Visit Mole Valley

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Visit Mole Valley

Situated halfway between London and the South Coast, Mole Valley offers a perfect blend of culture, charm and endless countryside.

02/06/2026

🥾Trail to try... Forest Green: Woods and Green Meadows

Located midway between Dorking, Guildford and Horsham, the tiny village of Forest Green is defined by its large expansive green, edged by a scattering of historic properties.

The gentle 6 1/4 mile 'Forest Green: Woods and Green Meadows' walk combines the village centre with surrounding woods, fields and pastures, starting close to the brilliant The Parrot, Forest Green pub. On the trail, be sure to look out for ancient cottages, a tranquil pond, woodland bridges and countryside views, as well as a Little Free Library housed in a red telephone box - do take along a book to swap!

At the end of your walk, don't forget to stop at The Parrot for drinks or food, soaking in the beautiful views across the green - you've earned it!

To discover this trail, visit: fancyfreewalks.org/Surrey/ForestGreen.pdf?version=feb25 and to find out more about The Parrot pub, see: visitmolevalley.co.uk/the-parrot.

31/05/2026

Tucked away in beautiful grounds close to the River Mole is the Leatherhead Miniature Railway 🚂

Run by The Surrey Society of Model Engineers, families both young and old can visit on special days throughout the year to learn more about the workings of miniature railways, discover the extensive tracks in many gauges, enjoy the experience featuring guards, station masters, a ticket office and ticket collectors, and take a ride on the locomotives and rolling stock. It's a delightful day out for all ages! 🛤

The next Open Day is from 11am till 4pm on Sunday 14 June, with further summer dates on Sunday 12 July, Monday 31 August and Sunday 20 September. For more information, see visitmolevalley.co.uk/series/leatherhead-miniature-railway-open-day.

29/05/2026

The beautifully ornate Shell Bridge that reaches elegantly over the River Mole in Leatherhead is said to have been created in the late 18th-century by the famous English garden architect, Lancelot “Capability” Brown.

Originally constructed as an ornamental feature linking two islands in the grounds of Thorncroft Manor, the bridge was crafted using flint and features a large scallop shell as its central keystone. Though on private land today, visitors can glimpse the bridge while walking along the River Mole Local Nature Reserve before exploring Leatherhead town centre and its many shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.

🐚 Have you ever spotted the Shell Bridge? Let us know in the comments!

For more of Mole Valley's hidden treasures, see: visitmolevalley.co.uk/discover-the-hidden-treasures-of-mole-valley.

📸: on Instagram

24/05/2026

Did you know that many of our Mole Valley churches have fascinating features?

Here are three with unusual aspects to discover:

⛪ St John the Evangelist in Wotton - Eagle-eyed visitors will notice the captivating openings in the churchyard walls, framed like low arches. They are thought to have been created to allow sheep to graze the churchyard from the surrounding fields and North Downs!

⛪ St Michael’s and All Angels Church in Mickleham - Featuring special woodwork, the oak panelling in the church's Norbury Chapel came from St Paul’s School in London, rescued during the 1666 Great Fire of London, whilst the ornate lych gate at the entrance to the churchyard is decorated with handsomely carved heads.

⛪ Church of St Mary & St Nicholas in Leatherhead - Having stood as Leatherhead’s parish church for almost 1,000 years, keep an eye out for historic graffiti inside the church, the oldest of which dates back to the 17th-century. Some of the carved names relate to the period when the gallery was used as a schoolroom.

To explore more of Mole Valley's intriguing historic churches and to plan your visit, see: visitmolevalley.co.uk/churches.

22/05/2026

Fancy trying your hand at upcycling furniture? Step into Westcott & Williams' studio in Dorking for a creative workshop like no other. 🎨

These small group classes are held by the effervescent Annie who shares skills, tips and tricks in a friendly and inspiring space. Whether you choose to join the Essential Techniques, Decorative Techniques or Full Day workshop, learn how to paint the Annie Sloan way from the experts. 🖌

For more information and to book onto a session, see: visitmolevalley.co.uk/westcott-and-williams.

19/05/2026

With the weather hotting up and the Bank Holiday weekend almost upon us, now is the time to discover a new picturesque pub garden ☀

Whether you’re escaping the city for the Surrey Hills or looking for a new local to enjoy; planning a date, relaxing with family or catching up with friends, Mole Valley provides plenty of perfect pub garden inspiration 🍻

For ideas, visit: visitmolevalley.co.uk/soak-up-the-sun-in-these-perfect-pub-gardens.

17/05/2026

Built between 1856 and 1858, the Victorian gothic mansion of Pippbrook House in Dorking was built by the prestigious architect, Sir George Gilbert Scott, who also famously designed the Midland Grand Hotel at St Pancras Station and the Albert Memorial.

With ornate arched windows, painted ceilings, marble fireplaces and elaborately carved woodwork, the Grade II* listed building has been reopened as a vibrant creative hub managed by the team at Dorking Halls. Staging talks, live shows and film screenings alongside holding workshops, art classes and more, visit this Mole Valley hidden gem for an inspiring and entertaining day out in Dorking.

To discover more of Mole Valley's hidden treasures, visit visitmolevalley.co.uk/discover-the-hidden-treasures-of-mole-valley.

15/05/2026

Looking to get to know Leatherhead better? Take the Town and River Heritage Trail! 🗺

Historically a focus for both local trade and leisure due to its location just 17-miles from central London, Leatherhead offers a rich heritage ready to be explored. Discover a fascinating mix of architecture, the town's famous music links, the handsome 1930's pumping station, the pretty Church of St Mary and St Nicholas, views across the River Mole and much more, as well as the many shops and eateries throughout the centre.

Along the way, enjoy a drink or food at The Dukes Head Leatherhead or The Running Horse, or stop for lunch at Lucio’s Coffee & Deli, Amici Cafe, or one of the many other excellent cafes en route.

The 2.5km Leatherhead Town and River Trail takes between 45–60 minutes. For the route, visit visitmolevalley.co.uk/leatherhead-town-and-river-trail.

12/05/2026

Planning a Mole Valley minibreak and need dinner inspiration? Local and looking to discover a tasty takeaway?

We've rounded up some of the best takeaways to whet your appetite and tingle your tastebuds across Mole Valley:

🍕 Monte Forte - Neapolitan Pizza, Dorking
🇮🇳 Spice Tavern, Newdigate
🐉 Zen Garden, Leatherhead
🐟 Superfish Fish & Chips, Ashtead
🍛 Dorking Brasserie, Dorking

Have we missed your favourite? Let us know and share with others in the comments!

For more ideas of where to eat in Mole Valley, see: visitmolevalley.co.uk/discover/food-drink.

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Dorking
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https://visitmolevalley.co.uk/

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