Dorking Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
historic market town in Surrey, England
About Dorking
Dorking appears in Domesday Book of 1086 as the Manor of Dorchinges. It was held by William the Conqueror, who had assumed the lordship in 1075 on the death of Edith of Wessex, widow of Edward the Confessor. A market at Dorking is first recorded in 1240. The town flourished in Tudor times and, in the 1590s, a market house was built between what is now St Martin's Walk and the White Horse Hotel. In late 1914, Dorking became a garrison town. Empty houses were requisitioned and from January 1915 around 4000 troops were accommodated. Empty houses in the town also provided billets for soldiers during World War II and over 3000 school children were evacuated to the Dorking area in September 1939. Over the course of the war, 77 high-explosive bombs and 60 incendiaries were dropped by the Luftwaff
Top Attractions in Dorking
Explore the best things to see and do in Dorking:
- ★Box Hill
- ★Denbies Wine Estate
- ★Dorking Cockerel
- ★Dorking Museum & Heritage Centre
- ★Leith Hill
Where to Eat in Dorking
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Sorrel
Where to Stay in Dorking
- 🏨White Horse Hotel
- 🏨Wotton House
Dorking Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: