Dorking Brewery & Taproom

The brewery sits right in Dorking town centre, which makes it dead convenient if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Henfold Lakes or Cowroom Glamping. You can actually walk there from most of them without needing the car.

Inside, it's a proper working brewery with a taproom attached - so you get to see where the beer gets made, then sit down and try it. They've got their own range on tap, and the space feels authentic rather than touristy, which is refreshing. The team know what they're doing and will chat about the brewing process if you're interested, but won't bore you senseless if you're just after a good pint and some company.

It works well for a couple of hours on an afternoon, especially if you pair it with a wander around Dorking itself - there's decent food nearby and the high street's worth a proper look. Families with older kids will get something from it; very young children won't, frankly. Walkers heading through the area on their way to Box Hill often pop in here, which tells you something about the location.

The vibe is casual. No pretension. If you're camping at Sands Farm or any of the other spots within a few miles, this gives you a proper reason to head into town beyond just grabbing supplies. Worth an hour or so of your time, especially if craft beer matters to you.