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Dorking tourist information

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Ashford, M25 Junction 13 or Junction 1 M3, then A308,or off A308 north of Staines.
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SurreyDorking

Located in the heart of Surrey, Dorking grew up at the crossing of the Roman road Stane Street (now the A24) and the ancient Pilgrim's Way (now the A25).  

The market town is centred around West Street, a lovely thoroughfare with an international reputation as a centre for antique dealers.  One of the houses in West Street was once owned by William Mullins, one of the Pilgrim Fathers, who sailed in the Mayflower in 1620. 

The spire of Dorking's 19th century Parish Church, St Martin's is one of the tallest in the country and is a landmark that can be seen from some distance away rising above the surrounding buildings. 

Dorking's most famous resident, the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, lived at Leith Hill Place.   Known for his particularly English music, Vaughan Williams was the first conductor of the Leith Hill Music Festival.  Since 1931 the festival has been held at the Dorking Halls, an amenity that Vaugham Williams helped create in the town.  Today the Dorking Halls presents a varied programme of arts and entertainment. 

Lying beneath Dorking's historic streets and houses are the Dorking Caves.  This facinating labyrinth, excavated from the Greensand Hills in the 17th century, was sometimes used by smugglers.   Visitors can book guided tours of the caves at the Dorking Halls. 

The Dorking Museum houses memorabilia associated with Vaughan Williams, together with a wide range of intriguing artefacts and beautiful paintings of local scenes.  

Dorking stands on the River Mole, a tributary of the River Thames and one of the most attractive waterways in the South East of England.  The Visitor Information Centre at the Dorking Halls provides lots of details on the Mole Valley Trail. 

In a narrow valley between the North Downs and Greensand Hills, Dorking is at the very heart of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 

Leith Hill, to the south-west of the town, reaches 968 ft above sea level and is the highest point in Surrey (and on the North Downs).  On its summit stands Leith Hill Tower, dating from 1765.  The tower was built by Richard Hull with the intention of raising the hill to over 1,000 ft.  When Hull died in 1772 the tower fell into ruin but in 1984 it was restored by the National Trust.  Visitors can now climb the tower and admire the panoramic views.  On a clear day 12 counties can be seen from the tower (open at weekends, and on Wednesday and Fridays in the summer).  

To the north and north-east of Dorking lie Box Hill and Ranmore Common, both owned by the National Trust.  These scenic areas provide attractive walks and boast spectacular views over Dorking and the surrounding countryside. 

The Surrey Hills Explorer Bus (operated by the National Trust) takes visitors to many beautiful parts of the district. 

There are many tourist attractions around Dorking.  Norbury Park, set in the Mole Gap between Dorking and Leatherhead, is known for its diversity of habitats, including downland, woodland and farmland.   The estate is mostly owned by Surrey County Council but the house is in private hands.  This is a wonderful area for walking and there is also a family cycle route. Nearby stands Polesden Lacey

The Denbies Wine Estate, set in 265 acres of vineyards, is England's largest working winery. 

To the south of Dorking at Ockley stands the Hannah Peschar Sculpture Gallery.  Surrounding a 16th century house in a secluded valley in the Surrey Hills, this long-established garden has a wide range of beautiful sculptures by leading British and international artists.

      Location Map of Dorking
What To See -

Dorking Tourist Attractions

Where To Stay in Dorking

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Hotels


? Price Guide shown for a room for 2 people per night is based on the lowest price per person per night available in the future
Price Guide: from £129 per room
Mercure Burford Bridge Hotel (2 Night Offer & 1st Night Dinner) The Foot of Box Hill Dorking RH5 6BX MAP
Nestling at the foot of Box Hill, this elegant country house hotel which dates back to 1500, has played host to a variety of famous guests. With 57 en-suite bedrooms, the hotel boasts spectacular gardens with heated outdoor swimming pool. Nearby ...

