Dorking

About

The historic market town of Dorking is surrounded by the picturesque wooded Surrey Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural. The spire of the parish church of St Martins, one of the tallest in the country, acts as a landmark for visitors and local people alike.

Heritage, music and the arts are celebrated in Dorking, dominated by Ralph Vaughan Williams, one of England’s most famous composers, who lived in the town for many years. Music, bands and live entertainment can be enjoyed in pubs, at town centre events and in the Dorking Halls. The Leith Hill Music Festival has continued for over 100 years in Dorking.

Heritage Open Days in this area offers one of the largest programme of events in the UK and don't forget to check out Polesden Lacey, a superbly set National Trust property with stunning views of the Surrey Hills. 

Dorking is an easy place to find with trains to both London Waterloo and London Victoria station in under an hour. The rail service also runs to Gatwick, Brighton, Guildford, Reading and the Midlands. Both Gatwick and Heathrow airports are within an hour’s reach and the south coast ports within driving distance, making Dorking easily accessible to international travellers. 

In 2012 great excitement came to the district in the form of the London 2012 Olympic cycle races.  The cycle route ran through the main High Street of Dorking before several laps of Box Hill, before cyclists headed off towards Leatherhead and the finishing line in London.  Since then the route and Boxhill have become a mecca for cyclists, with everyone from the professional to the amateur taking the challenge of the route.

See what's on nearby with our calendar of events in Surrey or look at out 'What's Nearby' listings below for towns and villages near Dorking.

Looking to stay in Dorking? The White Horse is ideal situated at the top of High Street and with easy access to Denbies Wine Estate and the Surrey Hills.