Nestled in the sweeping allure of Mole Valley, Dorking welcomes you to a world of chocolate box villages, idyllic vineyards, and ancient woodlands teeming with new life. The Surrey Hills National Landscape unfurls beyond the town’s doorstep, promising rapturous walks and mesmeric views from some of the highest points in South-East England. A whisper from London, Dorking is perfect for soulful sojourns that swap city streets for moss-garlanded trees and patchwork countryside.
Tucked away amidst arcadian surrounds, country pubs and cosy cafés serve artisan repasts, fuelling adventures and inspiring pursuits as you immerse in Surrey’s verdant embrace. Uncover historic sites that have only recently been saved from time’s ivy-clad grasp, explore winding landscapes on foot or by bike, and discover why this winsome corner of Surrey has captured the hearts of many.
Visit Dorking to reveal a world of antique charm and outstanding natural beauty, whether you seek a short break somewhere special or a long, lavish stay you can truly sink into.
History
Dorking’s rich history is woven through its historic streets and surrounding hills, whether it’s Bronze Age barrows or Tudor influences interlaced with the market town’s varied architecture. There are several noteworthy landmarks, including a 10-foot sculpture by local artist Peter Parkinson that pays homage to the town’s trade history and the Art Deco Dorking Halls, which now house a cinema and theatre for a diverse catalogue of entertainment. Dorking’s intriguing history also includes several notable names, from the musical musings of composer Vaughan Williams to six of the Mayflower Pilgrims who went on to travel to the New World. Dorking Museum invites you to delve deeper into the town’s storied past and vibrant heritage, from cycling through the centuries to prehistoric finds.
Places to eat
Sorrel
Boasting a Michelin Star and four AA Rosettes, Sorrel shines a light on traditional cooking and classic flavours, infusing each dish with imagination and creativity. This results in a menu that celebrates the simplicity of local ingredients while elevating each ingredient to new heights. Explore the à la carte menu for a seasonal selection of dreamy dishes, from English heritage beetroot with horseradish and dill to Brixham brill with Portwood asparagus and watercress, or opt for the tasting menu to experience the menu in its enticing entirety. The restaurant itself echoes the ethos of the kitchen, with fresh interiors accented by original wooden beams, creating a space that welcomes the old and the new in perfect harmony.
Turkuaz
Combining Turkish and Mediterranean dishes with farm-to-fork ingredients, Turkuaz is for anyone seeking a unique dining experience. Sleek interiors craft a serene spot in which to indulge in curated cocktails, decadent brunches, and light lunches that take you on a tour of Europe’s enchanting landscapes. In the evening, the restaurant takes on a more intimate atmosphere, with a menu that promises a beguiling blend of flavours, whether you opt for the oh-so-moreish mixed grill or a bowl of garlic butter mussels paired with salt-flecked fries. Live entertainment is often found here, too, from singers to belly dancers, creating an evening that celebrates every moment you spend at Turkuaz.
The Watermill
A spellbinding pub tucked away amidst Surrey’s rolling hills, The Watermill beckons for epicurean feasts in a blissful setting. The exterior welcomes you with a captivating combination of dusty pink hues and Tudor touches, while freshly styled interiors invite you to unwind from the moment you arrive. Take a pew at the bar and enjoy a satisfying selection of local ales and refreshing spirits, or book a table in the dining room, where the menu offers a seasonally shifting exploration of local flavours and dishes. Start your meal with a soul-warming soup, before enjoying a pub classic like fish and chips or a 35-day dry-aged ribeye steak with all the trimmings. Sundays promise a traditional roast, while the brunch menu ensures you’re set up for a day exploring the Surrey Hills. When you return from your winsome walk, take a seat in the beautiful pub garden, where covered seating, sun-soaked spots, and panoramic views await.
What Dilly Cooks
To uncover the many beautiful walks that trace Dorking’s storybook setting, What Dilly Cooks is the perfect place to prepare a tempting picnic. Specialising in sandwiches brimming with local ingredients and a plethora of sides that promise a wealth of flavours with every bite. Hike to the summit of Box Hill, where verdant views unfurl around you, before savouring each artisan bite with succulent chicken satay, chicken or aubergine Parm, or a satisfyingly sweet and salty harissa and honey halloumi blend. Pair your meal with some juicy pulled pork fries and a matcha latte for a truly memorable picnic atop Surrey’s heavenly hillscapes.
Walks
Box Hill
With the Surrey Hills National Landscape on your doorstep, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to scenic strolls. One of the most iconic heights in the Surrey Hills, Box Hill beckons for those who seek rolling vistas and breathtaking climbs through rich woodland. The most famous route takes you on an 8-mile circular trail, which passes ancient towers, verdant valleys, and flower-strewn heaths, as well as cosy pubs and welcoming cafés for a moment of repose. For a shorter trail, the Box Hill Stepping Stones trail is a storybook path that passes two of Surrey’s fairytale landmarks before taking you to the summit of this beloved hill. At the top, explore the ruins of the Old Fort, a fascinating structure built to defend London in the late 19th century, or sink into the quiet sanctuary of the café for refreshment.
Leith Hill
Another hill to draw visitors from afar is Leith Hill, where bluebells adorn the hillside in a periwinkle cloak in spring, and a historic tower stands watch over the landscape. Promising dappled walks and family-friendly strolls, the woods invite you to uncover a magical world beneath a mantle of rustling leaves. Rhododendrons fill the air with their heady scent in the summer months, while autumn casts the scenes in a coppery glow as leaves crunch underfoot and sunlight filters through the burnished canopy. A dreamy circular path leads you around the hill in an idyllic loop framed by ancient oaks, towering pines, and the lavender kiss of native bluebells, their pretty heads bowing in reverence to the trees above. When you reach the tower, be sure to climb its spiralling staircase for views across Surrey towards London in the north and the English Channel in the south.
