Explore Dorking
Discover what you have been missing.
Explore what Dorking has to offer: unique and quirky independent shops, antiques and art galleries, boutiques, the very best of British and European fashion, authentic pubs and hostelries, and Michelin-star award-winning Sorrel, AA Restaurant of the Year.
We’re full of heritage and history, from cave tours and dinosaur bones, to walking tours and Suffragette history in our award-winning Dorking Museum. We are leading revolutions in food, with multi-award winning wine at Denbies Vineyard, craft gin, microbreweries, launching hostelries, historic pubs and a football team even Deadpool admires.
We have first-class entertainment at Dorking Halls, a forward-thinking sustainable community, and we are surrounded by an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are so many ways to get to Dorking and have an adventure – here’s all the ways to get to Dorking.
Get to know Dorking
Visiting Dorking? Check out our recommended itineraries below:
Pull out your biggest tote because you’re going to need it! In Dorking we have the most glorious independent boutiques, stocking exclusive brands as well as unique and hand-made, locally sourced products that you just can’t find elsewhere.
Victoria’s Little Bra shop — a teeny, tiny, perfectly formed, lingerie boutique with the most divine chemises, luxury swimwear and sets.
Martha Russell Dorking — stop by for some beautifully sustainable fluid jersey investment pieces for your perfect capsule wardrobe. The collection changes seasonally and you will literally want to buy everything in the shop. Caroline has started a partnership with Liberty of London and you’ll fall in love with the prints.
Anni and Arthurs at the Yard – located in Old Kings Head Court, this sustainable shop is an ideal spot to find preloved fashion. While there, you can pop out into the Courtyard to find a cuppa at Hart’s at the Courtyard, gifts at The Fig Tree, massage and a pedi at The Courtyard Skincare and Beauty, top up your tan at Dorking Solarium and incredible artwork at John Arthur’s Art Gallery and Studio. Perfection!
Aya Boutique — the fabulously stylish Deborah will guide you through her fab selection of European clothes and seriously cool accessories. Her service, style, and approach to fashion is impeccable.
The Wardrobe – located on South Street, is the perfect spot to pick up a range of wonderful womenswear at reasonable prices, whether you’re vacationing or staycationing! With rows of carefully curated clothes that will easily fit into your current collection, and plenty of accessories too.
Westdaw Menswear – Who can resist a little stylish something to gift later on? You’ll find an elegant, sporty and excellent selection of menswear and accessories from Barbour, Gant and Matinique, as well as the quirky stock of Happy Socks!
And there are plenty of other independent shops to visit too whether it’s for home interiors at That Lovely Shop or Westcott and Williams, choosing gifts at The Lemon Tree or Clarkes of Sussex, or looking for the perfect piece of jewellery at Scott’s of Dorking or Blacks II
It’s now got to be lunchtime.
When you’re ready for a quick bite, there’s My Old Commodore, Burgundy and Black, Esquires Coffee, Cups and Co, Oriund Cafe, Tikka Nation and Wimpy to satisfy your hunger. Or try Dorking’s fusion options, including Arrack, Dorking Brasserie, Aroma, New Fountain Garden, and the always popular Cafe Rialto.
We also have Roosters Kitchen for Mediterranean flair, Arto Restaurant offering weekly specials made from locally sourced ingredients, Turkuaz bringing delicious dishes, and the award-winning Queen’s Head Dorking.
It’s your call!
After topping up your energy, pop on over to Indigo Grey Interiors and Lifestyle Store for some scandi chic inspo. Jen is a dream and knows her stuff as a professional interior designer. You really don’t want to miss the multi-award winning Philippa McFarlane at Sandrock House, where you can find fabulous additions, or put the finishing touches to your home. West Street is full of fabulous interior design, antiques and award-winning independent shops to inspire and delight. Find them all in our directory.
If you’re a practised 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:
Friday
Here we will share how to make the most of your time here in just three days. With so much to see and do (and eat!), we have excellent recommendations — made by a world traveller who happens to call Dorking home.
