It begins with three words: outstanding natural beauty. It has drawn visitors and locals alike to this quintessential English town for hundreds of years. From Vaughan Williams to Charles Darwin, Dorking has charmed its way into people’s hearts as an easy get away. Effortless, relaxed, uncomplicated yet bustling with an energy that draws artists, entrepreneurs, and outdoor activists alike.

Heritage. Culture. Spirit

A hidden gem in the heart of the Surrey Hills, Dorking loved by all who hike its hills, shop its quirky, independent shops, and partake in its locally sourced farm-to-fork restaurants and cafes.

Dorking boasts incredible outdoor spaces that draw those with an independent, free spirit to our town. With access from the M25, Guildford, London Heathrow and Gatwick, and an easy train ride from London by train (and with three train stations), Dorking is an easy get-away.

Dorking satisfies the appetite of the weekender-cyclist who craves a bit of the wild outdoors or the collector who’s been searching for the perfect miniature George III mahogany chest of drawers on our Antique Row in West Street. Dorking is renowned for its independent spirit and heritage – just visit our Dorking Museum, noted by BBC Surrey as one of their ‘Things to Do’ in Surrey.

Explore Dorking

Visit and take tea the only remaining Pilgrim home in the United Kingdom – American Presidents claim ancestry to the Mullins family through William’s daughter Priscilla Alden.

But there’s so much more to Dorking than its past – it has a thriving cultural and independent shopping scene. It is home to local, independent traders and boutiques, a vibrant art scene, a Farmer’s Market-like Sustainable Food Float, and to the Michelin-starred, award-winning Sorrel, AA’s Restaurant of the Year – England.

Thanks to visionaries, dreamers and well, Dorkinians, this quintessential market town is leading revolutions in local food, pastry, craft spirits and beer, putting Dorking on the world’s culinary radar. Visit the Explore section of our site to discover what Dorking has to offer.

Family Friendly

Dorking has activities for both active parents and children, like the Dorking Sports Centre, Dorking Halls, and the Meadowbank Playground and Softplay as well as incredible outdoor spaces at National Trust locations like Polesden Lacy, Leith Hill, Ranmore Common, and Box Hill.

We’ve even got an award-winning vineyard on our doorstep. Denbies Wine Estate is arguably the most beautiful (and largest) in the whole of the United Kingdom.

Itineraries

If you can’t decide what to do first, whether you have an afternoon, a weekend or a week, check out Dorking’s upcoming events or our itineraries, that will satisfy your appetite to escape the expected and explore Dorking.

We hope to see you soon.