Dorking

Skeeter · 20 May 2013 at 12:35

Just moved into Dorking (well, North Holmwood) and I know nothing about the area.

Whats good in terms of things to do? Pubs? Places to eat? I want to get a mountain bike so any good areas for rides? Walking too so any good spots for that. Anything really. I've never lived in this area and don't know anyone from around here so I'm literally going in blind.

[FnG]magnolia · 20 May 2013 at 12:45

Why did you move there if you know nothing about what it offers?

Yaayuh! · 20 May 2013 at 12:48

[FnG]magnolia;24309658 said:
Why did you move there if you nothing about what it offers?

This (with the word "Know" in there so it makes sense).

On a more serious note, i know nothing about Dorking other than the fact it's name is funny.

skyripper · 20 May 2013 at 12:48

There is so much cycling and beautiful countryside routes you'll be spoilt for choice.
You can also pick a different takeaway every night for a month and not need to hit the same one twice

Muffin` · 20 May 2013 at 12:51

[FnG]magnolia;24309658 said:
Why did you move there if you know nothing about what it offers?

The typical reason people move; for a job? :confused:

Not gonna do it for a laugh is he?

Gilly · 20 May 2013 at 12:59

Dorking should be a verb rather than a place.

Skeeter · 20 May 2013 at 12:59

Muffin` said:
The typical reason people move; for a job?

Not gonna do it for a laugh is he?

Bingo.

Currently both me and my GF live and work in/near Southampton. We both have new jobs (me in Guildford, GF in Chessington) and Dorking is between the 2 for commuting and doesn't carry the price premium that places like Woking and Guildford do.

Devlish · 20 May 2013 at 13:00

Gilly said:
Dorking should be a verb rather than a place.

Haha, i did think it was a new craze when i read the title.

Skeeter · 20 May 2013 at 13:05

The town name does make me Lol

Skeeter · 20 May 2013 at 13:07

skyripper said:
You can also pick a different takeaway every night for a month and not need to hit the same one twice

None of them are on JustEat though

. I had to take a break from building wardrobes and unpacking boxes to go and find some nom last night.

arknor · 20 May 2013 at 13:12

and there I was expecting some new kind of planking

D5T · 20 May 2013 at 13:13

The Star pub is nice little place. Little being the operative word. It's kind of an anti-modern pub. No Sky Sports no MTV - instead they have open mic nights, quiz nights (very different other other pubs) a vinyl night (bring records to play rather than some fetish clothing night!).
Depends what you like but google their site for more info.

Morba · 20 May 2013 at 13:14

Dorking is full of old people. Box Hill is good for bikes.

Moved there for work?

Zogger · 20 May 2013 at 13:15

Gilly said:
Dorking should be a verb rather than a place.

It's a gerund, e.g. "I enjoy Dorking" (yes, I learnt something from the BBC)

(I think it's something you do with your leatherhead)

Gilly · 20 May 2013 at 13:17

Zogger said:
It's a gerund, e.g. "I enjoy Dorking" (yes, I learnt something from the BBC)

Well done

(a gerund is a verb)

skyripper · 20 May 2013 at 13:19

There's always hilarity with the giant (male chicken) too..

Freddie1980 · 20 May 2013 at 13:19

Sounds like a town where Sheldon Copper would live.

Third Opinion · 20 May 2013 at 13:20

I live about 15 minutes from it. Not much there to be honest and avoid Leatherhead down the road if you want shopping or nightlife, that truly is dreadful.

Dorking isn't a horrible place by no means, it just isn't an exciting place. The shopping is appalling however, the pubs average. Two very rough chavy council estates are best avoided.

Good thing it is very accessible to get to other places. Boxhill and surrounding areas should give you great biking and walking opportunities. Nightlife you are probably better off going into Horsham or Epsom. Both easily reached in a car or train in under 30 minutes.

scorza · 20 May 2013 at 13:25

Traffic can be quite bad in Dorking, especially coming in from the south in the mornings, which I assume will affect you in North Holmwood. Other than that it's a pretty nice place, decent restaurants and loads of places for cycling - though mostly seems to be MAMILs rather than mountain bikers, though there are loads of trails in the Surrey Hills.

molinari · 20 May 2013 at 13:31

Fantastic area for cycling (road and mountain bike) and walking. Barry Knows Best is a great downhill section...

There are loads of other great trails in the area (Holmbury Hill - south-west of Dorking).

The Wooten Hatch is a nice pub/restaurant but can get very busy on sunny days. The Stephen Langton pub is also nice. A little further away in the middle of nowhere, it is a great place to stop if you are out cycling/walking.