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.
Time for some pampering? A little refresh ready for the evening? We’ve a host of stylish salons at your disposal; pop in to Darren James Bye, the multi-award-winning Teresa Weller Hair Art, Unparalleled Hair. Or for the men, Dorking Barbers on the High Street is perfect for a quick trim and old fashioned wet shave. If you’re looking for a specialist, expert spa treatment, why not pop into Si Salon, and award-winning Mayflower Spa offers complete luxury pampering.
Afterwards, head down the High Street into South Street to the fabulous award-winning 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 here and the bar staff are first class.
Or if you fancy amazing Asian cuisine, we are spoilt for choice: walk back up the high street to Sang Thai, we have a taste of Chinese at the friendly and fresh New Fountain Garden on West Street and Chifan Restaurant at the top of town (a local favourite), and then there’s New Dorking Cantonese on South Street.
So now you’re starting to unwind, let’s grab a welcoming aperitif in Swirl Wine Bar, Knox, or grab a sundowner at the Old House at Home, The Star, The Spotted Dog, The Bulls Head or the multi-award winning Cobbetts Beer Shop and Micropub. Those in the ‘know’ know that they can book a room at the White Horse following its grand reopening, it’s a great base to begin your weekend away, especially if you go authentic and try out our local gins from The Gin Kitchen and Silent Pool.
Whether the wild outdoors is your thing, professional football or you’d rather peruse some superb modern art (or antiquities), or you’d rather nest down in a micropub/historic coffee shop/award-winning restaurant for a few hours, we’ve something to delight all manner of passions here in our beautiful market town of Dorking.
Don’t forget to sign up to alerts and follow us on socials. Every Friday, Hello Dorking provides a “What’s On” in Dorking, so you can find what’s happening in town. We are on all social media platforms, so you can find the details at @HelloDorking.
Saturday
There’s always a great buzz on a Saturday morning in Dorking and there’s a range of breakfast options available to you. HolmeStores gives you the best start to the day with its seasonal menu, avocado on toast and perfectly formed full English breakfast (as well as vegan and 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 Peppe’s, where they will cook you up the works, or a terrific sausage butty on floury doorstop bread. Or to satisfy your sweet tooth visit the award-winning Putty Cakes on West Street for the most delicious homemade cakes.
Get your shop on for the rest of the day with a bit of retail therapy with our other itineraries – shopper’s delight, or partake in the foodie escape, or go on an art adventure around Dorking. The choice is yours. Just remember to make dinner reservations!
Check out Dorking’s live music scene and head to The Kings Head on West Street for a 9pm start. Or head to Dene Street and get your fill of live sport at The White Hart, play pool or challenge your friends to a game of electric darts at Arrack Bar.
Fancy dancing the night away with a fabulous DJ? Then boogie on down to Knox at 287 High Street where you’ll find the perfect combination of dancing and drinks with amazing cocktails and a gorgeous space to show off your moves.
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.
Before you head off, grab yourself a bite at Two Many Cooks on South Street (try their famous boiled egg and soldiers!) or Fothergills in St,Martin’s Walk, both 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. If you fancy something sweet, pop in to Cosy Moose at Pump Corner for one, or a box of macarons or the family-owned Coughlan’s Bakery at 156 High Street.
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. Check out our ‘off the beaten path’ itinerary and list of Dorking Museum tours. You won’t regret it.
Image credits: Dorking Camera Club
If you’ve just a day to spend with us, make sure you spend it wisely.
Families with young children
Start your day by heading to Dorking Museum, the small ones will love the dinosaur bones and fancy-dress hats! Encourage them to learn about the town’s history and heritage through some beautifully curated local artefacts.
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. Then there’s the fabulous Silvermere soft play, great for burning off a bit of energy! They have soft play sessions, messy play, and SEN friendly sessions too, as well as movement classes and yoga for the grown ups.
If you need a bit of a sit down, then you can visit Dorking Halls for theatre productions, the cinema, or just a sit down in their cafe for a drink and a snack.
