Esher: Commons, Church Architecture and Horse Racing

When looking for a hotel in Esher, you can use the reason for your trip as your first point of comparison. The options range from Esher Commons and a clearly described walking route to historic church architecture and horse racing. There are also guided garden walks and a golf club. This can help you organise your plans: will nature, architectural history, a racing programme or golf be your main focus? For your travel dates, pay particular attention to the dates of the horse races and the garden programme.

Nature on Esher Commons

Esher Commons cover 360 hectares. In 1995, the government designated them a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of their biological diversity. Their size and protected status make them a distinct nature-focused option for trip planning. Esher Common is described in more detail as a specific route: a 500-metre level path starts at the Blackhills car park on Portsmouth Road and leads to Black Pond. Along the way, it passes through broadleaf woodland and open heathland. The path therefore connects two different types of landscape and has a named destination at Black Pond. Its length and level terrain are useful details to consider when deciding whether this walk fits into your day’s plans.

The architectural history of St George’s Church

St George’s Church, Esher offers a different focus: its architectural and furnishing history. The church was built around 1540 using a mixture of sandstone and brick, and was extended between 1724 and 1842. Inside are furnishings from the 18th century, including a three-decker pulpit and a pew designed by John Vanbrugh. Vanbrugh is also known as the architect of Blenheim Palace. The dates make the different periods easy to distinguish: the Tudor building was followed by extensions over a longer period, and the furnishings include pieces from the 18th century. If historic architecture is a deciding factor for your trip, the church offers both building materials and specific interior details to explore.

Horse racing and getting there

Sandown Park Racecourse is the place to go for horse racing. The racecourse hosts 23 horse-racing fixtures over the course of the year, with Flat racing and jump racing. These two formats give the programme a clear distinction. If a race is the reason for your stay, check the dates for your travel period before booking. The racecourse entrances are about a ten-minute walk from Esher railway station. This approximate walking time gives you a useful indication of the route from the station to the entrances.

Golf and guided garden walks

Thames Ditton & Esher Golf Club may also be an important consideration when choosing the reason for your trip. It is a members’ club, run by its members for the benefit and enjoyment of its members and visitors. The course is right beside Esher railway station; from there, turn left and walk across the common for about 300 yards to the clubhouse, which is visible from the path. The direction and approximate distance for this route are therefore specified.

At Claremont Landscape Garden, guided garden walks on various themes are offered throughout the year. This offers a different planning rhythm from a visit centred on a race: the garden’s themed walks are the focus, while the event dates determine the specific occasion at Sandown Park. As the garden programme may change, check the current themes and dates before making your plans. This lets you choose between landscape, architectural history, horse racing, golf and the garden programme according to what you would like to do during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Bletchingley, Gatwick, Brookwood, Ashford, Chertsey, Albury, Thorpe, Egham.

For the broader travel overview: Surrey.