Epsom Derby Festival

A historic flat-racing event featuring the Derby, known as “the greatest flat race in the world.” The festival comprises Ladies’ Day on Friday (with the Oaks race for fillies) and Derby Day on Saturday.

Overview: Attended by royals and society figures for over two centuries, the Derby is a highlight of the summer Season.

Tickets: Grandstand and Queen Elizabeth II Stand tickets grant excellent views (from ~£60). The Queen’s Stand (Queen’s Enclosure) is the premier area – access is more exclusive and requires Morning Dress attire. Hospitality offerings include the Downs View Suite or Chez Roux @ Blue Riband restaurant for Michelin-star dining by chef Albert Roux. Prices for hospitality can range £300–£800+ per person.

Travel Tips: Epsom Station (from London Waterloo or Victoria) has shuttle buses on race days. By car, it’s a one-hour drive from central London – book a car park pass in advance. Alternatively, some opt for helicopter transfers directly to the course.

Dress Code: Dress to impress. In the Queen’s Stand, gentlemen must wear morning dress with top hat, and ladies should wear formal day dress with a hat. In Grandstand, smart attire is required (jackets and ties for men), but slightly less formal. The Derby is the perfect occasion for one’s finest and most stylish clothing.

Insider Tip: The Hill – a famous free viewing area on the Downs – offers a lively atmosphere with picnics and fairground attractions. However, for luxury, secure a hospitality package in the Winning Post Garden for up-close action. Book a table at the Chez Roux well in advance for a gourmet lunch overlooking the finish line. And don’t miss the Royal Procession on Derby Day: traditionally, the monarch arrives in a carriage to open the proceedings.

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