Right next door is Dorking Sports Centre with a whole host of activities from swimming to roller skating – be sure to check their schedule for availability.
Dorking Library in St Martin’s Walk also entertains the little ones, with Rhyme Time, children’s activities and, of course, lots and lots of books! Just a little further down is Beatitudes filled to the brim with children’s pre-loved clothing and toys. There is an area for great imaginative play, seating, and all are welcome.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, continue the historic tour by heading to Mullins Coffee Shop, the only remaining Pilgrim Home in the whole of the UK. Or head for a lovely lunch at Rialtos, famous for its delicious gelato. There’s Wimpy if they prefer burger and chips or go for good old pub fayre at The Kings Arms on West Street.
Shopper’s delight
Pull out your biggest tote because you’re going to need it! In Dorking we have the most glorious independent boutiques, stocking exclusive brands as well as unique and hand-made, locally sourced products that you just can’t find elsewhere.
Victoria’s Little Bra shop — a teeny, tiny, perfectly formed, lingerie boutique with the most divine chemises, luxury swimwear and sets.
Martha Russell Dorking — stop by for some beautifully sustainable fluid jersey investment pieces for your perfect capsule wardrobe. The collection changes seasonally and you will literally want to buy everything in the shop. Caroline has started a partnership with Liberty of London and you’ll fall in love with the prints.
Mia Strada London – Award-winning, sustainable and eco friendly fashion with lines from Desigual and Cara and the Sky. They also offer sustainable, ethical options for the gents too as well as homewares.
Aya Boutique — the impossibly stylish Deborah will guide you through her fab selection of European clothes and seriously cool accessories. Her service, style, and approach to fashion is impeccable.
Westdaw Menswear – women love to steal their man’s shirts (shh!), and who can resist a little stylish something to gift later on? You’ll find an elegant, sporty and excellent selection of menswear and accessories from Barbour, Gant and Matinique, as well as the quirky stock of Happy Socks!
Dorking is also a dream when it comes to the upcycling revolution. You’ll find fabulous options when it comes to redefining style. Circular Clothing Collective has partnered with EcoBe Zero Waste Shop and are offering clothing on consignment in the premises in St Martin’s Walk and a pop up shop during Christmas.
It’s now got to be lunchtime.
When you’re ready for a warming tea break, or fancy something a bit more filling,The Lounge at Dorking Wanderers Football Club and Cafe Rialto are nearby and they both offer all manner of family options – the former offers a range of cocktails too. We also have Roosters Kitchen for Mediterranean flair, Arto Restaurant offering weekly specials made from locally sourced ingredients, and the award-winning Queen’s Head Dorking.
It’s your call!
After lunch, might we suggest a little light loop along West Street and South Street?
The shops of West Street will make you reconsider your home décor just to fit in one of their pieces. The street’s reputation in the industry is renowned, attracting interest from antiques dealers from around the world. If antique furniture or objet d’art are your thing, this street is a must see.
And if you are still standing, pop on over to Indigo Grey Interiors and Lifestyle Store for some scandi chic inspo. Jen is a dream and knows her stuff as a professional interior designer. Harman’s tailor-made furniture is where you can peruse the handmade British furniture and accessories, and you really don’t want to miss the multi-award winning Philippa McFarlane at Sandrock House, along with her business partner Rebecca (at this Wild House) where you can put the finishing touches to your newly (mentally) redecorated home. West Street is full of fabulous interior design, antiques and award-winning independent shops to inspire and delight. Find them all in our directory.
You might have heard it before, but we’re very proud of our independent spirit here in Dorking. The town has a unique vibe because of our inhabitants, their vision, their creativity, and their passion for making their own dreams come true.