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Wotton House Guildford Road Dorking RH5 6HS MAP
Wotton House is ideally situated to explore the stunning Surrey Hills, including the old market towns of Dorking and Guildford, and Denbies Vineyard. Just 40 minutes by train to Central London, it is also perfect for visiting the sights and sounds of

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? Price Guide shown for a room for 2 people per night is based on the lowest price per person per night available in the future
Price Guide: from £114 per room
Mercure Burford Bridge Hotel The Foot of Box Hill Dorking RH5 6BX MAP
Nestling at the foot of scenic Box Hill the Burford Bridge dates back to the 1500's and some of the oak beams dating from that period are still visible. The River Mole runs through the bottom of the spectacular gardens which also houses the ...

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? Price based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days
Prices from: £75 a room a LivePriceTM
Gatton Manor Hotel and Golf Club Standon Lane Ockley near Dorking RH5 5PQ MAP
Just one hour from London and only 20 minutes from Gatwick Airport, this AA 3-star rated hotel and golf club is set amid 200 acres of stunning Surrey countryside.

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? Price based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days
Prices from: £75 a room a LivePriceTM
Surrey Hills Hotel Horsham Road Capel Dorking RH5 4PG MAP
The Surrey Hills Hotel offers many facilities including 12 en suite bedrooms, a restaurant and The Tudor Bar. Situated just off the A24 between Dorking and Horsham near the village of Capel.

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? Price Guide shown for a room for 2 people per night is based on the lowest price per person per night available in the future
Price Guide: from £105 per room
Mercure White Horse (2 Night Offer & 1st Night Dinner) High Street Dorking RH4 1BE MAP
This charming 16th century coaching inn is a Dorking landmark and well located for nearby attractions such as Polesden Lacey, Denbies Vineyard and Epsom Racecourse.

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? Price Guide shown for a room for 2 people per night is based on the lowest price per person per night available in the future
Price Guide: from £90 per room
Mercure White Horse Hotel High Street Dorking RH4 1BE MAP
This charming 16th century coaching inn is a Dorking landmark and well located for nearby attractions such as Polesden Lacey, Denbies Vineyard and Epsom Racecourse.

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Guest Houses, Bed & Breakfasts, Inns and Other Hotels


? Price based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days
Prices from: £49 a room a LivePriceTM
De Vere Venues Hartsfield Manor Sandy Lane Betchworth near Dorking RH3 7AA MAP
This beautiful Victorian venue is the perfect melange of majesty and serenity, with the ideal atmosphere for pure relaxation or business.

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Travelodge Dorking A25 Reigate Road Dorking RH4 1QB

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? Price based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days
Prices from: £55 a room a LivePriceTM
The Kings Arms Stane Street Ockley near Dorking RH5 5TS MAP
Traditional 16th Century coaching Inn located on the a29 between Dorking and Horsham, in the heart of Surrey. Full of character, low ceilings, wooden beams, log fires and a superb garden, set in a picturesque village.

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The Inn on the Green Stane Street (A29) Ockley near Dorking RH5 5TD MAP
Family run Historic 16th Century pub restaurant and guest house which is full of charactor and charm.Set in the heart of the beautiful surrey countryside and overlooked by Leith Hill.Breath taking Walks and views.Award winning Chef cooking

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Around The Dorking Area


Tourist Information on Nearby Towns To Visit - straight line distance:

Leatherhead (4.34 miles) Reigate (5.41 miles) Ashtead (5.59 miles) Redhill (6.99 miles) Earlswood (7.00 miles) Cobham (7.49 miles) Epsom (7.58 miles) Banstead (8.29 miles) Horley (8.39 miles) Gatwick (8.98 miles) Cranleigh (9.25 miles)

Info
Tourist Information Centre

Where To Stay

What To See

Around The Area
Information Centre
Dorking Halls
Reigate Road
Dorking
RH4 1SG
Tel: 01306 879327
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