For some people, Epsom Derby is the biggest day on the social calendar. We’re talking celeb royalty like Dame Helen Mirren and Liz Hurley, rubbing shoulders with literal royalty like the late Queen and Zara Tindall.
Derby Day at Epsom isn't just any horse race. This is the big one, held every June against a backdrop of the rolling Surrey hills. Even if you know nothing about horses or horse racing, it’s a fun and special way to spend a summer’s day - and maybe spot a famous face or two.
Wait, hold your horses (pun intended)! Your racing adventures don't have to end there. If you are a fan of the thrills of horse racing and happen to find yourself on the Southern Rail network, you're in for a treat. There are several racecourses served by Southern, some of which even have their own dedicated train station.
Grab your best hat or brightest fascinator as we give you everything you need to know about the magic of the Epsom Derby, as well as other gems you can easily reach by train.
Why is the Epsom Derby famous?
The Epsom Derby was established in 1780 and now stands as one of the world’s oldest and most revered horse races. There are five long-standing flat horse races in Britain, known as the Classics, and the Epsom Derby is considered the most prestigious of them all.
The demanding mile-and-a-half distance, coupled with the unique terrain of the Epsom Downs course, is a real test of a horse's speed, stamina and agility. Beyond the immediate glory of victory, success in the Derby carries weight in the world of breeding, massively increasing a stallion's value and influencing thoroughbred bloodlines.
Derby Day transforms Epsom into a vibrant spectacle and is a significant social occasion. Every year you can expect more than 100,000 people to be in attendance, from royalty and celebrities to the general public. In the 245 years since it began, there have been several notable events at the Epsom Derby - which we’ll tell you about in a moment.
What is the dress code for the Epsom Derby?
Thinking about heading to the Epsom Derby? It's interesting because the dress code depends on where you'll be watching from.
If you're in the fancy Queen Elizabeth II Stand, especially on Derby Day, it's super traditional. For guys, that means a black or grey morning suit – you know, with the tails – and definitely a top hat. Military dress or your country's formal wear are also great options. For ladies in that area, it's all about elegant dresses or smart trouser suits, and you absolutely need a hat or fascinator to finish the look.
Moving to the Grandstand Enclosure, it's a bit more relaxed, but still smart. They don't have strict rules, but the idea is to "dress to feel your best", which usually means looking stylish and put together. They'd prefer you skip things like sportswear and sleeveless tops. Jeans are usually okay, but not if they're ripped or worn out. And comfy as they are, trainers aren't really the vibe.
For guys in the Grandstand hospitality areas, a jacket and a shirt with a collar are generally expected, and a tie is often a good idea, though not always required. Ladies here usually wear a hat or fascinator too, just to add that Derby touch.
Then you've got the outer areas like Lonsdale, Upper Tattenham and The Hill. Here, the dress code is much more laid-back. They just ask that you "dress appropriately for the Derby Festival." So, while you can be more casual, things like sportswear or sleeveless tops are still not really suitable. Even if you're wearing jeans, they should look neat and not too distressed. And yeah, trainers are still a no-go in these areas too.
No matter where you are at the Derby, they don't want to see anyone in inappropriate or offensive fancy dress (so no Borat-style mankinis), and definitely no team colours or sports kit. What you wear at the Epsom Derby is part of the whole experience – it reflects the prestige and adds to the special atmosphere of the day.
What happened in the 1913 Epsom Derby?
One year that stands out in Epsom Derby history is 1913, and that's because it’s the year suffragette Emily Davison died. It was during the actual race on 4 June 1913. As the horses were coming around Tattenham Corner, Emily Davison ran onto the track.
She stepped straight in front of a horse called Anmer, which was owned by King George V and ridden by a jockey called Herbert Jones. The impact was awful. Davison was knocked down and suffered serious head injuries, and tragically died in hospital four days later.
Davison was part of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) who were fighting to get women the right to vote. What she did that day was a dramatic and historically significant protest, and brought the suffragette movement into the global spotlight.
When is Epsom Derby 2025?
In 2025, the Epsom Derby will take place on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 June. If you're planning to go to the big horse racing event, mark your calendar for the Saturday as that's the day the famous Epsom Derby race will be happening.
However, the whole event is actually a two-day affair. The day before the Derby is known as Ladies' Day, or Oaks Day. It's been tradition for a long time for women to dress up for race meetings, and Ladies' Day at Epsom has become a special part of that history.
While the big Derby race is on Saturday, Ladies' Day has its own unique sparkle and excitement. This day also features races, with the Oaks being the main event.
Keep in mind that the exact times for all the different races happening on both days might get tweaked a little closer to the time. So, if you're planning your day, it's a good idea to check the official Epsom Downs Racecourse website to get the final schedule. That way, you won't miss any of the action.
Best racecourses to visit with Southern Rail
If you’re feeling inspired to check out other racecourses on the Southern network, you’re spoiled for choice. Let's take a look at some of the best places to experience the thrill of the races without the stress of the journey.
Epsom Downs
Epsom Downs Racecourse is of course a legendary venue steeped in horse racing history. Home to the prestigious Derby and Oaks Classics, it offers exhilarating racing action alongside panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Whether you're drawn by the top-tier competition, the vibrant atmosphere of race days, or simply the iconic setting, Epsom Downs promises an unforgettable experience.
Nearest station: Tattenham Corner
Getting there: Tattenham Corner station is particularly convenient as it's the closest station to the racecourse and it’s only a short walk to the entrance.
Trains to Epsom Downs: Southern Rail connects to Epsom and surrounding stations from London Victoria and other locations across the south.
Lingfield Park
Lingfield Park is close to the borders of Sussex and Kent and offers a unique racing experience as the UK's first all-weather track. While it's known for its year-round flat racing, Lingfield also hosts National Hunt (jumps) and turf flat racing, providing a diverse calendar of events. This racecourse even has its own train station, meaning your journey couldn’t be easier.
Nearest station: Lingfield
Getting there: Lingfield railway station is conveniently located for the racecourse, about a 10-minute walk away.
Trains to Lingfield: Southern Rail operates direct services to Lingfield station, with trains running from London Victoria that take less than an hour. You can also reach Lingfield via connections from other locations, such as Clapham Junction.
Plumpton Racecourse
Known for its friendly atmosphere and scenic setting at the foot of the South Downs, Plumpton hosts thrilling National Hunt (jumps) racing throughout the year. It's a great spot to experience the thrill of the chase in a more intimate and relaxed environment.
Nearest station: Plumpton
Getting there: Plumpton station is located at the bottom of the course and is less than a 5-minute walk to the North Entrance.
Trains to Plumpton: Southern Rail provides a regular service to Plumpton station from London Victoria towards Eastbourne and Hastings.
Fontwell Park
Fontwell Park, in West Sussex, offers a unique racing experience. With the only figure-of-eight jumps course in the UK, it provides a different perspective on the action. Fontwell Park hosts a variety of National Hunt meetings throughout the year and has a friendly and inviting atmosphere, making it a great choice for both diehard racing fans and those new to the sport.
Nearest station: Barnham
Getting there: Barnham station is roughly two miles from the racecourse. A shuttle bus operates between Barnham station and Fontwell Park on race days, from gates opening until the first race, and recommencing from the penultimate race until 30 minutes after the last race.
Trains to Barnham: Southern Rail services run regularly to Barnham from London Victoria, Portsmouth, and Brighton, with direct services also available from Southampton.