1. SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP

Dorking town centre — Dorking’s West Street is home to a number of antique stores. *Photo courtesy of Kate Chapman*

Dorking’s West Street is home to a number of antique stores. *Photo courtesy of Kate Chapman*

If you’re a lover of all things vintage and antiquities, Dorking is your spot. West Street – the oldest street in the town – is home to several antiques shops including Malthouse for furniture and art, stylish treasure trove Sandrock House and Christique which represents dealers.

Like a browse outside? Visit on Friday morning to find a traditional market at St Martins Walk car park, on Thursday and Saturday mornings its the turn of Leatherhead Street Market, whilst throughout the year there are regular pop-up artisan markets.

2. FASHION FIX

But it’s not all antiques and artisan wares, there are also some fabulous little indie boutiques worth a nose in. Aya Boutique in St Martin’s Walk centre has an eclectic range of women’s fashion, Westdaw is excellent for menswear and for pre-loved designer fashion Anni & Arthur’s Yard is your go-to. But for country-types, Dorking’s oldest shop S C Fuller in South Street is a must-visit. Established in 1882, the fourth-generation family run store has a wide range of country clothing and accessories including hiking gear, fishing and shooting equipment.

3. TAKE A STROLL

Box Hill, near Dorking in Surrey. — Box Hill. Photo courtesy of the National Trust.

With Box Hill, Leith Hill, Denbies Hillside and Holmwood Common all on the Dorking doorstep, there are plenty of options for those who want to stretch their legs including the iconic Stepping Stones trail. Or for something a little less strenuous, two self-guided Heritage Trails are available for those who wish to explore the architecture, streets and public spaces of Dorking town centre.

4. KEEP THE KIDS HAPPY

Meadowbank Park is tucked away behind St Martin’s Walk shopping centre in the Dorking, and here you’ll find a fabulous outdoor playground with a nod to the local area. Kids can scramble up Box Hill, jump over the River Mole, climb Leith Hill Tower and dig in Betchworth Quarry. There’s also indoor soft play, ideal for kids up to 10 years with a separate section for toddlers, and a kiosk café, plus a park with a duck pond.

5. GET YOUR CAFFEINE FIX

Dorking, Surrey — Mullins Coffee Shop is in Dorking’s old quarter. *Photo courtesy of Kate Chapman*

Is there anything more relaxing than watching the world go by, latte in hand (and perhaps something pastry-based to nibble on)? Luckily Dorking is home to plenty of chic cafés and delis – Mullins coffee shop is located in the ancestral home of William Mullins, one of North America’s Pilgrim Fathers, in the heart of the old quarter; Monica’s Deli on West Street offers up a range of homemade goodies (and the prettiest facade!), and Two Many Cooks on South Street make possibly the best hot chocolate you can get (the secret is the real Belgian chocolate). Hipster Holme Stores – the former Dorking Deli – is another cracker and as well as artisan coffee (and craft beer) has a fab range of deli goodies.

6. SPA DAYS

Three women in relaxation room at Mayflower Spa, Dorking — The relaxation room at Mayflower Spa in Dorking.

Plan some me-time and book into Mayflower Spa in the old quarter for a luxurious retreat. There’s a gorgeous spa menu promising the ultimate in relaxation – massage, facials, body scrubs and body wraps – or they’ll happily tailor a package to your own needs. There’s a lovely relaxation room where you can put your feet up in between treatments, or before or after a treatment. And the recent addition of the CACI Synergy facials to the menu, means the results-driven facials love by the A-listers is also available.

7. FILL YOUR BELLY

Plates of food at Michelin-starred Sorrel in Dorking. — Sorrel, the Michelin-starred restaurant owned and run by Steve Drake.

Feeling peckish? Thought so! Dorking’s practically groaning with excellent eateries, but we’ll try to whittle it down for you. The Queen’s Head is a lovely historic pub with a gorgeous tipi in the garden that will make you feel like you’re on holiday in France. The Old House is cosy pub with a great selection of tapas-style small plates and a good burger menu – there’s also a garden with cool beach huts, but even more cool is the hidden room, accessed via a Narnia-style wardrobe.

For world-class views, head to the stylish new terrace at pretty in pink Watermill where the views out over Box Hill are stunning. Food’s great too!

Fancy Michelin-starred fare? Head to Sorrel, Steve Drake’s modern fine dining restaurant in South Street.

8. EXPLORE DENBIES WINE ESTATE

Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, Surrey — Denbies Wine Estate

Just outside Dorking is the family-owned Denbies Wine Estate, England’s largest vineyard, sitting on 265 acres – and there’s plenty to explore here. Visitors can take a stroll (or hike) through the vineyard. There’s a large visitors’ centre as well as two restaurants and a hotel. Regular events are held at the winery, including vineyard tours and tastings, art exhibitions and running events including ParkRun every Saturday.

9. GO TO CHURCH

St Martin's Church in Dorking, Surrey. — St Martin’s Church in Dorking. *Photo courtesy of Kate Chapman*

Right in the heart of Dorking, there’s St Martin’s Church, a Grade II-listed building with parts dating back to the 12th century. It sits in a pretty garden-like churchyard, and – fun fact – the spire is the tallest in Surrey.

10. TAKE IN A SHOW

Dorking Halls in Dorking, Surrey. — Dorking Halls. *Photo courtesy of Kate Chapman*

Dorking Halls is a cracking theatre offering a good line up of live theatre, music and comedy, as well as films. But there’s also the hidden gem, The Green Room studio theatre at the rear, home to the Dorking Dramatic and Operatic Society, putting on plays, musicals and reviews.

11. SIP A BEER

Fancy a beer? Go behind the scenes at the 15-year-old Dorking Brewey which offers tours, taproom drinks and summer live music and street food. Cobbetts is the other option for beer aficionados – offering cask, keg and bottled beers at the cosy West Street micropub.

12. OR SOMETHING STRONGER

The Grape Variety, Dorking — The Grape Variety in Dorking.

If you’re more of a heels and vino girl, then it’s to The Grape Variety you must totter. Opened at the end of 2021 and with a sister site in Chipstead, it has a an eclectic wine list from all over the world with many served by the glass. They also do fabulous grazing platters. If gin is more your speed, head to The Gin Kitchen just outside Dorking in a series of heritage barns on Punchbowl Lane, offering distillery tours, gin tastings, cocktail making experiences and bottomless brunches. Their two charming bars serve creative cocktails, tapas and street food. Check for opening times here.

12 brilliant things to do in Dorking

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