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Dorking is a delightful market town right in the heart of the Surrey Hills, in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Its history as a trading point arose from its position, sitting on the Roman road between London and the West Sussex town of Chichester, as well as the road down to Brighton and the coast. It was established before the Domesday Book was compiled, and remained a coaching stop for centuries. Dorking has been reasonably successful in retaining its traditional style. West Street, in the town centre, is probably the finest link to Dorking’s past. Constructed in the medieval age, West Street has an interesting mix of architecture tracing the town centre’s evolution. Somewhat fittingly, it is now renowned for its numerous antique shops.
West Street is also famous as the home of William Mullins and his family, who were passengers on the Mayflower, settling in what they called New Plymouth in 1620. A blue plaque on his house commemorates this link to the Americas. A significant piece of Dorking’s heritage sits underneath the town centre. Dorking caves once connected various buildings across the town, but are also thought to have been used for more nefarious activities such as smuggling and cock fighting.
Dorking centre is very pleasant and historic, but a major draw for visitors is its location. The town is a great access point to the beautiful landscape of the Surrey Hills, perhaps exploring the North Downs and the North Downs Way. There are several National Trust properties in the vicinity, including Box Hill, Leith Hill, which is a tower and lookout point, and Polseden Lacey. Polesden Lacey is a beautiful stately home. Parts of it are open to the public, and it has very pretty estate grounds. If you are looking for something a little more exciting, Chessington World of Adventures is around a 20 minute drive from the centre of Dorking.
West Street is also famous as the home of William Mullins and his family, who were passengers on the Mayflower, settling in what they called New Plymouth in 1620. A blue plaque on his house commemorates this link to the Americas. A significant piece of Dorking’s heritage sits underneath the town centre. Dorking caves once connected various buildings across the town, but are also thought to have been used for more nefarious activities such as smuggling and cock fighting.
Dorking centre is very pleasant and historic, but a major draw for visitors is its location. The town is a great access point to the beautiful landscape of the Surrey Hills, perhaps exploring the North Downs and the North Downs Way. There are several National Trust properties in the vicinity, including Box Hill, Leith Hill, which is a tower and lookout point, and Polseden Lacey. Polesden Lacey is a beautiful stately home. Parts of it are open to the public, and it has very pretty estate grounds. If you are looking for something a little more exciting, Chessington World of Adventures is around a 20 minute drive from the centre of Dorking.