Explore Dorking

Discover the charm of Dorking, where history, culture and independent spirit come together. Explore unique boutiques, art galleries and antique shops, enjoy locally sourced food and drink, and experience a thriving arts and events scene. Surrounded by breathtaking countryside, Dorking offers a perfect mix of heritage, hospitality and adventure. However you like to explore, you’ll find something to love here.

Explore our businesses

With over 340 businesses in the town centre alone you will find all you need in Dorking. Say Hello to Dorking’s shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs, leisure, heritage and culture today!

Say Hello to Dorking with tailored itineraries

Whether you are planning your first visit to the town or you were born and bred here there is plenty to discover in Dorking! We have put together a number of itineraries based around different interests. So if you have a day or longer you’ll find plenty to do in Dorking, the heart of Surrey.

Explore our events

Hello Dorking run a variety of events throughout the year including school holiday workshops, Christmas Festivals and shopping events, live music and shop local initiatives. Most of our events are free giving you the opportunity to shop local while you are in town.

Dorking – Where Heritage Meets Heart

Dorking’s allure is as old as the very ground it stands on, a history shaped by a breath taking landscape. Born from a Roman road the town’s destiny was sealed  when it was recorded as a valuable holding in the Domesday Book centuries later. For years, Dorking was famed for its five-toed cockerel, which is still a quirky symbol of its earthy, agricultural charm today.

With the arrival of rail connection Dorking was unlocked to the world. The town, once a simple market stop, began to beckon London’s elite, luring them with the irresistible promise of fresh air and beautiful scenery. They built beautiful homes and grand estates, turning the stunning landscape into a place of rest and relaxation.

This rich legacy is woven into the very fabric of Dorking today. The spirit of its ancient marketplace lives on in a thriving community of independent shops and vibrant local businesses, while the elegant charm of its estate era endures in its stunning architecture. In Dorking every independent storefront tells a story, it’s a destination where heritage meets heart, offering an authentic, welcoming experience that you simply cannot find anywhere else.

Adventure awaits. Escape to Dorking and experience it all for yourself.