Epsom Derby, UK 2026: a complete travel guide from the UAE

Epsom Derby 2026 will take place on June 5–6 at Epsom Downs Racecourse. It is the main event of British horse racing, drawing over 130,000 spectators. The Epsom Derby 2026, known simply as “The Derby” in horse racing circles, will be held at the famous Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, near London. The event will take place as part of The Betfred Derby Festival on Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6, 2026.

The Epsom Derby traditionally takes place on the first Saturday of June, yet in the British Social Season calendar, this period is regarded as the peak of May.

Here’s everything you need to know about the event, along with some useful tips and tricks.

How to get from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to London

For travellers from the UAE, there are several flight options.

Flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi are available with Emirates and Etihad Airways to major London airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick.

Additionally, from March 29, 2026, Air Arabia is launching new budget direct flights twice daily from Sharjah to London Gatwick Airport. The same airline also offers flights from Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah.

Gulf Air has resumed flights to London from Dubai via Bahrain, and Turkish Airlines flies to London via Istanbul.

From Gatwick, you can reach the racecourse by train with connections in about 1–1.5 hours. If you arrive at other airports — for example, London City Airport — the journey by public transport takes approximately 1 hour and 47 minutes, and from Heathrow about 2 hours and 30 minutes by train and tube.

How to Get to Epsom from London – detailed guide

The racecourse is located 24 km from central London. Below are the most practical travel options, along with descriptions of the places you will encounter along the way.

By train 

Use this helpful tip: avoid travelling to Epsom station. Instead, take the train to Tattenham Corner station, which is situated directly at the entrance to the racecourse.

You will depart from London Victoria Station. This is one of central London’s busiest and most well‑organised railway terminals. Trains to Tattenham Corner depart from the southern section of the station. The platforms are clearly signposted, and the station has a calm, efficient atmosphere even on busy race days.

Your arrival point is Tattenham Corner Station. This is a small, unassuming suburban station located on the edge of Epsom Downs. Unlike larger city terminals, it has only two platforms and a modest ticket office. The station’s charm lies in its location: once you step off the train, you find yourself immediately at the boundary of the racecourse.

Travel time from London Victoria: 35–45 minutes
Cost: Approximately £15 for a return ticket

By car 

 If you choose to travel by car, the destination is easily found using a satnav.

Parking area at KT18 5LQ

The postcode leads you to a large, open parking zone is located on the downs, within walking distance of the racecourse entrances. Depending on demand and the event, parking is organised into several colour‑coded sections. Some areas are closer to the grandstands, while others are further back on grassy terrain.

Parking fee: £15–40

Note for 2026: free parking zones are planned in certain sections of the parking area. However, these zones will only be available to those who complete a pre‑registration process online before the event. Without this pre‑registration, the free option will not apply, and you will be directed to the paid sections.

Shuttle bus from Epsom Station (alternative arrival point)

If you end up at Epsom station, a shuttle bus service is available to take you the rest of the way. Epsom station is a medium‑sized suburban railway hub located in the town centre. It is noticeably busier than Tattenham Corner, with more platforms, a ticket hall, and several small cafés and newsagents nearby.

Shuttle bus stop

The shuttle buses pick up passengers from a designated stop just outside the station’s main exit. The buses are clearly marked and operate frequently on race days. They follow a short, direct route from the town centre up to the downs, dropping passengers close to the racecourse entrances.

Cost: £3 one way, £5 return
Travel time: 10 minutes

The shuttle is a straightforward and reasonably priced way to complete your journey if you arrive at Epsom station.

Places to stay

Standard options

Closest to Tattenham Corner station and racecourse entrance is Holiday Inn Express London Epsom Downs (< 1 mile).

This modern, budget-friendly hotel is located on the edge of Epsom Downs, within easy reach of the famous racecourse. The property offers a calm and practical base for both racegoers and travellers exploring the Surrey countryside.

Room prices (per night)
-Standard Room (double or twin): from approximately £75–85
-Standard Room with sofa bed (sleeps up to 4): from approximately £85–95
-Breakfast: A complimentary Express Start™ breakfast is included, featuring hot and cold options.
-Parking: Free on-site parking is available for guests.

One of the best for tourists is Premier Inn Epsom Town Centre, a hotel near London Victoria station. You can take the direct train in the morning and return to central London in the evening. The distance to the racecourse entrance is 1.8 miles.

Room prices (per night):
-Standard Double Room: from approximately £75–85
-Twin or Family Room (sleeps up to 4): from approximately £85–95
-Breakfast: a buffet breakfast is available for a surcharge (approximately £9.50 per adult).
-Parking: please note there is no on-site parking at this hotel. Off-site parking is available at the nearby Epsom Council Town Hall car park (KT17 4PW), just a one-minute walk away.

Premium options

We have identified two suitable properties for guests who value a higher standard of accommodation without the need to navigate late‑evening returns to central London after the races conclude.

