There are so many great reasons to visit Dorking this year that you won’t be able to stay away! Here are five of our favourite reasons to say Hello to Dorking in 2025.
Expert knowledge
We are so blessed in Dorking to have a wide range of both independents and multiples who all have something in common, great expertise in their chosen field.
If you are looking to renovate your house you’ll find kitchen designers, floor and carpet experts, lighting specialists, painting and decorating centres and lots of inspiration for home furnishings both modern and antique, all in Dorking Town Centre. Looking for a new look yourself? You are spoilt for choice with hairdressers, barbers, beauty salons and both men’s and ladies fashion, new and pre-loved. And if you’re looking for legal or financial advice we have a plethora of accountants and solicitors, all with different specialisms that can help you with sound advice.
These are just a handful of the sectors that Dorking has expert knowledge in. Take a look at our business directory to see the full range of businesses on offer.
A place to meet and socialise
Whether eating out, catching up over a pint or a coffee, or experiencing live music, Dorking town centre has got you covered.
From our Michelin starred restaurant, Sorrel, to cosy coffee shops and pubs to suit every taste, Dorking really has it all. Live music is a feature at many pubs and restaurants at weekends, tribute acts at Turkuaz, and you can even try out Karaoke and Interactive Darts at Arrack Bar on Dene Street. Dorking is a great place to meet and enjoy special moments with friends and family.
Check out our cafes, our restaurants and our pubs and bars to find the perfect one for you.
Exciting events that create memories
We have such a lot going on in Dorking in 2025 that you really won’t be able to stop returning. Here is just a snippet of what we have planned.
February – Half Term Craft Caper for families on Monday 17th February
March – Wedding Week – celebrate the many wedding specialists we have in the town
April – We’re excited to be hosting Guildford Shakespeare Company and Will’s Birthday Bash. This interactive event will take in many of Dorking town centre’s landmarks and is the perfect moment to explore something new and experience the beauty and vibrancy of Shakespeare’s words in a whole new way.
May – We are celebrating Surrey Day and VE Day 80 on Saturday 10th May. Expect live music and dance, vintage vehicles and pop up street parties as the town remembers the part it played in World War 2.
Later in the year – We will be supporting Big Green Week and running campaigns around Health & Beauty, our Antiques quarter and Restaurant Week. We also have great plans for Halloween and Christmas so watch this space!
Celebrate our heritage and culture
Dorking has such a rich heritage and much of it can be explored in a visit to the town centre. Dorking Museum is a good place to start, their expert knowledge of the town is so valuable, and a few doors down you can stop for a coffee at Mullins Coffee Shop. 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.
We have a rich music heritage in Dorking and round the corner in South Street you can see a recently unveiled Blue Plaque on the site of the former Strawberry Studios where musicians such as 10CC, Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney recorded.
And of course Dorking Halls is a great hub of cultural activity in the town. From comedy to live music, cinema to family shows it is such a valuable asset in the town.
Embrace our amazing surroundings
Stand anywhere in Dorking and look outwards and your breath will be taken away by the amazing Surrey Hills scenery we are blessed with. Its’ proximity means there are many walks and hikes you can access easily including Boxhill, Leith Hill, the Deepdene Trail and many historic walks led by Dorking Museum. If you’re in need of walking boots or any weatherproof clothing you’ll find several shops that can help in the town centre too.
Dorking and the Surrey Hills is also an amazing place for cyclists to explore and we have 3 cycle shops that can help you with the right equipment and give advice on nearby trails and conditions.
Find out about all our outdoor pursuit shops here.
If you visit Dorking in 2025 you will find many reasons to keep coming back, so don’t delay, say Hello to Dorking today!
