Epsom Downs Racecourse

The Hill

The Hill

The Hill at Epsom Downs Racecourse will be closed to vehicles on race days during 2012, with the exception of Investec Derby Festival (June 1-2) and Family Fun Day (August 27). Vehicles can access The Lonsdale Enclosure for £30 per vehicle (costs to be confirmed) or park in the racecourse car parks and access The Hill as pedestrians. Tickets for the Grandstands will be available on the day should visitors want access to the best views and facilites that we have to offer at Epsom.

We have invested significantly in a new £30 million grandstand and facilities at Epsom Downs Racecourse and the cost of staging a race meeting or major music nights is significant. Therefore in order to maintain these facilities for the long term in Epsom we must recover our investment. Whilst The Hill is open to pedestrian traffic, no toilet or refreshment facilities will be provided during race days with the exception of Investec Derby Festival (June 1-2) and Family Fun Day (August 27). Views of racing or events and sound from PA systems cannot be guaranteed. Please also note that BBQs are not allowed on The Hill to preserve the natural environment and avoid fire risks.

Q&A:

Why has Epsom closed the hill to vehicles?
When The Hill is open to traffic, more staff and facilities are required, which come at a large cost to the racecourse, with minimal income from visitors to cover these costs.

Is it legal?
Yes, Epsom Downs Racecourse can close The Hill to vehicles legally, and has no obligation to provide any facilities to the general public in this area. The Epsom and Walton Downs Act 1984 states that we must allow pedestrians “Air and Exercise” on the Hill, which we are committed to. The law does not state the vehicle access should be offered.

Why are you not providing facilities for pedestrians?
The cost of installing and managing toilet, betting and refreshment facilities is considerable, and generates minimal income. Investment is therefore focused on the facilities for paying guests.

If I can’t park on The Hill, where can I park?
There are a variety of car parks open for all events and race days, which vary in price according to their distance from the grandstands. These are all clearly signposted. Paid for car parks start at £5 and there is some free parking away from the racecourse for most meetings.

Will The Hill still be open to cars for The Derby and Family Fun Day?
We have no plans to close The Hill to vehicles for The Investec Derby Festival, or the Family Fun Day. This is a long standing arrangement that we don’t intend to change in the future.