Headley Heath
If countryside oases tempt you, a walk at Headley Heath is sure to stir the soul. A beguiling mix of sweeping heathland, cloaked woodland, and chalk downland crafts an idyllic backdrop to your stroll, with many paths winding through an arcadian tableau. A Site of Special Scientific Interest, wildlife lovers will adore the heath’s rich inhabitants, from the iridescent sheen of dragonflies to the graceful airs of the deer that graze amongst the diverse landscapes. In the summer months, the heathland comes alive in a magenta haze as the heather lends its sumptuous scents to the air, or visit in spring to witness the area’s feathered occupants return home to nest. Headley is popular with walkers, cyclists, dog walkers, and horse riders, inviting you to enjoy the sweeping environs as you choose.
North Downs Way
Stretching 153 miles from Farnham in Surrey to the white cliffs of Dover in Kent, the North Downs Way beckons to all who wish to leave the world behind for a while. Dorking sits in the first section of the route, inviting you to head out in either direction for a glimpse of the trail’s picturesque panoramas, or you can travel to the start and follow in the wanderlust footsteps of countless before you. Uncover magnificent castles, chocolate box villages, and flourishing gardens as you trace the path etched into the very ground beneath your feet. The trail can be taken on in one reverent challenge, or you can whittle away at the route each time you visit, forming a mosaic of memories that bask in the beauty of Surrey and Kent’s undulating vistas.
Attractions
Polesden Lacey
Polesden Lacey is a magical Edwardian house set amongst a sprawling 1,600-acre estate with rich gardens and varied parkland. Once the home of Margaret Greville, the house sings of social soirées framed by antique furniture, captivating paintings and sculptures that fashion the ornate interiors. When the fresh air calls, step into the curated gardens for soothing walks through herbaceous borders and rose-scented grounds. Beyond the gardens, dappled woodlands and flower-topped hills await, making Polesden Lacey a dreamy place for a bewitching stroll. A coffee shop and café offer flavoursome delights, while the Garden Room second-hand bookshop promises a tempting collection of vintage reads.
South Street Caves
Hidden beneath Dorking in a tapestry of subterranean secrets, South Street Caves offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s storied past. Although the exact age of the tunnels is unknown, they have been used as storage for centuries, with many antechambers perfect for stowing wines. Carved through the sandstone that sits beneath the town, the caves are peppered with graffiti through the ages, with the oldest etching dating back to the 17th century. Today, you can book private tours to see these hollowed halls for yourself, hearing tales of smugglers, escapees, and illegal gambling activities.
Deepdene House and Gardens
Although Deepdene House was demolished in 1967, the grounds have become a Grade II* listed site that reminds us of the power of restoration. The beloved Deepdene Trail now winds through the historic gardens, inviting you to uncover a series of time-worn remnants. First created in the 17th century by Charles Howard, the Italianate gardens promise a wonderland of hidden tunnels, enchanted grottos, and tiered terraces framed with cascading views. Marvel at the once-buried mausoleum, trace the paths briefly lost to time, and imagine a time when this grand estate stretched all the way from Box Hill to Brockham in a sweep of perfectly manicured elegance.
Things to do
Go shopping in Dorking
Famous for its antique shops and independent boutiques, Dorking is well-placed for a spot of retail therapy. For those seeking vintage finds, the town’s auction galleries and antique shops invite you to uncover timeless treasures, from cherished paintings and collectable curios to beautiful pieces of furniture in search of a new home. For smaller mementoes of your stay in Dorking, the town’s welcoming independent retailers promise an enchanting selection to choose from, including fashion boutiques, homeware specialists, and jewellers where gold and silver dipped delights await. In place of a market, Dorking has a beloved community interest project, Food Float, where local food producers sell their delicious fare, from freshly baked treats to local honey.
Explore Denbies Wine Estate
Set within the undulating vistas of the Surrey Hills, Denbies Wine Estate beckons for viticultural pursuits beneath a sprawling sky. Offering a selection of award-winning wines since 1986, Denbies invites you to delve deeper into a world gilded by golden whites, sparkling Pinot Noirs, and vibrant vermouths that promise depth and character with every sip. The estate hosts a variety of tours and tastings, whether you wish to pair your experience with a stroll around the grounds, a one-day workshop, or a sparkling afternoon tea in the Vineyard Restaurant, where you can bask in fruity flavours and vine-striped vistas. Make sure to stop by the shop to take some bottles home with you.
Cycling
Known locally as the cycling capital of England, Dorking is a renowned spot to soak up the scenery on two wheels. In 2012, the town hosted an Olympic road cycling event, which saw racers climb the famous Zig Zag route up Box Hill. Now one of the most well-known cycling routes in the world, why not take on the incline yourself? The views from the top are utterly entrancing, and there’s a lovely National Trust café where you can rest while admiring panoramic vistas across the River Mole Valley. Between Box Hill, Leith Hill, and the Surrey Hills Loops, it’s easy to see why many seek a cycling sojourn in Dorking.
Festival of Good Living
Making its inaugural appearance in 2026, the Festival of Good Living promises two weeks of revelry set against the historic streets of Dorking. The festival is a celebration of all the wonderful things on offer in and around Dorking, including a Grape and Grain Trail for pub aficionados, a Food and Drink Day for food lovers, and an Artisan and Vintage Indoor Market to highlight the town’s antique status. There will also be a walking festival, so you can explore Dorking’s many wondrous trails, whether on your own or with a knowledgeable guide. Held in September, the festival is the perfect excuse to escape to the charms of Dorking and immerse yourself in the local culture.
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