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Story of lost racecourse told in guided walks

Bob Dale
BBC News, South East
Getty Images 27th July 1956: Crowds on the upper deck swimming pool at East Molesey in Surrey watching the racing at Hurst Park racecourse. A large group of horses race close to the white rails around the inside of the track.Getty Images
Molesey Racecourse opened in 1890 and closed in 1962

The history of a Surrey racecourse, which hosted races for more than 70 years, will be told through guided walks.

Hurst Park Race Course, in Molesey, opened in 1890 and closed in 1962.

The walks, organised by Elmbridge Museum, take place in February and March.

As well as exploring local history, the free events are also aimed at improving physical and mental health.

Getty Images Race number and jockey name signage boards including that of Lester Piggott are examined by potential buyers at auction as the Hurst Park racecourse is closed down on 5th November 1962 at the Hurst Park racecourse at Moulsey Hurst, West Molesey, Surrey, England.Getty Images
Race and jockey sign boards were sold off when the course shut in 1962

The first walk takes place on 7 February, meeting at the Tesco in Hurst Road, West Molesey, and will cover the history of the site since the race course closed.

The second, on 6 March, will tell the story of the course itself, and begins at the car park in Walton Road, East Moseley.

Both will be led by local historian Anthony Barnes from 10:30 GMT until noon.

Getty Images The remains of the Royal Box at Hurst Park grandstand in Molesey after it was burnt down in a protest by suffragettes. A man in a suit and a straw boater stands in front of the badly damaged building.Getty Images
The Royal Box at the course was burnt down by suffragettes

The walks are also wheelchair accessible.

The events are part of a series of wellbeing walks and cycle rides being organised by Elmbridge Borough Council in the first three months of 2025.

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