Dull as Dorking

[MemyselfandIrene2]

What a soul destroying town. Pretty on the outside dead on the inside unless you are 60+.
Had massive high hopes to move here as the property is gorgeous and amazingly cheap for the amount of house. Any other areas nearby you could recommend with more life??

Reigate has a bit more going on?

I actually love Dorking 😳

Admittedly I only work in the area and don’t actually live there... And I love cycling which probably helps!

Horsham?

Guildford or Leatherhead?

At least it's not Redhill OP

Redhill is awful BUT at least it has a bit of life. I just want a place that will grow with kids. Teenagers in Dorking (or places similar) are destined to hang out in local pubs or smoking weed in parks. I need somewhere with life

At least it's not Redhill, how rude 'Twas my childhood town! Oh the days of hanging out in McDonalds of an evening with a hot chocolate and an apple pie

To be fair that was more than 25 years ago, and yes it is now dreadful. I'd suggest Reigate as above post. But Dorking, whilst boring, isn't a bad place and to be honest, I'd rather move there than Redhill or Reigate, if I had a choice.

What sort of life are you after?

hang out in local pubs or smoking weed in parks

Isn't that what teenagers do wherever you are...?!

^ can confirm the above, it's what we did in my beautiful country village and what DP did in London... teenagers like pubs and weed

I'm laughing at the fact someone moved to Dorking expecting some hip and happening life. Dorking is certainly not soul destroying, it's just a different way of life than you want OP.

I know all teenagers drink and smoke but I drove though Dorking at 8pm on a Saturday night and I thought the Apocalypse had happened whilst I was at a wedding. High street deserted and the only place showing any life was pizza express.

I want a nice size house and I’m pushed further and further out into the sticks which frustrates me. I don’t mean to seem I’m slagging off anyone’s home town but Dorking and the like is dull for a family.

But you are slagging it off. It just doesn't suit your life. That doesn't make it dull and soul destroying.

I find it dull and soul destroying. It’s fine if you don’t.

Dorking is so hip, the happening doesn’t even occur in the high street...

You heard it here first

Have you actually lived in Dorking OP or just driven through it once of an evening?!

I honestly don't think you'll find what you want any where around Dorking. Even Reigate is a quiet life in comparison to other places

I think reigate is fairly lively for a small town! It's expensive there though. Either way lots of great restaurants, shops and places to have a drink.

To paraphrase The Muppets;

"Do you like Dorking?"

"I don't know; I've never Dorked".

It's a quick journey into London if you want lovely in the eve!

Lively

Quick?! It’s 50 mins! That’s not quick.
My best friend lives in Dorking. We very rarely- if ever go out there. Why are you so defensive about it? I’m not calling it a raving shit hole full of scag heads. I’m sure it’s full of very wealthy (dull) people who like antiques and tea rooms that smell of old ladies

Aldershot

I grew up there. You’re not wrong about the teenagers .

But I’m not sure what more you’re expecting? You only have to drive through the high street to realise its antique shops, pubs and estate agents.

Dorking kids are either madly horsey or madly off their tits. Or both.

I live in Dorking. I'm actually inclined to partially agree with you, OP

The problem with Dorking is that it doesn't know what it wants to be. You have antiques end of the high street, which is really not my bag. Then there's the middle which has a LOVELY butchers, Steamer Trader and Waterstones. The rest of the shops are just shite.

Meadowbank park is wonderful and has really reaped the benefits of all the money that's been ploughed into it. BUT...it is indeed full of gobshite kids in that awkward inbetween phase where they find themselves too old for the park but too young for the pub.

That aside, I bloody love living here. It is friendly and beautiful. Apart from the tower blocks which are partially shrouded by trees and hidden on the outskirts of town

With regards to nearby towns, Redhill is a godforsaken shithole. Leatherhead also. Reigate is up its own arse and full of snotty twats with ideas above their station. Have you looked at Cobham / Oxshott? I grew up there so I'm biased but it's posh and naice and more happening than Dorking.

As @BangingOn says, what about Horsham? You are moving further out but there is more happening there than Dorking.