Reigate and Redhill sit within easy reach of two racecourses, a busy theatre and two of the best known winter light trails in the South East. Plus Ride is based in Reigate, and this guide covers the events local passengers travel to most, with notes on reaching each one by taxi. We provide the transport only and do not sell tickets, so please book those with the organiser.
The Derby at Epsom Downs
Epsom Downs Racecourse is the home of the Derby, one of the most famous flat races in the world. The Derby Festival fills two days in early June each year. Ladies Day, with the Oaks, comes first and Derby Day follows. The course also stages other race days between spring and autumn.
From Reigate the racecourse is about eight miles north, up Reigate Hill and along the A217. In normal traffic the drive takes 20 to 30 minutes. On Derby weekend the roads around the Downs are very busy and some are closed or controlled, so agree a pick-up point and a return time with us before you travel. Race day details are on the official Derby page.
Racing at Lingfield Park
Lingfield Park is one of the few British courses with racing in every season. Its all-weather track keeps meetings going through the winter, and there is jump racing in the colder months as well. Many fixtures are afternoon meetings.
The course is roughly 12 miles south-east of Reigate. A taxi usually takes about half an hour by way of Godstone and the A22. Winter meetings finish around dusk, so book your return for shortly after the last race. Fixtures are listed on the Lingfield Park website.
Pantomime at The Hawth, Crawley
The Hawth in Crawley is the nearest large theatre for many families in Reigate, Redhill and Horley. Its pantomime runs through most of December, and this winter the show is Aladdin. The rest of the year brings touring musicals, dance, comedy and concerts.
The theatre is about ten miles south of Reigate, close to Crawley town centre, and the drive is normally around 25 minutes. A pantomime audience leaves all at once, so a booked return car saves a wait in the cold. Tell us if you need a child seat or a larger vehicle. Show times are on The Hawth’s website.
Winter light trails at Wakehurst and Wisley
Two after-dark garden trails are within reach of Reigate each winter. Glow Wild at Wakehurst, near Ardingly in West Sussex, is a lantern trail through the botanic garden. Glow at RHS Garden Wisley lights up the Surrey garden beside the A3. Both run from late November into the new year.
Wakehurst is about 17 miles south by the M23 and Turners Hill. Wisley is a similar distance to the west along the M25. Allow 30 to 40 minutes for either in normal traffic. Entry is usually by timed ticket and evening public transport to both gardens is limited, so we plan your pick-up around your slot. Wrap up warm, as the trails are outdoors.
Planning your journey
- Book as early as you can for Derby weekend and for December evenings, when demand for cars is high.
- Give us the start time of the event and we will suggest a pick-up time with a margin for traffic.
- Book the return at the same time and agree a meeting point away from the main gates.
- Choose the vehicle by group size. Our fleet runs from saloon cars to 14 seat minibuses.
Event travel FAQs
How much is a taxi from Reigate to Epsom Downs or Lingfield Park?
Every Plus Ride fare is fixed when you book, with no surge pricing. The price depends on the vehicle, the pick-up address and any extra stops. Ask for a quote online or by phone.
Can you take a group to the races or the pantomime?
Yes. We have 8 seat minivans and 12 and 14 seat minibuses, so a group can travel together in one vehicle.
Can I book the journey home in advance?
Yes. You can book both legs together, and we suggest you do on big event days.
Do you run late at night?
Yes. Plus Ride runs 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Useful Plus Ride pages
- Surrey taxi service
- Taxi in Redhill
- Crawley taxi service
- Horley taxi service
- Our taxi and minibus fleet
Book your event taxi
Get a fixed price for your journey on our online booking page, or call +44 7446 250721 at any time of day.