Why I love Dorking - Nick Perrin, Sales and Marketing Manager at Jackson-Stops Dorking tell us about why she loves this Surrey town and the best places to visit.
Left: Nicki, her husband Matthew and their dog Charlie, enjoying the view at the top of Leith Hill.
What’s your favourite thing to do in Dorking?
I love walking up Box Hill or Leith Hill as it’s so beautiful and relaxed
Box Hill's name originates from the ancient box woodland that's found on the west-facing chalk slopes closest to the River Mole. To the north and south facing slopes can be found rare plant species and even orchids.
The main walk up Box Hill from Dorking is around 10 miles long and takes a few hours, with a shorter walk, leaving out Headley Heath, taking around 25 minutes. The longer hiking route is marked by wooden posts and waymarkers. While it's an energetic walk, the views are well worth it.
Right: Harrow Road West, Dorking, Surrey, RH4
With fine open views over Dorking town, towards the Mole Valley Gap with both Ranmore and Box Hill being visible on a clear day, this substantial five bedroom detached Victorian family home of considerable style and character dates to around the middle part of the 19th century. Guide price £1,295,000. View property. 
Both walks are perfect for your four legged friends and there's a great tea room en route, with outside seating. You may also be lucky enough to find some dog treats at the Shepherd's Hut or the Devil's Punch Bowl! Parking is paid to the National Trust and costs a maximum of £6.00 for five hours or more.
I also love going to The Queens Head - a super gastro pub recently refurbished in the town. The Queen's Head in Dorking combines modern and rustic styles in a convivial and welcoming setting for food or simply a quick pint. It serves a mix of European and British food. The pub has an overwhelmingly excellent rating on Trip Advisor.
Located on Dorking's high street, it's a hop and a skip away from the town's many independent and chain shops and close to Dorking Museum. It's also very close to the beginning of the Deepdene Trail.
Left: Deepdene Vale, Dorking, Surrey
This beautifully presented five bedroom family home is situated in a wonderful location in Dorking and offers fantastic access to the town centre and to the station. Fantastic kitchen too! Guide price £835,000. View property.
What landmark in Dorking do you most love and why?
I personally love walking up to the Fort on Holmbury Hill in the heart of the Surrey Hills: the view is breath-taking and panoramic.
Right: Holmbury Hill Road, Holmbury St Mary, RH5
2 The Hollybush is a beautifully appointed period property which forms part of what was the Hollybush Tavern situated in an elevation location in the heart of this lovely Surrey Hills village. Guide price £575,000. View property.
What’s it like living in Dorking?
Dorking is a really friendly community and well connected for getting anywhere – London (one hour by train), Guildford (20 minutes by train) or the South Coast (under two hours to Brighton by train).
I think it combines convenience with being in a beautiful area, with so many stunning walks in the magnificent countryside around Dorking. The town itself is also very attractive and full of interesting, character buildings.
What secret place do you like to go to?
I have to say I love nothing more than to sit on a bench on the Nower parkland area on the edge of town. The views are wonderful over the top of the town.
What would you advise people to do when they visit Dorking?
We have so many interesting furniture and antique shops, where you can quite easily spend a few hours! I'd also recommend trying out try out Sorrel, which is a new restaurant in town run by a Michelin star chef.
Don't miss the opportunity to go for a walk up to Leith Hill and Box Hill and stop for a well-earned coffee at the summit! And do come and meet us at Jackson-Stops on the high street to chat about your next move and ideal home.
Find out more about Dorking and all it has to offer by visiting Visit Dorking. If you're thinking of making the move to Dorking, or if you're looking to sell your home here, you can contact our team in Dorking on 01306 887560 or by email at dorking@jackson-stops.co.uk.
