cafe
David's Cafe at Box Hill
A popular roadside cafe at the base of the Box Hill zig-zag road, serving as the unofficial meeting point for the Surrey biker community.
2 km · about 5 min drive
England, United Kingdom · Europe
Dorking works well as a base: 10 minutes from Holmwood, 16km from Caterham Cars.
Dorking is a town located in England, United Kingdom. With a population of 17,747, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Dorking sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Dorking to your route.
Dorking () is a market town in Surrey in South East England about 21 mi (34 km) south-west of London. It is in Mole Valley District and the council headquarters are to the east of the centre. The High Street runs roughly east–west, parallel to the Pipp Brook and along the northern face of an outcrop of LowerRead more
Greensand. The town is bordered on three sides by the Surrey Hills National Landscape and is close to Box Hill and Leith Hill.
The earliest archaeological evidence of human activity is from the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods, and there are several Bronze Age bowl barrows in the local area. The town may have been the site of a staging post on Stane Street during Roman times, however the name 'Dorking' suggests an Anglo-Saxon origin for the modern settlement. A market is thought to have been held at least weekly since early medieval times and was highly regarded for the poultry traded there. The Dorking breed of domestic chicken is named after the town.
The local economy thrived during Tudor times, but declined in the 17th century due to poor infrastructure and competition from neighbouring towns. During the early modern period many inhabitants were nonconformists, including the author, Daniel Defoe, who lived in Dorking as a child. Six of the Mayflower Pilgrims, including William Mullins and his daughter Priscilla, lived in the town before setting sail for the New World.
Dorking started to expand during the 18th and 19th centuries as transport links improved and farmland to the south of the centre was released for housebuilding. The new turnpike, and later the railways, facilitated the sale of lime produced in the town, but also attracted wealthier residents, who had had no previous connection to the area. Residential expansion continued in the first half of the 20th century, as the Deepdene and Denbies estates began to be broken up. Further development is now constrained by the Metropolitan Green Belt, which encircles the town.
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Discover famous landmarks, scenic roads, and more near Dorking.
Dorking offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Dorking is located in England, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 51.2323 latitude, -0.3338 longitude.
Dorking has a population of approximately 17,747 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.
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Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United Kingdom8 notable places within an hour's drive.
cafe
A popular roadside cafe at the base of the Box Hill zig-zag road, serving as the unofficial meeting point for the Surrey biker community.
2 km · about 5 min drive
cafe
Iconic biker and cyclist cafe at the foot of Box Hill in Surrey, a must-stop gathering point on one of England's most famous riding roads.
3 km · about 5 min drive
cafe
The hilltop cafe at the summit of Box Hill offering sweeping views across the Surrey Hills, a classic destination for drivers and cyclists alike.
3 km · about 5 min drive
landmark
Home of the legendary Caterham Seven where visitors can see lightweight sports cars assembled and even build their own.
16 km · about 20 min drive
museum
The birthplace of British motorsport and aviation, featuring the world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit from 1907.
16 km · about 30 min drive
racetrack
The world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit, opened 1907, where surviving sections of the towering concrete Members' Banking rear up out of the Surrey woodland. The museum holds racing cars and aircraft on the original site.
16 km · about 20 min drive
landmark
The famous airfield test track used by BBC Top Gear for its power laps and celebrity challenges.
19 km · about 20 min drive
landmark
Thrill-focused theme park near London catering to older children and adults with intense roller coasters.
23 km · about 25 min drive
April to October
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