As part of the Dorking Walking Festival, Hello Dorking are encouraging businesses to leave their desks at lunchtime, get their steps up and enjoy the beautiful town they work in. Some businesses are taking part in a Steps Challenge too.
For some inspiration here are some of our favourite spots that are accessible for a lunchtime walk.
Cotmandene
From the High Street head in the direction of the Cockerel Roundabout and then turn right at Moores Road (with KFC on the corner). Follow the incline up until you get into Cotmandene, where you can enjoy some excellent views of the surrounding countryside, including Ranmore, with the distinctive church spire of St Martin’s Walk in the foreground, thee famous Box Hill and you can also get a good view of the North Downs.
There is also some interesting history around Cotmandene including that it was a site for cricket and is even featured in a painting from the 1770s at Lord’s cricket ground, making it one of the earliest depictions of the game. The land was presented to the town of Dorking by the Duke of Norfolk to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897 and town residents have used it to graze animals and there has even been a Circus there in times gone by.
Where to get lunch
Why not try Dijo the Portuguese Deli and Cafe or the Dorking Halls Cafe.
St Martin’s Church and Meadowbank Park
From the High Street head down the pathway beside Boots Opticians which will take you into St Martin’s Churchyard. Here you can pop into the church to see the beautiful stained glass windows by notable artists like James Powell & Sons, and a fascinating history embedded in its architecture.
From here pass behind the back of the Church and then cross the carpark to get to Meadowbank Park where you’ll find a well-maintained lake and stream complete with ducks and swans.
Where to get lunch
Try Burgundy and Black in St Martin’s Walk for a great selection of hot and cold lunches and Cycle Collective for excellent coffee.
Meadowbank Park
Another route to Meadowbank Park is to head down North Street, past Tracey’s Sewing Room and keep going until you reach the Meadowbank Football Stadium. You then turn right to go into the park.
Where to get lunch
Cosy Moose on the corner of North Street and the High Street is famous for its macarons. Or try Harts at the Courtyard tucked away in Old Kings Courtyard for an al fresco lunch and delicious scones.
Ranmore
A slightly longer walk is to Ranmore, a wooded area on the North Downs in Surrey, part of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There is a decent climb up but you will be rewarded with a stunning view. Head along West Street and then turn right into Station Road at the Star Pub. Head up past Dorking West Station and onto Ranmore Road where you will ascend to the viewpoint.
Where to get lunch
There are a few lovely stops on West Street including Mullins, Putty Cakes and Monica’s Deli. Or for a pub lunch try The King’s Arms or The Old House at Home. Aroma also offer a fabulous lunch menu.
Rose Hill
From South Street head under the archway and up Rose Hill. In the mid-19th century, the grounds were developed with a number of Italianate and Tudor-style villas built around a central paddock. A notable feature, the picturesque Rose Hill Arch, was built as an entrance to the estate. The area offers pleasant views of the surrounding Surrey Hills, including Box Hill and Denbies Vineyard. The central paddock is still present and is a protected area where sheep often graze, giving the area a pleasant, rural feel close to the town centre.
Where to get lunch
On South Street you’ll find Two Many Cooks for filling sandwiches, sausage rolls and salad bowls and further along Holme Stores with classic brunch favourites and a lunch menu focusing on seasonal and local produce.
For more lunch ideas take a look at our Food and Drink Directory.
