A weekend break to Dorking

If you’re a practiced mini-breaker who has already found Dorking, we salute you. For those who haven’t found our secret? Let us share something special; when you’ve more than a few hours, the doors to all things Dorking start to open. The town centre starts to reach outwards, and the stunning Surrey Hills open up before you. Life here is paced to match you, so don’t hurry – enjoy the views, the atmosphere, the lifestyle.

Take a weekend, and let us show you around!

For Families with young children

Friday

Whether you arrive by train or car, you can’t fail to see the lush landscape opening out before you as you arrive. Start to breathe, set down your bags, and then get in the mood by taking in a little culture at the volunteer-led Dorking Museum and Heritage Centre.

The small ones will love the dinosaur bones and fancy-dress hats and you can learn about the town’s history through some beautifully curated local artifacts.

For those who love the footie, the Dorking Wanderers Football Club is Dorking’s incredible semi-professional football club situated in the beautiful Meadowbank park in the heart of town. The club quickly climbed from the non-league pyramid from park football to the National League South.

Once you’ve an appetite, continue the historic tour by going a few doors down to Mullins Coffee Shop, the only remaining Pilgrim Home in the whole of the UK. Or head for a hearty lunch at the Old House at Home, the Queen’s Head or Dorking Deli, all within walking distance of the Museum.

 

 

Ready for a run around? Meadowbank Playpark is a safe and friendly spot, with a state-of-the-art outdoor playground themed around local landmarks, as well as an indoor soft play in case it rains.

When you’re ready for a warming tea break, or fancy something a bit more filling, Healthy Kitchen and Cafe Rialto are nearby and they both offer children’s meals – the former offers a range of cocktails too, and the latter has a play space for the children. It’s your call.

For dinner, head down the High Street into South Street to the fabulous Queen’s Head for dinner. If the sun is shining, you can grab a table in the garden or, if it’s a little chilly, snag a cosy table inside in the corner (number 7 is our favourite). They serve up pub classics with a modern twist and the portions are hearty and generous. There’s always a terrific atmosphere in here and the bar staff are first class. Head back to the White Horse for a nightcap and a restful night’s sleep to set you up for the weekend ahead.

Saturday

There’s always a great buzz on a Saturday morning in Dorking and there’s a range of breakfast options available to you. The Dorking Deli does a delicious smashed avocado or butcher’s choice breakfast (as well as gluten-free options), and they serve a mean fresh coffee that comes from beans from the local Box Hill roastery. If last night was a good one, you might want  to try Pepe’s instead, where they will cook you up the works or a terrific sausage butty on floury doorstop bread.

Fancy a film, ballet, a child-friendly show? live Dorking Halls offers world-class entertainment for all ages. It features a huge range of live events, with three cinema screens showing all the latest films, and a popular café/bar serving fresh homemade food. Visitors  can also enjoy live cinema screenings of some of the best drama, opera and ballet in the world.

Get your shop on for the rest of the day with a bit of retail therapy with our shopper’s delight itinerary, or partake in the foodie escape, or go on an art adventure around Dorking. The choice is yours. Just remember to make dinner reservations!

Sunday

We love Sundays in Dorking. One of the joys of living here is that within minutes of the bustling town, you can step out and find yourself in the surrounding countryside of the Surrey Hills. Go for a walk using any of our walking itineraries.

For those who fancy a dip in our pool or want to use our gym, the Dorking Sports Centre is a state of the art leisure facility, offering a gym, sports hall, swimming pool, squash courts, classes, and swim lessons.

Grab yourself a bite at Too Many Cooks on South Street, historic Mullins Coffee Shop on West Street, or Cake Rider Café, all of which offer a delicious selection of coffee, tea and CAKE — it’s just a case of finding an available table amidst the weekend bustle.

And then go off the beaten path for the day. Discover the Deepdene Trail, hike to Leith Hill, check out the Stepping Stones or pick your own adventure in our glorious part of the Surrey Hills. You won’t regret it.

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