London's closest racecourse is set in Sunbury-on-Thames half a mile from J1 of the M3. It is the traditional venue for the big Christmas Festival featuring the King George. Its new floodlit all weather track gives it all-year round racing.

The racecourse was the idea of 19th century businessman (and Conservative Party agent) S.H. Hyde, who was enjoying a carriage drive in the country when he came across Kempton Manor and Park for sale. Hyde leased the grounds in 1872 and six years later in July 1878 Kempton opened as a racecourse.