There’s no need to hibernate this winter—Dorking has plenty to keep you occupied. From cosy corners to community wildlife walks and glowing festivals, here are our simple, feel-good ideas for getting out and about while the frost is on the ground.
1. Dorking Halls: Winter Blockbusters & Big Nights Out
When the weather is truly biting, retreat indoors. Dorking Halls offers a cinema showing the latest blockbusters and a theatre with a variety of shows. This season’s highlights include:
- Cirque Enchantment (Sat 14th Feb): A perfect Valentine’s treat, this production features a “frozen circus wonderland” with breathtaking vocals and mesmerising performers.
- Martin Kemp’s 80s Gold (Sat 31st Jan): Shake off the January blues with the ultimate back-to-the-80s DJ party.
- Professor Alice Roberts (Sun 22nd Feb): For the history lovers, an evening exploring the fall of the Roman Empire and the rise of Christianity.
2. Try Something New: Workshops & Hobbies
What if January was the month you tried something new? It’s easier than you think in Dorking, so get ready for a reason to get out of the house, learn a great skill, and meet new people. Here is some inspiration to get you started:
- Westcott & Williams: A welcoming space full of creativity and colour, offering furniture painting and hands-on creative workshops that build confidence as well as skills.
- Tracey’s Sewing Room: From enthusiastic beginners to experienced makers, their sewing classes are friendly, social, and practical. A great way to spend time over the winter while connecting with others.
- Game n Play: More than a games shop, this is a place to connect. Join the Ukulele Club, try Dungeons & Dragons, or visit for Chess Club. It’s ideal if you’re looking for something social and screen-free.
3. Take a Winter Wander (with a Local Expert!)
Wrap up warm and enjoy a stroll in Dorking’s gorgeous green spaces. To stay close to town, there is Meadowbank, Cotmandene, and the Deepdene Trail. Or visit our famous countryside—try Box Hill, Leith Hill, and Denbies Hillside for incredible views.
Special Event: Join our partners at Abbeyfield for “A Walk from The Nower to Nower House.” It takes place every last Friday of the month (10am–12pm) and is guided by a local wildlife expert. You can warm up afterward with hot beverages and in-house baked goods at Nower House.
4. Get Cosy in a Local Café or Historic Pub
January is the perfect time to linger over a hot chocolate, a bowl of soup, or a long coffee stop in one of Dorking’s many independent cafés.
If you prefer a fire to a coffee machine, Dorking has you covered. With historic inns a plenty there’s nothing better than ending a cold day by grabbing a drink and warming yourself by the hearth.
5. Shake Off the Chill by Getting Fit
If you need to move to stay warm, Dorking Sports Centre features a newly refurbished gym. If high-intensity isn’t your thing, enjoy the swimming pool, or head straight for the steam room and sauna to truly shake off the winter chill.
There are also pilates and yoga studios in town so this could be the chance to take care of your body a bit more and create good habits for the rest of the year.
6. Light Up the Dark: The Dorking Festival of Light
Something brand new is coming to Dorking this February, and it’s going to shine! On Friday, 20th February, join us for the town’s very first Festival of Light.
- The Celebration: Gather at Dorking Halls from 5:30pm for entertainment and a Monte Forte pizza truck, before the glowing lantern procession heads down the High Street at approx 6:15pm.
- Get Creative: If you want to carry your own lantern, join the Family Lantern Workshop at Dorking Halls on the afternoon of the 20th (2pm–5pm). We are also running workshops for Adults, Businesses and Community Groups. It’s a wonderful way to bring a little warmth and light to the town during the long winter nights. Click here for further details.
January and February don’t need to be dull—come and enjoy all Dorking has to offer!
Photo credit: Bogdan Schitaenu
