Dorking is a small town located in the county of Surrey, in South East England. This hidden gem is situated within the Surrey Hills and surrounded by many areas of outstanding natural beauty, making it an incredibly sought-after location. Dorking is said to have been originally established as a staging post on the Roman road between London to Chichester, and the settlement remained even after the Romans left Britain. The town is well-known for both its wonderful heritage and cycling popularity amongst residents, where those who crave a mix of busy town life whilst being active outdoors can find much happiness. A variety of properties are available in Dorking, from cottages and detached properties to bungalows and apartments, all of which provide for residents on a high and low budget.
This thriving town offers an abundance of exciting attractions for both its residents and tourists. Some of the best hotspots to visit include the local vineyard at the Denbies Estate, the Dorking Museum & Heritage Centre, and The Green Room Theatre. Residents can also head to West Street and find a range of antique stores, chain stores and independent stores amidst a historical part of the town, as well as at the St Martin's Walk Shopping Centre, Swan Shopping Centre, and The Ashley Centre.
Dorking has a 22% lower crime rate than the rest of the South East and a 27% lower crime rate than the England, Wales & Northern Ireland overall figure, earning itself a good name and safe space for residents.
Residents have plenty of car parks to access across Dorking. Short-term parking is available at the likes of St Martins Walk Car Park, South Street Car Park, and Dorking Station car park, at an hourly fee. Those in need of long-term parking for work or convenience can secure a space online via JustPark, Parkopedia, or Yourparkingspace, for either a daily or monthly fee.
Only a small amount of nightlife options are available across Dorking, with a majority of mainly pubs and restaurants dotted in the town centre. Some of the popular options consist of The Old House, The Kings Arms, and The Gin Kitchen - Distillery & Cocktail Bar. Residents looking for a more lively evening can discover further venues by traveling to the nearby areas of Guildford, Brighton, or London.
St Paul's CofE (Aided) Primary School is the only school in Dorking with an ‘Outstanding’ rating given by Ofsted. Families do have 8 schools with a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating, which includes The Ashcombe School, Powell Corderoy Primary School, and North Downs Primary School. Higher and further education is also on offer for students, with the surrounding colleges and universities of Reigate Sixth Form College, the University of Greenwich, and the University of Creative Arts.
Being surrounded by so many green spaces, Dorking is definitely a perfect environment for pet owners to reside in. Some of the most scenic spots for both adventurers and dog walkers to discover are Meadowbank Park, Chart Park, and The Nower. Pet owners also have plenty of large suitable properties for themselves and their furry friends.
Dorking train station is mainly served by the Southern and South Western Railway services, where residents can find direct and connecting trains to many popular destinations. Hotspots include Reading- 56m, London Waterloo- 1hr 2m, Brighton- 1hr 15m, and Gloucester- 2hrs 57m. The nearest airport to Dorking is London Gatwick (LGW) Airport at 9.2 miles away and reachable by car in 30 minutes via the A25 and A217. Buses also serve the area for local travel.