If you like a little of the unique yourself, then you’ve come to the right place. Dorking is the perfect match of small town, big ideas. Let us share some of the best of our recent, upcoming and annual independent events…
Our DorKing Coronation Event was a brilliant display of our heritage, culture and spirit! It was a celebration of our community: encouraging sustainability, volunteerism, and supporting local products in our high street economy. The town has a strong volunteer ethos: we have had 29 local artists submit their work for our art competition; 60+ nominations for our community spirit awards, 22 volunteer groups participate in our volunteer village, 4 volunteer musical acts join in to perform at the celebration, 3 judges donate their time, and countless volunteers signed up on the day. Meet the winners of our community spirit awards and art competition.
Pippfest is a free annual festival that takes place on the first weekend in September at Pippbrook House. There’s live local music, an artist’s colony, healing fields, craft stalls, plus some exquisite food stalls (as well as some bars for the adults). It’s fun for the whole family, with children’s games aplenty, and you don’t even need a ticket.
More of an independent film buff? The Dorking Radical Film Festival is your chance to revel in some lesser known masterpieces in the Green Room Theatre in the heart of our town. Often the screenings are accompanied by poetry readings, or a topical guest speaker joins the evening, or the organisers will link the event with the work of local charities. Supporting this festival is high on our list.
And we haven’t even described our independent family-run shops yet. Families build businesses, and businesses build towns, and we’ve got them all; from S C Fuller, est. 1892 and still run by descendants of the original man, through to Mullins Coffee shop which is in the ancestral home of Williams Mullins, one of North America’s Pilgrim Fathers…
The Boot Hole turned 40 last year and the Dorking Model Shop has been running for 50 years. Eternal Tattoos is a sprightly 25 years old and that’s just scratching the surface of our indie shops. Visit our directory of shops to get started, there are organised by categories of: Shop, Eat, Stay and Professional Services.
Be sure to visit Dorking and share your photos with us by tagging our social accounts at #HelloDorking – there’s a treasure around every corner waiting to be discovered by you. Dorking has, and is, been home to some of the most independently spirited and eclectic people around. It’s no surprise (to anyone who knows us) that we’ve been home to actors Laurence Olivier and Daniel Defoe, author Benjamin Disraeli and master builder Thomas Cubitt who built huge areas of London in the 19th Century. To name but a few.
Finally, we can’t let you go without mentioning Ralph Vaughan Williams, a former resident of Leith Hill Place and a composer with a conscience. It’s no coincidence his famously beautiful ‘Lark Ascending’ (1920) composition was suggested by a poem by George Meredith of nearby Box Hill. If you visit on a quiet day, you might even see one yourself.
Dorking has a buzzing local art scene, and it has gained a reputation as a hub of artists, ideas, people and creators.
This independent spirit has helped build the town we know and love, and there’s no better way to reveal the true depths of a place than meeting the creators themselves and the galleries that host them. Let us introduce you!
Start your day in Dorking with a visit to The John Arthur Gallery at 11 High Street to see the most fabulous Turner-inspired paintings. South Street Gallery offers a wonderful space for artists and framing services, while you’ll also find art all around you in Dorking. You’ll see art from local artists shared in a public exhibition for the King’s Coronation, on public sails and banners across town.
We love that many of our award-winning DorKing Coronation artists now sell their artwork in our local, independent shops, like The Star, That Lovely Shop and South Street Gallery.
Kelly Morgan has been featured in a gallery exhibition at The Star pub. She is also now hosting art workshops at The Old House, where you can paint and drink pinot.
Sarajane features her artwork at two locations in Dorking, the South Street Gallery and Dorking Halls.
Other local artists are featured at Dorking Halls Art Exhibition that has been coordinated by Curated by Dapper and Suave. Take in a wonderful show or pop in and have a coffee and a nibble at the lovely cafe.
Don’t miss the wonderful Luke Adam Hawker studio space up in Lyon’s Court, where you’ll find limited edition prints and original artwork.
Another unmissable stop (if you’re visiting between April and October) is the Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden, a wonderful space where plants and mature trees support and frame a collection of stunning contemporary sculptures. Take your time, sit back and contemplate, and revel in the harmony of this 35-year old growing space.
