Jane McGowan takes a look around Epsom and Ewell
Epsom Common
Epsom Common
The Borough of Epsom & Ewell spans a vast area of east Surrey, stretching from the North Downs to the Hogsmill River. Epsom rose to fame during the 17th century with the discovery of its now legendary “salts”, making it the place to be for the glitterati of the day which included courtier Nell Gwynne and diarist Samuel Pepys. Its place as a hotspot for southern society was sealed when the first Epsom Derby took place in 1780 – an event which still dominates the town’s social calendar.
Today the borough is popular with young commuters and families eager to make the most of its excellent travel links and numerous leisure facilities.
Although smaller than its neighbour, Ewell boasts a number of attractions including Bourne Hall, a cultural community hub built on the site of Garband Hall. In fact, the centre which is home to a theatre, a library, a gym and a café, still retains the original garden wall and waterwheel – both of which can be found in the substantial park that surrounds the Hall. Ewell High Street has several independent retailers, selling a mixture of goods that spans everything from cake decorations to tap shoes.
To the north-west, is Ewell Court House, an impressive mansion set amid picturesque landscaped gardens where you can relax amid cascading waterfalls or take a picnic and head out in search of the Secret Grotto. The House is well used by several community groups and also serves as a popular wedding venue. No visit to Ewell Court would be complete without a stroll around the nursery and a stop-off in the Tea Room, where you can enjoy a range of homemade cakes and savouries.
But if it’s the bright lights and bustle of a big town you’re looking for, then Epsom is the place for you. The busy Ashley Centre has more than 50 big name stores including New Look, Next, White Stuff and M&S, while the surrounding streets include branches of TK Maxx and Fat Face, as well as a vibrant street market. Alongside these are several popular restaurants such as Bill’s, Nando’s and Pizza Express and numerous takeaways near the town’s multi-screen Odeon cinema.
There are also numerous independent eateries, including the award-winning Chalk Lane Hotel in the old part of the town, which offers a mix of British and French fine dining. The Rifleman in East Street, is the epitome of a traditional English pub. Serving a selection of beers from several Surrey microbreweries, it is famed for its burgers made with meat from Sandford & Fletcher Butchers, which is literally around the corner – you can’t get more locally sourced than that!
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