Beaverbrook

Beaverbrook is a luxury country house estate located in the Surrey Hills, a short drive from Epsom Downs Racecourse. Unlike standard chain hotels, the atmosphere here is one of understated elegance and seclusion, offering a quiet retreat from the race day crowds. A standard double room at Beaverbrook starts from approximately £460.83 per night.

Woodlands Park Hotel

For those seeking a more refined accommodation option near Epsom Downs, Woodlands Park Hotel offers an excellent alternative. This historic Victorian country house, commissioned in 1885 by industrialist William Bryant, is nestled in the Surrey countryside and commands presence as a regal manor near Cobham.

Room prices vary by season and availability, with standard double rooms typically starting from approximately £114–130 per night depending on the booking platform and dates.

Tickets and zones

The Epsom Derby 2026 will take place over two days, running from June 5 to June 6. The event is held annually at Epsom Downs Racecourse.

The main race, known as the Derby, is scheduled for Saturday, June 6. The post time for this prestigious race is 4:00 PM London time (BST, British Summer Time). Please note that this refers to the local time in London, which is one hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1) during the summer months.

Epsom Derby 2026 runs June 5–6. The main race is on Saturday, June 6 at 4:00 PM. Good to know: Free entry for children under 18 in all general admission areas.

Key changes for a UK visa from Dubai and Abu Dhabi in 2026

If you are applying for a UK visa from Dubai and Abu Dhabi in 2026, note these three major updates:

• Switch to eVisas (from February 2026) – physical visa vignettes in your passport are no longer issued. You receive an electronic status.
• Passport not retained – you can travel to other countries while your UK visa application is being processed.
• No ETA for existing visa holders – if you already have a valid UK work, student, or family visa, you do not need an ETA.

UK visa for UAE residents

Do I need a UK visa if I hold Goolden visa in the UAE? This is a very frequent question we can hear from residents.  A UK visa for UAE residents depends on your passport – not your residency status.

If you hold a UAE passportCitizens of the UAE do not need a UK visa, but from February 2026, an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is mandatory.

What is ETA?
Electronic entry permit for short trips (tourism, business, transit)
Valid for 2 years (or until passport expiry)
Maximum stay: up to 6 months per visit

How to Apply
Via the official UK ETA app or gov.uk website
Cost: AED 80 (£16)
Decision usually arrives within 24 hours (up to 3 working days)
No biometrics required – everything is done online.

UK visa for other nationalities (UAE residents, all types of Residence visa)

If you hold a passport from a visa-required country – you need a Standard Visitor Visa. Basic Requirements

• Valid passport
• Valid UAE residency visa
• Emirates ID

Financial Documents

• Bank statements for the last 3–6 months; 
• Salary certificate and last 3 payslips; 
• Employer’s letter confirming approved leave

Travel Documents

• Invitation from a host (optional) 
• Travel itinerary (avoid buying non-refundable flight tickets until your visa is approved)

Types of visas depending on citizenship

А UK visa for UAE residents depends on your nationality – not your UAE residency.

А UK visa for UAE residents depends on your nationality – not your UAE residency.

UK visa prices and processing time

The standard processing time for a Visitor visa application submitted from outside the UK is typically 3 weeks. Regarding the costs, the fee for a 6-month visa is £135, for a 2-year visa it is £506, for a 5-year visa it is £903 and for a 10-year visa £1,128.

Why apply for a UK visa through our service?

Applying for a UK visa is widely considered one of the most challenging processes. This is primarily due to the extremely lengthy and detailed application form, which requires considerable attention and patience from the applicant. Furthermore, UK immigration authorities conduct an exceptionally strict verification of all the information provided, as well as a very thorough examination of your financial situation. Particular scrutiny is given to bank statements and other documents confirming your income and expenditure. It is important to understand that even the smallest mistake, typo, or inconsistency can lead to a refusal. For this reason, preparing a UK visa application demands maximum accuracy and meticulous care at every stage.

According to our statistics, we save our clients up to 30 hours of time on completing the application form, preparing documents and finding an available appointment slot. If you think about it, this is almost one full working week of your time. This is especially important if you need a visa quickly, if you have had previous refusals, if you applied by yourself or through another agency before, or if you plan to travel with a large family and bring personal staff, such as nannies, chefs or assistants.

We know the UAE market very well. We understand the specific details of applying through local visa centres and what visa officers usually pay attention to when reviewing documents.

We also know how to prepare a strong explanation letter if your financial transfers are not fully straightforward, or if family members have passports from different countries. According to our internal statistics, we increase the chance of approval by up to 45% compared with applying independently.

So do not leave your visa application until the last moment. Contact us today, and our UK visa expert will carefully review your case and prepare the best visa application strategy for you.

Event website: https://www.britishracecourses.org/epsom-derby-festival/