The Epsom and Ewell area might be best known for its racecourse and commuter links, but spend a day here and you'll experience an idyllic mix of peaceful nature, fantastic local food spots and indie charm along Ewell High Street.
I wanted to enjoy a mindful walk in the beautiful Surrey countryside, but with all the gastronomic benefits of being near a thriving high street – and this route delivered. I spent the day escaping the city solo but I’d do it again in a heartbeat with my toddler son.
Starting and ending at Epsom Station with Southern Railway, it turned out to be the perfect plan for a varied, easy-going day out.
The start – Eden’s Little Bakery
I arrived into Epsom Station and headed straight for Eden’s Little Bakery, a mile and a half away. This award-winning little bakery was founded in the first lockdown and has grown to be a local favourite. Everything is freshly baked and it’s a haven for sourdough lovers and pastry fanatics, with their signature middle-eastern Bourekas at its heart. I chose a feta and mozzarella Boureka, along with an ice cold speciality latte to celebrate the sunny day.
It was tempting to sit in the forecourt and soak up the sun but instead I started my walk towards Hogsmill Open Space while eating the hot, oozing Boureka straight out of the paper.
Hogsmill Open Space and The Secret Garden
It wasn’t long before I arrived at the path to the Woodland Trail, leading to Hogsmill Open Space. I hadn’t expected the forest to be so beautiful with The Ewell Trail Packhorse Bridge, the Hogsmill River and the end of the cherry blossom season decorating the storybook forest floor.
I stuck around to finish off my takeaway coffee and admire the forest. No need to rush past this beautiful spot, I was enjoying the cooler air. I noticed that some of the pathways crossing here were part of the London Loop – a 150-mile circuit around the city.
I took my time to walk it, but my lunch spot was actually only a 15-minute walk direct from the bakery.
The Secret Garden café-restaurant in Ewell Court is the perfect haven to enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired lunch. It’s a garden centre, but also a beautiful enclosed garden filled with flowers, fairy lights, and the scents of the kitchen. You can dine outside or in their conservatory.
I was set for the Shakshuka, but my head was turned by ‘The Secret Smash’ – Fenton Farm fried eggs with chunky smashed avocado, crispy birista and homemade chermoula dressing on sourdough. As much as possible is locally sourced, and the place is family run by the owners of the aforementioned Eden’s Little Bakery.
After lunch I walked to follow part of the Hogsmill River Trail. A quiet, scenic path where you can enjoy the wildlife, wildflowers, and historic flour mill ruins along the way. It’s a gentle, calming route, famous for its flat-topped stones crossing the river. I took a chance on the slippery stones and enjoyed the cooling river on my feet – I held my breath as I carried my stuff across though!
You can get around the stepping stones by walking a bit further up the river, but I thought the risk of wet feet (and a soaking bag) would be more fun.
From here it’s about a 20-minute walk to the next location, Ewell High Street. There was much to take in along the way though, including beautiful houses, a walk over a railway bridge and the tranquil ponds of Bourne Hall Park.
Wander Ewell High Street
It’s less about big-brand shopping on Ewell High Street, and more about character. There are charming little independent shops, including zero waste store Honey & Bamboo, and boutique clothing shop The Style Closet. I was drawn in by the sequins and glitter in the window display and the friendly owner informed me there was a glitter makeover day today, which I regret not taking part in now. That would’ve been a fun look for the late-afternoon countryside wander…
There are some interesting restaurants on Ewell High Street, including Filipino fusion favourite The Rambling Pig and the Pizzeria Ntunetta, but it was The Ewell Tap and Bottle shop I was aiming for.
Just a 30-minute walk from the oasis of The Secret Garden and I was there. Tucked just off the High Street, the Ewell Tap is an interesting place to spend an hour or two with its rotating selection of craft beers. The fridges were packed with unique beers, but unfortunately none from Surrey. After much discussion I ended up with a Rhubarb Drizzleberry Cupcake sour beer from the Scottish Vault City brewery that I thoroughly enjoyed. I plan on going back one day, but with friends to play those board games with a craft beer.
