Dorking
Dorking is a pleasant town in Surrey, 5 miles from Leatherhead and at the heart of the Mole Valley and the picturesque Surrey Hills.
The High Street follows the line of the Roman Stane Street, which ran from London to Chichester. This was crossed at Dorking by the Pilgrims` Way. Charles Dickens stayed at the 15th century White Horse Inn.
St. Martin`s Church, mostly rebuilt in the 19th century, has one of the loftiest spires in England, at 210 feet.
Dorking was famous in the Middle Ages for its poultry market, and for its unique breed of five toed chickens.
Box Hill can be seen from the High Street.
Denbies Wine Estate, the largest vineyard in England, is on the edge of the town.
Laurence Olivier, England`s most celebrated actor, was born at Dorking.
The composer Ralph Vaughan Williams came to live in Dorking, and took a keen interest in local affairs. Thomas Cubitt, who built swathes of London suburbs in the 19th century, and the novelist George Meredith also lived nearby.
Blue Badge Guide Colin Crosby is available to lead Guided Walks around Dorking for groups.
Places in Dorking
Dorking Deepdale Station, Dorking Station, Dorking West Station