The Clooper Guide To Epsom
Epsom is a stunning market town chock full of amenities and family fun to be had.
Surrey is a place known to be full of quaint, leafy villages. Fuller still of affordable housing and property! If you’re looking to stay in a place full of natural beauty and community spirit, look no further than Epsom.
PROPERTIES AND PRICES
TO BUY: Property prices in Epsom are known to be very reasonable. You could find yourself with a flat for just under £80,000, with more luxurious apartments available to buy from as little as £340,000. This still may seem expensive; in comparison to London prices, however, it’s a bargain.
TO RENT: Renting is likely to cost you upwards of £700 per month for an average flat. You’re also looking at prices around the £500 mark for a house-share, or a studio flat.
TO STAY: Typically, luxury serviced apartments in Epsom and the surrounding area of Surrey start at around £90 per night. You can browse through some of our available properties here.
GREEN SPACES
Epsom itself is a rural village. Trees line the streets, flower bushes are found in almost every garden, and green spaces stretch out around the stone paths of the town centre. There are buses that can take you even further afield also. Essentially, living or staying here, you’re always in a green space. Or at least, you can always see some!
Epsom & Walton Downs is probably the most famous stretch of greenery. There are 600 acres to explore. However, these are taken up by a famous racecourse. Before noon, racehorses are often being trained, so the conservators gently ask locals to visit after midday. This is to keep everything running smoothly and safely. Due to the nature of the Downs, BBQs and the like are discouraged. It’s also recommended to keep litter-free from the Downs. One thing about Epsom is that the community cares immensely for it; the town, and its environment.
The eponymous Epsom Common is another fantastic reserve. This one is 177 hectares and is owned and managed by the council. This nature reserve is even a site of scientific interest! This park is especially important for research and for preserving the environment, as it is a breeding site for birds. Epsom Common is incredibly large and beautiful, just make sure you wear long trousers if you’re going to be wading through the shrubbery. Just so the creepy crawlies don’t come home with you and ruin your fun.
Rosebery Park is more what we may think of when we think ‘park.’ A lovely, quaint pond, some nice stretches to wander, space to sit and chat and picnic with pals. There’s also a children’s playground. Another nearby child-oriented park is Horton Country Park, which has its own farm, golf club, and riding school.
THINGS TO DO
Epsom isn’t just a popular destination in terms of affordable property and luscious greenery. There are a surprising amount of things to do. The town centre even has various pubs and clubs and a reasonably active nightclub scene. If, of course, you get tired of the roaming hills and petting zoos.
- An Odean can be found in Epsom town centre, and is one of the most popular places to catch the latest movie.
- Epsom Playhouse is the main theatre in Epsom and Ewell, making it the star theatre of the entire borough.
- Chessington Garden Centre is beautiful, well-stocked and even has its own cafe. Here you can find oodles of products, and even advice, for outdoor living and gardening.
- The Station is a Greeneking pub that has stolen the hearts of locals with its stunning beer garden, pool table, live sports and tantalizing burger menu.
- Piggies in the nearby Cheam is another popular local choice. Piggies, as well as having an adorable name, serves speciality sandwiches and coffee. It’s been serving quality homemade food since the early 1990s. Surely they must be getting something right to still be so popular!
AMENITIES
Epsom benefits from a large and centrally located market square. Here, you can find everything from big brand superstores to independently-owned market stalls and coffee shops. There are also a surprising number of restaurants and takeaways available. Not to mention the scrumptious hog roast stall that you may be lucky enough to find on the market.
If you’re into your fitness, there are several gyms available. There is also Rainbow Leisure Centre which has its own swimming pools, various sporting courts, and even its own thermal spa. The Ashley Centre is Epsoms prize shopping mall: here you can find a wide variety of popular shops. Hotel Chocolat, Boots, M&S Food, TK Maxx. There is also an impressive Lidl which has just opened up five minutes off the high street.
There is, of course, also the market. Epsom Market has been going strong since the 1800s if you can believe it. You’ll find your fair share of vendors yelling out fruit prices in their cheery, booming voices. As well as vegetable stalls, Greek food stalls, trinket stalls, and more. There are also multiple chain restaurants, such as Pizza Express, Bamboo Basket, and Prezzo.
SCHOOLS
Epsom is a popular place for families with young and older children alike. This is due to its location. There are many state and comprehensive schools around, as well as colleges. However, one can additionally commute into London if they wish. It takes only under an hour or so, which is a small price to pay to live in this stunning town.
Many schools in and around Epsom are rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted; there is additionally a healthy mix of public and private. As well as single-gender or mixed-gender schools.
Epsom College is a popular choice, particularly with families moving from places a little further out than London. This is due to its boarding facility. North East Surrey College offers further education specializing in Technology. This is also a popular choice. The college is currently rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.
