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A large market town on the
banks of the River Mole, Dorking is surrounded by
splendid scenery in the Surrey Hills Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty. At almost 1,000 feet,
Leith Hill is the highest point in southeast
England. At its peak is an 18th century tower that
has been restored by the National Trust. Box Hill
and Ranmore Common - also owned by the National
Trust - boast spectacular views while a network of
caves, excavated in the 17th century, lies beneath
the town.
Dorking’s most famous
residents were William Mullins, one of the Pilgrim
Fathers, and the English composer Vaughan
Williams, who lived at Leith Hill Place.
Charles Dickens stayed at the
White Horse Inn while Nelson reportedly parted
from his wife at a hotel in nearby Burford Bridge.
The poet Keats also stayed here.
Major attractions hereabouts
are Norbury Park and the Regency house Polesden
Lacey, where the future King George VI and Queen
Elizabeth spent part of their honeymoon in 1923.
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