Derby Festival FAQs

What time should I arrive?
On Ladies Day the gates open at 10.30am and the first race is at 1.40pm
On Derby Day the gates open at 10am and the first race is at 1.25pm

Bus and coach parties entering the Lonsdale, Walton or Upper Tattenham Enclosures need to arrive significantly earlier than this, and will be advised by our ticketing team.

Where can I park?
There is car parking available at Epsom Downs, available to buy both in advance and on the day.

What are the dress codes?
Queen's Stand Investec Derby Day
Either black or grey Morning Dress with a top hat, service dress or full national costume is traditional and obligatory for gentlemen on Derby Day. Ladies are asked to wear formal day dress, or a trouser suit, with a hat or substantial fascinator.

Queen's Stand Investec Ladies Day
Gentlemen are asked to wear a jacket, collar and tie. Ladies do not have to wear a hat but the majority do. Jeans, sports shorts, denim or trainers are not acceptable.

Duchess's Stand Hospitality Areas - both days of the Investec Derby Festival
Gentlemen are asked to wear a jacket, collar and tie. Ladies do not have to wear a hat but the majority do.

Duchess's Stand - both days of the Investec Derby Festival
Many people in the Grandstand like to dress up for the Derby Festival. Smart denim* is acceptable. No trainers, sportswear, sleeveless vests or bare tops.

Hospitality Marquees - both days of the Investec Derby Festival
Dress codes vary depending on the hospitality facility. See details of the different areas and their dress codes in the 'Raceday Hospitality' section.

Dress code for the Queen's and the Duchess's Stand outside of the Investec Derby Festival
Please be guided by a smart casual standard. Jackets and trousers with a collared shirt are encouraged but smart denim* and smart trainers are acceptable.

*Smart denim must not be faded or have tears or rips

Where can I bet?
The places to bet are the totepool counters located across the Racecourse or with the bookmakers who are situated in the betting ring at the front of the Grandstand Enclosure, in the betting ring on The Hill and in the Lonsdale, Walton and Upper Tattenham Enclosures.

Can I buy food at Epsom?
You can enjoy a wide range of catering and bars at The Derby Festival, located in all areas. From the seafood bar in the Queen's Stand to hog roasts on The Hill, there is something for everyone's taste buds!

Can I bring a picnic?
Picnics are welcome in all enclosures and car parks except for the Queen's Stand and Grandstand Enclosures. Small barbecues are permitted on The Hill, but not in any other enclosure.

Can I have a barbecue?
Small barbecues are permitted on the open area of The Hill. However, they are strictly forbidden in all other enclosures due to their proximity to the track.

Can I bring a dog?
No, and please don't leave your dog locked in your car either.

Is there a drop off and pick up point?
Yes, by the old Derby Stables, which is opposite the Queen's Stand and Lester Piggott gates

Are there any refunds?
Only if the event is cancelled by Epsom.

Where is a good meeting point?
Queen's Stand customers should meet by the statue of Generous by the Parade Ring. Customers in trackside enclosures can arrange to meet by specific furlong markers and all racegoers should use mobile phones to keep in touch with the rest of their party.

Is there a cash point at Epsom?
We recommend you take cash out before you arrive at Epsom Downs Racecourse. Although there are cash points in the Queen's Stand and Grandstand Enclosures, they often have long queues. If you're on The Hill or in any of the coach enclosures there are no cash points. Epsom Town

Centre and the parade of shops near Tattenham Corner Station do have cash points.

Can I hire binoculars?
Yes, if you are in the Queen's Stand or Grandstand Enclosures.

What facilities are there for disabled customers?
Epsom Downs works hard to cater to the needs of its disabled racegoers, offering preferential parking, accessible toilets, a reserved viewing platform on the rails, ramp and lift facilities (with the best facilities being in the Queen's Stand). Please call our Ticketing Team for more information or if you have a specific requirement.

Can I bring my own drinks, food or picnic?
Customers in the Grandstand and Queen's Stand Enclosures can not bring their own drinks, food or picnic. However, customers on The Hill and in all bus enclosures are welcome to bring their own.

Do I need a racecard?
If you are in hospitality, you can expect that a racecard will be provided for you. Otherwise a racecard is an essential investment and will be sold from kiosks across the course.

Can I take my camera?
You may use a camera in the normal public enclosures, as long as the photographs are not for commercial use. Commercial photographers need to apply for accreditation (see the 'Press' section of this site).

If you have any other questions please call the Racecourse on 01372 726311.