Things To Do
in Dorking
Dorking is a historic market town in Surrey, about 25 miles southwest of central London. Nestled in the Mole Valley, it sits amid vineyards, woodlands, and the North Downs. The town has a lively high street with independent shops and traditional pubs, and serves as a gateway to Box Hill and Denbies Wine Estate.
It's known for its rural charm, easy access to nature, and a relaxed countryside pace.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with an invigorating hike through the picturesque Surrey Hills, where lush green landscapes and charming villages await. Grab a hearty breakfast at a local café in Dorking before hitting the trails. Enjoy the fresh air as you take in the stunning panoramic views from the summit of Box Hill.
After your hike, visit the charming town of Dorking and explore its unique shops and antique stores. Treat yourself to a delightful lunch at a traditional pub that serves locally-sourced meals. Spend your afternoon relaxing at the Dorking Museum, where you can learn about the town's rich history.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at one of Dorking's fine restaurants for dinner, sampling the best of British cuisine. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the town's historic streets. Cap off the evening with a pint at a local pub while enjoying some live music or engaging in conversation with friendly locals.
Begin your day with a relaxing breakfast at your accommodation before heading out to visit one of the renowned vineyards in the area. Participate in a guided tour to learn about the wine-making process while enjoying the beautiful scenery of vineyard rows under the morning sun. Taste a selection of exquisite wines crafted from local grape varietals.
After an enjoyable wine tasting experience, have lunch at the vineyard's bistro, where you can savor dishes expertly paired with the wines you sampled earlier. Spend your afternoon exploring the charming countryside in a rented bicycle, taking in the extensive patchwork of fields and hedgerows. Make your way to the beautiful Denbies Wine Estate for another tasting session or a scenic walk.
Return to Dorking for dinner at a local restaurant specializing in seasonal dishes. Spend the evening at the Dorking Halls, where you can catch a live performance or film screening. Enjoy a nightcap at a nearby bar, reflecting on the day’s delightful experiences.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 💶Meal for 2 with drinks at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| 🚌Public transportation (daily pass) | $8-12 |
| 🏨Hotel/guesthouse per night | $90-160 |
| 🧺Groceries (weekly) | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming countryside setting and easy access to Box Hill and Denbies
- Relaxed, safe town with walkable center
- Great day trips to Surrey Hills and countryside pubs
- Good value compared with bigger cities
- Limited nightlife compared with larger cities
- Can be touristy around Box Hill during peak times
- Some rural roads can be busy; parking can be tricky in town center
Places to Visit in Dorking
Visit one of these nice places.
Sweeping ridge views across the North Downs, with dramatic chalk escarpments and scenic farmland.
Historic town center with charming shop fronts and the Market Hall, great for candid street photography.
The highest point in Southeast England with panoramic landscapes and moody lightings.
Quiet riverside scenes and pastoral landscapes ideal for golden-hour photography.
Rolling vineyards and sunset views; shoot across the hillside and around the estate.
Food in Dorking
Dorking Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Scones with clotted cream and jam, a classic afternoon treat often enjoyed in local tearooms and cafés.
Must-Try!
A hearty morning staple with eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, and toast.
Classic pub dish with battered fish and chips; look for fresh local fish options where available.
Dishes highlighting locally sourced produce from nearby farms and vineyards.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market (Wednesdays and Saturdays) in Market Street offering fresh produce, cheeses, and baked goods.
Occasional farmers’ market featuring local producers from Mole Valley and Surrey.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In UK culture, queueing is respected; wait your turn in lines, buses, and shops.
A friendly greeting like 'please' and 'thank you' goes a long way; tipping not mandatory.
Give others space on public transport and narrow sidewalks.
Safety
Tipping in Dorking
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated; 10-15% in restaurants if service isn’t included. Rounding up at pubs is common.
Cash and cards (including contactless and mobile payments) are widely accepted; some places may accept Apple Pay/Google Pay.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with long daylight, ideal for outdoor hikes, vineyard visits, and countryside picnics; occasional showers—carry light layers.
Vibrant foliage in the Surrey Hills; harvest season and wine tours at Denbies; comfortable temperatures for walks.
Cooler days with crisp air and shorter daylight; festive markets and cosy pubs are popular, watch for frost and rain.
Blossoming trees and gardens; bluebells in woodlands and mild temperatures—great for photography walks.
Dorking at Night
Hiking in Dorking
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible storms on chalk hills with panoramic views, ideal for day hikes.
Highest point in Southeast England with viewpoints; longer hikes through heaths and woodlands.
Scenic routes through farmland and woodlands, suitable for day treks.
Airports
How to reach Dorking by plane.
Approximately 25-40 miles away depending on route; easy rail or car access for international flights.
Approximately 25-40 miles away; major international hub with good rail and road connections.
Less than 60 miles away; convenient for short-haul travel via rail connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Founded as a market town with a strong sense of community and good schools.
Older residents, enjoying countryside living and local clubs.
Some residents commute to London or nearby towns for work.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local leagues and friendly matches are common; many parks host games.
Seasonal play in parks and club grounds during summer.
Nearby golf courses in Surrey and Mole Valley; scenic courses.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Dorking.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most pubs and cafés offer vegetarian options; when in doubt ask for the chef's recommendations or look for veggie mains and sides.
Many places provide vegan options like plant-based mains and salads; check for vegan cheese or dairy-free sauces.
Gluten-free bread and pasta options available in many eateries; inform staff of gluten intolerance.