- Dorking is the namesake of the Dorking chicken, a distinct five-toed breed that dates back to the Roman occupation of Britain.
- The town features prominently in Charles Dickens' 'The Pickwick Papers', where it is the location of the famous Marquis of Granby inn.
- Beneath the town streets lies a network of man-made caves known as the Dorking Caves, believed to have been excavated in the 17th and 18th centuries.
- The town's location in the Mole Valley provides it with unique geographical features, including the 'gap' cut by the river through the North Downs.
About Dorking
Dorking is a historic market town nestled in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, situated south of London at the junction of the A24 and A25. It is best known for its scenic topography, encompassing the prominent chalk escarpment of National Trust - Box Hill and the woodland expanse of National Trust - Leith Hill. Visitors frequently explore the iconic Stepping Stones Walk crossing the River Mole or discover the Edwardian opulence of National Trust - Polesden Lacey. The town maintains a distinct character shaped by its medieval roots and its significance as a center for the local antiques trade.
Highlights of Dorking
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
Scale the steep chalk slopes to experience panoramic views over the Surrey Hills.
Places of interest
Tour the sprawling Regency-era villa and its extensive rose gardens.
Places of interest
Climb the highest point in South East England for views reaching toward the English Channel.
Places of interest
Cross the historic stones spanning the River Mole for a classic Surrey photo opportunity.
Historical places
Visit this memorial site on Box Hill dedicated to the philanthropist Leopold Salomons.
Places of interest
Explore the gothic folly tower commissioned by the piano manufacturer Thomas Broadwood.
Top things to do in Dorking
The 73 highest-rated places in Dorking, ranked by travellers.
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Parks
Box Hill is a prominent summit of the North Downs in Surrey, famous for its steep chalk slopes and expansive views acros...
2
Places of interest
Polesden Lacey is a former Regency villa and country estate situated on the North Downs in Surrey. The house is renowned...
3
Places of interest
Leith Hill is the highest point in South East England, standing at 294 meters above sea level. The site features an 18th...
4
Places of interest
The Stepping Stones at Box Hill consist of a series of concrete blocks set across the River Mole in the Surrey Hills. Th...
5
Parks
Box Hill Viewpoint sits on the North Downs in Surrey, offering an expansive panorama over the Mole Gap and the Weald. Th...
6
Parks
Norbury Park is a 1,340-acre landscape managed by the Surrey Wildlife Trust, situated within the Surrey Hills National L...
7
Natural attractions
Box Hill is a prominent woodland summit within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, reaching an elevatio...
8
Places of interest
Holmbury Hill is one of the highest points in the Surrey Hills, reaching an elevation of 261 meters above sea level. It...
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Museums
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Venues
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Historical places
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Places of interest
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Historical places
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Temples
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Museums
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Historical places
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Dorking on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Dorking
May to September, when the weather supports extensive hiking across the Surrey Hills and the garden estates are in full bloom.
2 days, allowing time for town exploration and key hikes in the surrounding hills.
Walkable within the town centre, though a car or local bus service is required to reach outlying nature sites.
Stay in the town centre to access independent cafes and antique shops, or look for rural guesthouses on the outskirts for direct trail access.
Mid-range; accommodation and dining prices reflect the affluent nature of the Surrey commuter belt.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 73 curated attractions in and around Dorking, ranked by traveller ratings.
National Trust - Box Hill is the highest-rated place to visit in Dorking right now.
The largest category is temples, with 26 places to explore.
Travellers also explore London, North Kensington, Manchester.
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