scenic spot was Deepdene! We went to explore the Deepedene Trail. The views from the high point are simply breathtaking and peaceful. You get a sense of walking along a glitzy part of the region’s history. We haven’t visited the town centre, yet. I’m hoping to visit over the holidays. Dorking is located in north-eastern Surrey and it’s known for its quirky independent shops, antiques, art galleries, and boutiques. In time for the festive season, something exciting is coming to the town! I had to let you know. On 1st December, the DorKingdom kicks off in Dorking, Surrey.
Dorking Then and Now
Dorking’s history dates back to Roman and Saxon times. Although, the name comes from the Saxon ‘Dorchingas’. In The Doomsday Book, Dorking was listed as covering three parishes. The town is located on the greensand (i.e. greensand rock across Surrey and Kent) between the chalk of the North Downs and the clay of the Weald; where east-west routes intersect with the passage of the River Mole through the chalk hills. The town’s symbol is the five-clawed Dorking fowl. You can’t miss its regal presence when approaching the intersection before turning into town.
The Deepdene area became the property of Thomas Hope in the early 19th Century. He was said to be one of the richest men in England at the time. Thomas’s son Henry enlarged the estate untill it spread to Brockham, Betchworth Castle, and Boxhill.
Then in the 20th Century slow rail connections to London came. Dorking is an easily delightful outing for day-trippers.
Christmas 2024 in Dorking
On the topic of day-tripping, Dorking is the town to visit over the festive season. Mole Valley District Council has made it accessible for drivers by making parking free in every MVDC-owned car park on December Sat 7th, 14th, and 21st all day. However, the train station is 3 mins walk from the town centre. Festivities kick off in Dorking on 1st December with a Dorkingdom Fairytale Christmas Festival on Sunday 1st from 11 am to 5 pm. On Dorking High Street: artisan marketstalls, live performances, Santas grotto, family funfair in St Martins Walk carpark, and more Hello Dorking for further details. Other events include:
9th Dec André Rieu’s 2024 Christmas Concert; Gold and Silver Matinee Screening, 1:30pm
20th – 31st Dec Sleeping Beauty panto at Dorking Halls
For more listings on what’s happening in Dorking over the Christams season, visit the Mole Valley Website for further details. You can easily pair walk along the Deepdene Trail followed by a trip into town and pop into the cute shops.
Get Social
You can follow Hello Dorking on Instagram.
Additionally, you will find more Surrey days out on the blog. Remember to follow me on Instagram @MsXpat and @xpatathome daily content. Finally, below is a blast from the past, when we explore part of the Deepden Trail during lockdown. See video below.
Blog Feature Image: photo credit Hello Dorking
