The Deepdene Trail

Unusual trail with an interesting history, just outside Dorking. A network of paths lead up hillsides densely covered with rhododendrons. At the top of the hill there are good views and a circular bench, surrounded in October by a sea of fallen acorns - need to be careful walking over them! A flight of steps leads down to the gardens, home to some ornamental plants, the "Embattled Tower" and Coady the lion. The trail is well signed, with various information boards explaining its history. Once the site of an impressive manor house (demolished in the late 1960s), the gardens were atmospheric in the late afternoon shade, with a strong sense of past glory. Pictures on the boards showed the house in its heyday, would have been quite a sight to see. There are a couple of parking spaces at the entrance gate, if these are full it's about 20 minutes walk from the nearest parking in town. The trail can extend into longer walks around Dorking if you have more time to spend.
Jan 13th, 2023

So peaceful
Mar 31st, 2023

A hidden gem
Mar 2nd, 2023

Visited on Weekend Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No More
Feb 8th, 2023

A wonderful walk on the Deepdene trail, plenty of information boards doted along the many paths explaining the history of the Deepdene estate, with some dense wooded areas, steep step here and there a great viewpoint, the mausoleum and of course Coady the stone lion. Park at the Reigate Road car park (behind the Dorking sports centre) it's a 15 minute sign posted walk from the car park. (Parking is pay & display, free on Sundays)
Feb 6th, 2023