Planning your visit to Dorking - a gateway to the Surrey Hills

28th September 2021

Nestling at the foot of the chalky slopes of the popular Box Hill beauty spot in the heart of Surrey, Dorking is a glorious gateway to the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a fantastic destination for a weekend break.

South Street in Dorking, Surrey (Photo Kate Chapman)

There’s lots to do in this beautiful market town.

Stroll along its lively long high street and shop amongst an eclectic mix of independent retailers, antique shops, quirky boutiques and artisan markets.

Refuel and refresh in some of Surrey’s best pubs, coffee shops and restaurants. Haute cuisine or casual dining go equally well with Dorking’s award-winning craft beers, wines and spirits.

Take in a film or show in the art deco splendour of the Dorking Halls. Go for a swim or play sport next door. Enjoy some me-time in the town’s gorgeous spa. Walk in glorious woodland surrounding the town or relax with a picnic in the park.

Steeped in history, Dorking’s intriguing heritage links directly to the founding of the United States four centuries ago, and there are many more fascinating aspects to discover.

It’s easy to see why writers, composers, actors and artists past and present have been so inspired here. There’s a vibrant culture and unique spirit that make a visit to this jewel in Surrey’s crown unforgettable.

With so much to do in Dorking and even more to love about it, you will be drawn back time and again.

Here are just a few Visit Surrey suggestions for your next visit:

Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking, Surrey (Photo: Helen Dixon)

Explore

Offering spectacular views whichever way you look, Dorking is a must for walkers, cyclists and lovers of the great outdoors. It’s perfect for families too.

Box Hill, Leith Hill, the Stepping Stones, Cotmandene, Deepdene, Meadowbank, the Glory Woods and Ranmore - incredible spaces to enjoy within the town or along its edges.

Many, including the enigmatic Deepdene Trail, have an enthralling story to tell and can be easily reached from the centre of town. Venture a little further to the top of Box Hill or Leith Hill, whose Tower marks the highest point in the South East, and you’ll be rewarded with stunning far-reaching views across 14 counties - from capital to coast.

No visit to Dorking is complete without a walk or train ride through Denbies Wine Estate, the UK’s largest vineyard. Rows of vines threading across the chalky slopes of the North Downs almost transport you to the South of France, if it wasn’t for the iconic St Martin’s Church spire gleaming in the valley below. All this and more, less than an hour’s escape from London.

Back in to town, head to Dorking Museum on West Street for a treasure trove of fascinating history. Retrace the footsteps of Dorking’s own Mayflower Pilgrim, William Mullins, whose family’s epic journey to the New World in 1620 led to the founding of the United States. The Museum is a short walk from the Mullins family home - the only surviving house of a Pilgrim Father and now a fabulous coffee shop well worth a visit.

There’s excitement to discover underground too. Tours of Dorking’s mysterious network of caves can be booked at the Museum, whose guided walks and talks allow you to delve in to more of Dorking’s past.

West Street in Dorking, Surrey (Photo: Kate Chapman)

Shop

Art, antiques, fashion, interiors, jewellery, beauty products, award-winning foods, wines, beers and spirits, artisan gifts and quirky curiosities - you can buy all these and more in Dorking’s wonderful array of independent shops, boutiques and markets.

Famous for its antiques shops and now also home to an inspiring mix of contemporary retailers and a beautiful spa, West Street is the perfect place to search for something truly unique. As are Dorking’s Artisan and Vintage Brocante Markets which take place in St Martin’s Walk on selected Sundays.

Dorking’s market town roots go back to at least the 13th century. Today, in addition to its artisan and vintage offerings, the town still hosts a traditional weekly Friday market. You can stop by Dorking’s FoodFloat in St Martin's Walk en route to the market, or buy locally sourced delicious fresh produce from the FoodFloat on Saturdays in the High Street.

With so many Dorking shops and stalls proudly family-owned, you will be treated to a level of product knowledge and customer service you’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere.

Take the time to look around the town’s art shops, galleries and studios, browse shops from one end of town to the other, visit Dorking’s exciting markets and work up an appetite picking out fabulous treats for yourself, or family and friends.

Steve Drake's Sorrel restaurant in Dorking, Surrey (Photo: Sorrel)

Eat

Whether you are meeting friends or family for a catch-up over coffee, celebrating with a meal or treating yourself to an evening of fine dining, Dorking has fantastic options for all tastes and budgets.

Start your day with breakfast or brunch, or take a lunch-break from shopping, at one of Dorking’s splendid coffee shops, cafes or deli’s. There are many to choose from, along with traditional pubs, tasty takeaways and stylish restaurants offering an extensive choice of cuisines for lunch or dinner.

Book ahead for Sorrel, Steve Drake’s Michelin-starred and AA Restaurant of the Year - a culinary experience too good to miss. Or take a table at one of the town’s excellent eateries showcasing local produce and flavours. You can tour the world courtesy of Dorking’s restaurants and all the delicious international dishes they offer.

Many of Dorking’s wonderful pubs serve great food, alongside local award-winning beers, wines and spirits, with lovely gardens and creative outdoor dining options available as well as tables inside.

Dorking has definitely taken the drinks world by storm, thanks to a multitude of well-deserved accolades awarded to Denbies, Surrey Hills Brewery, The Gin Kitchen and Dorking Brewery. Make sure you sample their offerings during your visit and buy some gifts to take back home too!

Dorking High Street with White Horse Hotel (Photo: Kate Chapman)

Stay

With too many delights to experience in one day, make a weekend of it and book an overnight stay at one of Dorking’s fantastic hotels, guest houses or B&Bs.

Perfectly located in the centre of town, The White Horse coaching inn dates back as far as 1278 and has stories galore to share. Contemporary and cosy, its stylish bar and restaurant and luxury en-suite bedrooms create the perfect base from which to explore.

A short drive from the centre of Dorking takes you to the Mercure Burford Bridge Hotel, a stone’s throw from the picturesque River Mole, with the slopes of Box Hill providing a stunning backdrop to many of the hotel’s rooms and its beautiful outdoor heated swimming pool.

Or you can stay at Denbies, home to Britain’s first vineyard hotel, with unbeatable views across 265 acres of vines to Box Hill and the North Downs from the winery’s third floor restaurant, all within easy reach of Dorking Station and the town centre.

B&Bs dotted in and around Dorking also offer exceptional value and a homely welcome to visitors from near and far.

So, there we have it, Dorking – a vibrant Surrey market town surrounded by spectacular countryside that will appeal to families, foodies, antiques hunters, culture-hungry creatives, shop-til-you-droppers and outdoor adventurers alike.

• For itineraries and all the latest information on things to do in Dorking, along with details of offers and events, visit hellodorking.com. Download the LoyalFree App to see the latest offers www.loyalfree.co.uk.