Every year the Surrey Hills Open Studios open up their doors and welcome visitors into their studios. This year, they had nearly 300 artists taking part in 173 studios. Where are your favourite places to discover new art in Dorking?
Dorking is a food enthusiasts dream, with a whole host of cuisines to satisfy your mood. From Michelin stars to dining under the stars, Dorking has something for everyone – as well as an array of shops and market stalls to ensure you take some fabulous local fare home with you. We asked a local world traveler (seriously, she’s traveled the globe) to share her favourite itinerary with us and here it is, a day-in-the-life of a food and drink enthusiast in Dorking…
Start your day with a Mullins Coffee Shop breakfast, on a site where food and history combine. It’s the only remaining Pilgrim Home in the whole of the UK, and a beacon of the local and historic life of Dorking Town. Well worth a visit. If freshly baked macarons are your thing, head over to Cosy Moose on Pump corner (they also make wonderful smoothies)! Dorking is also the proud home to Putty Cakes and Coughlan’s Bakery. You really are spoilt for choice here – it is a bit of a bakery haven.
Get in the foodie mood and pick up some of your own fine local produce at the unmissable Dorking Butchery. Alex, Gary and the team have created THE most fantastic multi-award winning butchery for miles. Their outstanding service and first-class produce means that this shop is packed out 24–7. If you’re really lucky, they might have their cheese & marmite sausages on, but if not, splash out on the Cote de Boeuf. It is to die for…
And don’t forget the drinks! Pop into The Vineyard, Dorking’s independent wine merchant, where John and the team stock a variety of wines, gins and spirits. If it’s Saturday there are usually a couple of treats open for tasting too. Or if you’re more of a beer fan get over to Cobbett’s Real Ales, where you can sample some of Dorking’s finest offerings in their cool micropub – pick up a few on the way out too as they have plenty for sale in their shop!
Or you could head across the road to The Star pub, a real Dorking institution which is tiny, quirky and almost always packed with locals spilling out onto the pavement tables. The King’s Arms is just down the road on West Street and is the oldest, most fabulous spot for live music in the evenings. For more of a restaurant experience, walk a couple of minutes to Rialto on South Street to sample some delicious Italian cuisine for all the family. If you feel more like a local, ethically-inspired menu with a focus on sustainability, freshly sourced ingredients and excellent wine and beer menu, cocktails too, you can’t get better than Holme Stores. This independent local favourite is also a destination spot on the region’s food map. It’s a kitchen, a cafe AND a deli.
In the afternoon, take a trip around Dorking’s very own, Denbies Vineyard, home of some of Britain’s award-winning wines. Take a tour, learn about the estate, and then join a tasting session – we love the “Wine and Food” experience. Perfect for locals and visitors alike, we never tire of a wander through these impeccable British vineyards (eat your heart out Bordeaux!).
Dinner in Dorking can go one of many ways; for incredible, fine dining, Michelin star, award-winning food head to Sorrel. Treat yourself to the a la carte or go for the straight luxury of their tasting menus. The food, customer service and attention to detail is spot on. Just make sure you book well in advance! Just down the road is the award-winning and historic Queen’s Head, now locally famous for it’s fabulous tipi in the back garden. For something a little livelier, there’s 45 Dene Street. Tucked away in Dene Street you’ll find incredible flavours in this atmospheric bar and restaurant, and it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed but fun night out.
Or if you just want something a little more spicy and aromatic, take your pick from The Dorking Brasserie, Sang Thai, Chinese Fountain Garden on West Street and Chifan Restaurant. We are also fans of Roosters Kitchen or Arto if you’re feeling the Mediterranean vibe.
And finally, if you’ve space for a nightcap or if you want to dance like no one’s watching, you have options: Dance the night away at Knox, enjoy a cocktail or nightcap at Swirl Wine Bar, and finally, there’s the White Horse Hotel on the High Street. Warm, welcoming, with a rich history dating back as far as 1278, what better way to round off your day in Dorking.
