journey times typically ranging between 35 and 45 minutes. Connections to Sutton, Guildford, and Dorking are also easily accessible, making Epsom a practical location for commuters.

Local bus services provide regular routes to nearby towns such as Kingston upon Thames, Croydon, and Leatherhead. The M25 motorway is located just a short drive from the town centre, offering convenient access to London airports and the South East. London Heathrow Airport is around 35 minutes by car, while Gatwick Airport is about 40 minutes away.

Commute times from Epsom:

• London Victoria – approx. 40 minutes by train
• London Waterloo – approx. 40 minutes by train
• Guildford – approx. 40 minutes by train/car
• Kingston upon Thames – approx. 25 minutes by bus/car
• Sutton – approx. 15 minutes by train

The proximity of main roads such as the A24 and A3 enhances accessibility to both urban and rural destinations. Cycle routes and well-maintained footpaths within and around Epsom encourage active commuting for those working or studying locally.

Primary Schools in Epsom

Epsom is recognised for the quality and diversity of its primary education options. Stamford Green Primary School is rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted (last inspected November 2016) and is highly sought after by local families. Southfield Park Primary School also holds an 'Outstanding' rating (Ofsted, September 2017) and is known for its inclusive approach and modern facilities. Wallace Fields Infant School and Wallace Fields Junior School, both rated 'Good' (Ofsted, February 2020 and March 2019 respectively) form a popular educational pathway in the area.

Secondary Schools in Epsom

Rosebery School, an all-girls secondary, is consistently rated among the top-performing schools in Surrey and currently possesses an 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating (November 2017). Glyn School, which converted to academy status, is another highly regarded secondary, noted for strong exam results and a 'Good' Ofsted (February 2020). Blenheim High School provides a coeducational option and is praised for its broad curriculum and 'Good' Ofsted report (October 2018).

Independent Schools and Colleges

Epsom College, an independent day and boarding school, is nationally respected for its academic and sporting achievements, offering secondary and sixth form education on an expansive campus. City of London Freemen’s School, located in nearby Ashtead, attracts students seeking a private education with a strong tradition in the arts and sciences. Epsom and Ewell High School combines secondary and sixth form provision for local residents. NESCOT (North East Surrey College of Technology) delivers a wide range of vocational and further education options in the area, serving both school leavers and adult learners.

Universities

The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) has a campus in Epsom specialising in art, design, fashion, and media courses. This presence brings a creative energy to the town and enriches the local arts scene. Other nearby universities such as the University of Surrey in Guildford are easily reached by public transport.