Golden Hour Walk in Langley Vale
After the excitement of Ewell High Street, it’s time to get back to nature. It’s quite a trek to Langley Vale Wood (4.5 miles) – part of the Woodland Trust’s Centenary Woods project – but you’ll get some stunning views of the Epsom Downs as you walk through. There are also some good pubs to stop off at on the way – namely the Derby Arms – or you could always bring supplies from Eden’s Little Bakery and The Ewell Tap to lubricate the journey.
Langley Vale Wood is peaceful and open with wide trails, sweeping views, and poppies in bloom during spring and summer. It’s an ancient woodland with rare plants – the green-fingered among us will appreciate the red-hemp nettle. It’s also a haven for wildlife with over 80 species of birds and 30 species of butterfly.
This area was once used for military training during WWI, and subtle memorials dotted throughout the woods to tell the story of its history.
I followed the path toward the ‘Witness’ sculpture, not quite expecting the emotional impact it would have. I walked through the quiet fields and took in the sculpted figures of ‘The Regiment of Trees’. These powerful statues commemorate the inspection of troops by Lord Kitchener in January 1915, and there’s a stillness in the landscape that makes their presence all the more striking. I took a seat inside the twisted wooden ‘Witness’ sculpture itself and read the carved words of seven war poets etched into the wood. It was a quietly profound place – perfect for pausing, reflecting, and taking in the Epsom Downs views.
See the walking map
I wandered over to the Sainsbury’s orchard where volunteers had planted many, many trees. The wooden Poppy Play area was just there, so I had a quick swing although without my son I felt guilty even being near a playground. He’d love it in there though – a great spot for a picnic too.
Take your time to really appreciate the woods, it’s not about rushing here.
It’s 3.5 miles back to Epsom now, but be aware that some of the route doesn’t have pavements to walk on. It’s a short stretch, but the cars can be fast and you’ll need to walk along the bank.
Cocktails at The Picture House, Epsom
After all that walking, it’s definitely time for a drink – and The Picture House in Epsom is the perfect spot.
The vintage-style bar, with contemporary cinema posters adorning the walls is now one of my favourite places for a drink. You don’t need a cinema ticket to enjoy a stylish cocktail here, so I sat in a corner and used one of their plentiful sockets to charge my phone after a great day of snapping photos, and sipped on a perfectly mixed Negroni.
It was a beautiful hour of rest after all that walking!
Dinner at Kanzzi Sushi & Grill
You’ll be pleased to know that just a few steps away from the Picture House you can find Kanzzi Sushi – a sleek, contemporary sushi bar known for its beautifully presented dishes and fresh flavours.
I had the agedashi tofu (gently deep-fried) for starter – delicately crisp on the outside and silky within – and then salmon and avocado sushi for main with chicken yaki soba on the side. Everything was packed with flavour, the service was warm and efficient, and the whole place had a stylish, modern-Japanese feel that really added to the experience.
Next time I’ll go for ramen based on the steaming gastronomic delights that turned up for the people sitting at the table next to me.
Metropolis for dessert
One last treat? Always. Walk another few steps over to the Metropolis food hall to pick up some gelato. The rich, creamy, Italian-style ice cream will be the sweet punctuation mark on a wonderful day.
It’s only a two-minute walk to the train station from here, so you could even buy an ice cream to enjoy on the platform while you await your carriages back home.
Day out in Epsom
My day in Epsom and Ewell was made all the better by travelling by train. Being so close to London, there were many service options with good connections. Travelling by train also meant I could enjoy a few drinks on my route. The fact that Kanzii Sushi Restaurant and The Picture House were two minutes from the station meant I could time my departure perfectly too. I didn’t need to worry about traffic and parking, or driving in rush hour traffic which always makes the day lighter.
My whole day was about a 12-mile walk, but you can get buses to minimise your steps for some of the journey. If you don’t want to do the whole route, then even just the Epsom and Ewell part would make a lovely day out.
One of the best things about this route is that all the attractions are natural – and so completely free. My only spending was on food and drink, and even that could be pared back with a packed picnic. It’s proof that a memorable day out doesn’t have to cost much!
About the author
Victoria Philpott has been a travel and festival blogger at VickyFlipFlipTravels since 2012. She’s travelled to over 70 countries, exploring the jungles of Papua New Guinea, sailing in the Philippines and cycling the length of Vietnam. Nowadays you’ll find her exploring Europe with her young son, and making the most of the beautiful UK.
