Events

Being Human Festival – Saturday 7 November 2026 – 

Refugee Voices from World War II Pop-up Exhibition and Zine-making workshops 

Join us for this day of creativity and discovery of Surrey’s long history of refugee solidarity. This all day pop-up exhibition shares the stories of people forced to flee their homes and those who helped them to find refuge in Surrey. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss with curators, historians and teachers and reflect on how acts of kindness from ordinary people formed Dorking’s response to an international crisis. This exhibition will centre on the theme ‘Accessing Refugee History in Surrey’ and the archive of the Dorking Refugee Committee (1938-1949), an important collection  held at Dorking Museum that records the difficulties faced and the support received by those fleeing the Nazi regime.  Explore the new website, developed by Surrey academics, that brings the details of the archive to life. Come and learn about the teaching resources created by the Ashcombe school to explore the Committee’s archives within the History curriculum. Attendees can also sign up for a zine-making workshop running 11am-12pm. This event is part of the University of Surrey Being Human Festival 2026 Hub Programme. Book your place on the workshop follow here – Refugee Voices from World War II: Cultural Crossroads in Dorking (Workshops) | Being Human Festival

Group Bookings

Dorking Museum welcomes groups of all ages and our volunteers will be happy to help you make the most of your visit.

For more details on group booking click here

Family Activity Days

Held regularly, these sessions are ideal for families with children up to the age of 10. We ask parents to stay with your children whilst you discover fascinating things in the Museum or learn something new about our town.

More details on Family Activity Days here.

South Street Caves Tour

For more information on how to book a group tour or book online for individuals – click here

More details on the South Street Caves here.

Guided Walks Around Dorking

Explore the history of Dorking through its urban landscape, following its development from settlement at the foot of the chalk downs to flourishing market town and turnpike staging post, taking in the old foundry (now the Museum), the only known surviving house of a pilgrim father, the Cotmandene, site of a historic early depiction of the game of cricket, and the coaching inn that features in Dickens’ Pickwick Papers.

Walks are also available on the Deepdene Trail and at Betchworth Castle, offering access to the Grade II* listed Hope Mausoleum and the Castle enclosure.

For details of our ticketed walks programme – visit our walks page

Bespoke walks are available for groups of 10 at a cost of £40 per group. If you would like to book a walk, please fill in the form here.

Museum Talks

 

The Museum runs an occasional programme of curator talks, book launches and exhibition openings.