Family day out

Family days out

Dorking is a great destination for a family trip offering entertainment for kids of all ages. We’ve picked some of the most popular family-friendly things to do and sorted them into a handy list.

The Deepdene Trail The Deepdene Trail is a walking trail, just a 15-minute stroll from Dorking’s town centre and railway stations. Visitors can enjoy free access to one of the country’s most historically significant gardens – privately owned since their creation in the 17th Century. Guided by a mobile App that reveals glimpses of the landscape as it was in the early 1800’s, the story of the picturesque, Regency landscape and its owners is presented for all ages to enjoy. Deepdene Ave, Dorking RH5 4AE. 01306 885001 www.deepdenetrail.co.uk/

Dorking Museum & Heritage Centre Three rooms on the ground floor of the Museum have been made into one huge area. We were lucky enough to work alongside Museum designer Chris Jones and his brilliant ideas for the space. All the artefacts have gone through a rigorous quarantine check before they came back into the main building to avoid any nasties such as woodworm or moths being brought into contact with any other artefacts. Many beautiful pieces have been given to the Dorking Museum over the years from Daniells Ginger Beer Bottles (found in gardens all over Dorking) to exquisite pieces of Wedgwood that have been donated by the Wedgwood family. Everyone involved with the Museum worked so hard to get us open again and we are immensely proud of what we have done so far. 62 West St, Dorking RH4 1BS. 01306 876591 www.dorkingmuseum.org.uk/

Bocketts Farm Park Bocketts Farm is a working family farm set in the beautiful Surrey countryside. The combination of animals and play areas, both inside and out, make our farm one of the South East’s most popular all weather attractions. Whether it’s a family day out, a school or group trip or one of our popular birthday parties, you can be sure to have fun, come rain or shine. Watch the pig race, take a pony ride, hop on board the tractor and trailer, cuddle cute rabbits and feed our many wonderful farm animals. Being a working farm, there are always baby animals to see including lambs, kids, piglets and chicks. With trampolines, giant slides, a bouncy pillow, 2 large indoor play barns and outdoor adventure trails, plus lovingly homemade food in our gorgeous Old Barn Tearooms, Bocketts Farm Park makes for a brilliantly exciting day out for the entire family! Young St, Fetcham, Leatherhead KT22 9BS. 01372 363764 www.bockettsfarm.co.uk/

Paint Your Own Ceramics with Calli’s Corner-Dorking At Calli’s Corner we offer Paint Your Own Ceramics, Foam Clay decorating on ceramic bisque or wooden character boards, Make A Teddy which includes decorating a ceramic name badge and t Shirt for teddy. We also have Glass Fusion, Pottery Throwing, Clay Workshops, acrylic and painting kits. We have plenty of great samples to help inspire you, and our expert advice to get you on your way. 66 South Street, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 2HD. 01737844815 www.paintyourownceramics.co.uk/ Reigate Caves The Surrey town of Reigate is well known for its ‘caves’ which riddle the town centre, although these are in fact largely old sand mines. The castle mound overlooking Reigate town centre is composed of soft sandstone and has been mined over several centuries. The castle has long gone but the mound and many of its excavations remain. Known locally as the “Reigate Caves”, tours include the Barons’ Cave in the Castle Grounds and the East and West Caverns in Tunnel Road. Your view of Reigate might change once you have experienced what lies beneath your feet! Tunnel Rd, Reigate RH2 0JY. www.reigatecaves.org.uk/

Hobbledown Adventure Farm Park and Zoo From Camels to Coatis, Hobbledown is home to a wide collection of farm and zoo animals, all housed in spacious enclosures with plenty of room to roam and play. Don’t miss our wonderful walkthroughs, where you can get up close to Lorikeets, Lemurs, Giant Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and Goats! Or try one of our Experience Days - whether it’s Feeding the Meerkats, Handling Birds of Prey, or the Full Zookeeper Experience, we have plenty of ways to give your animal-loving Hobbling a very special day. Horton Ln, Epsom KT19 8PT. 01372 848990 www.hobbledown.com/

Godstone Farm Join us for a Farm Trail – A chance to see all our animals, including our main barn, rabbit walk, top barn and pond walk. Animal Holding – An opportunity to get up close to some of our smaller animals. Indoor Playbarn – Children can climb and explore our Indoor Playbarn. Please note during peak times, we will operate 30 minute sessions within this area. Courtyard Kitchen – NEW Restaurant is now open, with our full menu for indoor and outdoor dining. Wiglet’s Cafe and Topshop – For take-away only with a limited menu. These areas are weather permitting. Outdoor play areas – Including our adventurous playground, sandpits, and ride on toys. With NEW Den Building area and expanded Construction Site available in our Top Play Area. Kate’s Garden – NEW Wilding Play Area where you can create your own natural fun. Gift Shop – Where you can purchase animal feed, day trip essentials, souvenirs and toys. Tilburstow Hill Road, Godstone, RH9 8LX. 01883 742546 www.godstonefarm.co.uk/

National Trust - Leith Hill Explore Leith Hill countryside, we are open daily from dawn to dusk. There are many footpaths and bridleways that allow you to explore the countryside. Explore Leith Hill Tower. The top of this striking 18th century Gothic tower marks the highest point in Southeast England at 1029ft (313m). We also have Tanhouse Farm Shop which operates a small catering kiosk from the base of Leith Hill Tower. It’s open daily 11am-3pm and serves a selection of hot and cold drinks and light snacks. Leith Hill Ln, Dorking RH5 6LY. 01306 711685 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leith-hill