Explore Dorking
If you want to know a place, ask the people. The people in the shops, on the streets, walking their dogs and living in that place every day.
So — we did.
At HelloDorking we could spout for hours on our local independent shops (and the hidden gems we’ve just found too alluring…), the stunning Surrey Hills backdrop, and just how easy it is to leap on a train for an afternoon or weekend into our glorious market town community. But we’d rather let our local community tell you themselves.
We’ve compiled some of the suggestions so far, and every week for #TravelThursday, we will ask our community for their insight on what they love about Dorking and want to share with the world. Maybe an activity, shop or event is perfect for a couple of hours, or really — to make the most of it— one needs a day.
Did we miss your go-to haunt for top local ales? Did we miss something unmissable? If you were taking a visitor around our historic town, where would you go? Share your favourite itineraries with us — for an afternoon, a day, a weekend…there is so much to see, share and do.
Send your #TravelThursday suggestions to @HelloDorking on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook and have your say.
What would be your perfect Dorking day? Share Dorking’s hidden gems.
“It’s the Dorking Deli all day long for us. It’s just my favourite little hangout! Plus they gave a great selection of herbal teas 💕💕” — Kate
“The Stepping Stones! That picture rivals any exotic location you see on Instagram. But then, having grown up in Brockham, near Boxhill, I may be biased!” — Sally
“The Stepping Stones, then Denbies then William IV pub garden for pint if it’s a nice day. Also the Gilliangladrag Fluff-a-torium and West St generally. Also The Old House Dorking for Narnia and Garden and Cobbetts Beer and The Queens Head.” — Kerry
“S.C.Fullers South street oldest shop in Dorking 126 years old this year. To get fishing bait then off to Mullins to get a cake and coffee then down to the Stepping Stones for a bit of fishing & eating cake. If I felt like it walk up the steep steps of Boxhill to the first view point that looks over Denbies Vineyard. What a day.” — Chris
“The Cricketers is a MUST for a decent pint 👍🏻” — Kerry
“Nice walk up Leith Hill followed by some food at the Queens Head! 😁” — Andrea
“Leith Hill, Two Many Cooks, Dorking Deli, Community Fridge, the view from South St across to Box Hill, Cotmandene, the pump at Pump Corner, the Rec! Oh and The Fluffatorium!! — Clare
“We’re totally in love with the newly refurbished @thequeensheaddorking. Great decor, fab wine list, amazingly good service and beautiful, beautiful food! What’s not to love? ” — Kate
“Oh.. and if you’re looking for a fine wine takeaway, look no further than @thevineyarddorking (and pick up a bottle of Chateau Gairoid rose to see your summer nights go smoothly)!”— Kate
We’ll share local’s favourite hidden Dorking gems every other Thursday (#TravelThursday). Let us know what you think. Better yet, visit Dorking and tell us yourself on @HelloDorking on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
Getting here
Dorking is only 40 minutes from London with easy access from Gatwick and the M25. It is served by three rail stations: Dorking Station and Dorking Deepdene Station are a 10 minute walk to town from the east and Dorking West is about a 15 minute walk to town. All stations are served by trains from both Victoria and Waterloo (approximately 45 minutes). For more information, please visit the National Rail website. For information on bus timetables, please visit the Surrey County Council website. Download our DorkingLoyalFree App for complete details on parking or visit the Mole Valley District website.
