Dorking is just 52 minutes train journey from London. Twinned with Gouvieux, France 1997 and birthplace of Laurence Olivier and Britain’s oldest breed of chicken – the Dorking chicken gets its name from this delightful market town.
The main station is on the outskirts of town but it’s well worth the short bus ride to explore the town further. You’ll find multiple art galleries, jewellers, and florists as you stroll through the town. West Street is a must-visit, with more antique shops than anyone could need. For decades Dorking high street hosted an iconic game of street football every Shrove Tuesday!
Dorking is also famous for the discovery of a new species of dinosaur. The Baryonyx was discovered in 1983. The amateur fossil hunter, William Walker, came across the new species of fish-eating dinosaur in the side of a clay pit. The skeleton can be seen at the Natural History Museum in London.
Dorking Travel links
Traveling to Dorking is relatively straightforward, as it is well-served by 3 train stations. Here are some options for traveling to Dorking:
By Train: Dorking has three main railway stations: Dorking Main, Dorking West and Dorking Deepdene. These stations are well-connected to London and other towns in the Southeast of England.
From London: You can take a train from London Waterloo stations to either Dorking Main or Dorking Deepdene stations. The journey from London typically takes around 50 minutes to an hour, making Dorking an easily accessible destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
By Bus: Dorking is served by various bus routes, including local and regional services. Bus transportation can be a convenient option if you are traveling from nearby areas or towns.
Many attractions are also accessible by bus. When purchasing your rail tickets, you can add PlusBus tickets that’ll allow you to use any of the buses at your destination without any peak restrictions.
Box Hill is a summit of the North Downs in Surrey, host to the 2012 Olympic Road Race. The hill takes its name from the ancient box woodland found on the steepest west-facing chalk slopes overlooking the River Mole. With breath taking views across the surrounding countryside it’s the perfect place for a family walk and to explore the beautiful Surrey Hills. Get the kids motivated and involved with ‘A Spy Mission’ themed walking treasure trail. For more ideas on what to do with kids, read out blog: “Car Free Family Adventure in Dorking”.
Denbies Vineyard is the largest vineyard in the UK. With a fantastic reputation you can visit, eat, drink and even sleep here with their fantastic accommodation – more on this later. Denbies wine now competes on an international level, including multiple gold awards for sparkling wine production and the first ever gold for an English rose wine.
Denbie's Vineyard, Dorking
Where to eat in Dorking
For fine dining head to Michelin Starred Sorrel’s. Inspired by simplicity, discovery and the ingredients themselves, the menu is constantly changing and evolving to follow and reflect the seasons.
Arto Restaurant is located in High Street and has a great reputation and prides itself on serving freshly made Mediterranean cuisine with dishes with a twist.
If pub grub is more your thing then try The Queen’s Head. Recently refurbished this is the new gem of Dorking High Street, providing a relaxed setting for lunch, dinner and drinks. For a coffee or a bite to eat head to Jam Pots Café where you are always guaranteed a warm welcome.
Hotels in Dorking
There’s a wide selection of hotels in Dorking - here’s some of our suggestions.
Principal Wotton House hotel is a picturesque country getaway, an ideal venue for wedding or special occasion with an abundance of beautifully decorated suites and bedrooms.
The White Horse was a coaching inn, with a history dating back as far as 1278 offers stylish accommodation, a destination restaurant, as well as an all-new bar and deli concept, The Dozen, specialising in local Surrey produce.
If visiting Denbies Vineyard, rest your head at the aforementioned Denbies B&B after a spot of wine tasting.
Travelling by train from London Waterloo to Dorking can cost as little as £11.00 if you get an evening out ticket. Prices may differ based on the time of day, class, and route. Bear in mind booking on the day of travel is usually more expensive.
Travelling by train from Dorking to Epsom can cost as little as £4.20 if you get an evening out ticket. Prices may differ based on the time of day, class, and route. Bear in mind booking on the day of travel is usually more expensive.
What time does the first direct train from London to Dorking depart?
You can save money by buying off-peak tickets. Search our ticket types to find cheap train tickets, and see if you can save even more with a Railcard . If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave. And don’t forget to check out SWR Rewards hubfor exclusive discounts on dining deals, theatre tickets, hotel stays, days out and much more.
How long does it take to travel from London to Dorking?
The average travel-time is around one hour. However, keep in mind that travel times on weekends and holidays may be longer. To find out the exact travel time for a specific date, please visit our Train Times page.
What time does the last direct train from London to Dorking depart?
