Virtual tours highlight towns' cultural heritage

Virtual tours of Epsom and Ewell, including looking inside the Watch House in Ewell, aim to highlight the area's cultural heritage

Virtual tours of two Surrey towns have been launched to try to widen access to history and culture in the surrounding area.

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council said two 30-minute tours of the towns aim to "shine a spotlight on the history and cultural heritage of the two places".

The tours, which can be accessed for free online, include elements of local culture including looking inside the Watch House on Ewell High Street, and hearing ghost stories from residents.

Clive Woodbridge, chairman of the council's community and wellbeing committee, said: "I have lived in the borough of Epsom & Ewell for many years, and I found these tours completely fascinating."

He added: "I thoroughly recommend them, whether you are new to the borough, a long-time resident like me, or someone who is interested in the local area – they can be enjoyed by everyone.

"These two new inclusive Virtual Day Trips show our commitment to increasing access to our borough's rich history and cultural heritage. They will help people really get to know our fantastic local area."

Other parts of the tours include hearing from local residents about their passions, such as a behind the scenes tour of the Epsom Beekeepers Association.

The tour was funded by money from Epsom and Ewell's Arts, Culture and Heritage funding allocation from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Another virtual tour, looking at the Nonsuch Formal Gardens, was previously released in 2024.