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Dorking Area Guide

Surrounded by the beauty of the Surrey Hills, there are many reasons why moving to the charming market town of Dorking might appeal, such as its quaint high street and strong sense of local community.

It is an ideal location for those families looking for a slower pace of life, but also for the commuter, with easy transport links to London.

Dorking fact file

  • There are numerous picturesque villages and hamlets nearby, including Abinger and Hammer.
  • The history of Dorking dates back to the medieval period.
  • The town appears in the Domesday Book of 1086.
  • Historically an agricultural and market town, its position on a number of long distance roads made it ideal for trade.
  • With the arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century, large estates sprung up around the town.
  • The direct rail line to London built in 1867.

Why move to Dorking?

With a range of amenities and a wealth of countryside on the doorstep, Dorking truly offers the best of both town and country living.
In addition to Dorking town centre, the team offer property for sale and to rent in the nearby villages.

Architecture and Property

While there is a good mix of property styles and ages, considering the local growth that occurred as a result of the direct rail line to London built in the mid 1800s it will come as no surprise that many of Dorking’s properties are Victorian and Edwardian, helping to lend the town a traditional charm and character that sets it apart.

There are also a wealth of historic houses nearby such as the Edwardian Polesdon Lacey and Hatchlands Park, thought to date back to Tudor times, both of which are owned and maintained by the National Trust.  

Green Space

Nestled amidst the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Dorking is well situated for those wishing to explore swathes of stunning open countryside. National Trust run Box Hill and the Nower nature reserve both offer an excellent range of walking and cycling routes, whilst Cotmandene to the east of the town centre offers 12-acres of common land. Also nearby is Denbies, England’s largest vineyard.

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Explore Dorking at a glance!

There are an array of cuisines on offer here in Dorking.

Dorking has a bustling high street with a good mix of shops, cafes and restaurants

Dorking enjoys a vibrant mix of bars, cafes, cosy pubs, independent restaurants and household favourites.

There is so much to do in and around Dorking.

Served well by both primary and secondary institutions.

  • St Paul’s Primary
    Primary School
  • Dorking Nursery School
    Nursery
  • Scott-Broadwood Infant School
    Infant School
  • The Ashcombe Secondary School
    Secondary School
  • The Priory Secondary School
    Secondary School
  • Newdigate C of E Infant School
    Infant School
  • St Michael's CE First School
    First School
  • Surrey Hills All Saints Primary School
    Primary School
  • North Downs Primary School
    Primary School
  • Powell Corderoy Primary School
    Primary School
  • St John's C of E Primary School
    Primary School
  • St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
    Primary School
  • St Martin's Primary School
    Primary School
  • The Weald Primary School
    Primary School
  • St Teresa's, Independant School
    Prep and Senior School
  • St John's School, Independant School
    Senior School
  • Dorking Train station
    Direct links to London
  • Bus station
    0.3 miles from centre
  • London Gatwick Airport
    9.2 miles from centre
WITH GREAT
KNOWLEDGE
COMES GREAT
ADVICE
Dorking church Dorking vineyard

Location

Featured Dorking Properties

Discover our diverse selection of properties for sale, including homes to suit every lifestyle.

Dorking photo

Visit our Dorking branch

Call us Lettings: 01737 886 243 Sales: 01306 866 267
Visit us 251, High Street, Dorking, Surrey,
RH4 1YA
Get directions

What does our local Hamptons community think

Thankyou for all the help we had from Hamptons in Dorking. In particular, Annie Mullins. At every stage of the process , Annie was amazing. She worked professionally and also compassionately . We would highly recommend Hamptons in Dorking to anyone looking to buy and or sell in the area. Their knowledge and expertise really stood out for us and we felt confident we were in good hands every step of the way.

jane forrest July 2024

I can highly recommend the sales and negotiating team at Hamptons estate agents Dorking. In particular we had dealings with Annie Mullins who went out of her way to help us successfully secure the purchase of our new home. We would not hesitate to use their services if needed in the future

Sarah Pengilly June 2024

Simon and the team at Hamptons Dorking are fabulous. As buyers who are newer to the UK market, we were in for a confusing ride, but they made a complex process much simpler. And he's still being a champ and answering an array of questions a month after we've moved in.

Natasha Arancini June 2024

Discover a local Dorking business

Learn more about some of our favourite local and most trusted local businesses we've partnered with to help you with your property needs.

Photo of a family enoying their modern house with open plan kitchen, living room and dinning room layout.
Company logo

Surrey architects studio is committed to design attractive buildings sympathetic to their surroundings and forward-looking in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability.

  • Interior architects and sketch designs
  • Surveys, building regulation and site inspections
  • Sustainable architects
Photo of the exterior of the stunning traditional orange brick school building
Company logo

Box Hill School has a long heritage of delivering first-class learning in a warm, supportive, holistic and nurturing atmosphere.

  • Boarding
  • Pastoral care
  • Sixth form
Photo of a shop reception with a modernistic decoration all in white and stunning lighting features
Company logo

RJ Campbell covers all electrical work in the domestic and commercial sectors, from routine maintenance and repairs to complete installations in new build developments.

  • Commercial
  • Domestic
  • Lighting
Exterior photo of modern new build houses
Company logo

Sixmile Developments are an experienced property development company and builder with offices in Reigate, Surrey.

  • Architect drawnings and planning advice
  • Full building service and groundwork
  • Extensions and kitchen/bathroom design

Get in touch

Learn more about some of our favourite and most trusted local businesses we’ve partnered with to help with all your property needs.

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