Dorking Celebrates Its History with a Creative Lego Exhibition
A unique Lego exhibition in Dorking showcases the town’s rich history and landmarks, delighting visitors of all ages.
Dorking, Surrey, Lego Exhibition, History, Landmarks, Museum
Dorking: A museum in this charming Surrey town has put together a fun Lego exhibit that highlights its history and landmarks. The Dorking Museum came up with this creative idea to celebrate the town’s heritage through Lego models, and it’s been a hit since it opened in December 2024.
The exhibit, which runs until May 10, features Lego replicas of significant local sites. One standout is the Leith Hill Tower, an impressive gothic structure that stands tall at 294 meters, making it the second highest point in southeast England.
Another cool model is of the Dorking Halls, a theater that showcases 1920s and 30s architecture. This venue has hosted big names like Jimmy Carr and Katherine Ryan, so it’s a beloved spot in town.
Kathy, a spokesperson for the museum, shared that the Lego display has been a refreshing change. She mentioned how excited they are about the positive reactions from visitors, both young and old. Many have come from the Lego House at Denbies or seen the TV show, and they love seeing their town represented in Lego.
The Dorking Halls theater is a highlight of the exhibit, recreated entirely in Lego. There are also models that represent key moments in the town’s history, like a Tardis from Doctor Who, which filmed scenes nearby. Plus, there’s a Lego A1 Terrier Tank engine named the ‘Boxhill,’ celebrating Dorking’s role in establishing the South Eastern Railway back in 1848.
Box Hill also played a part in the 2012 London Olympics, where giant Olympic rings were displayed. To honor this, the exhibit includes a model of those iconic rings. And let’s not forget the Johnston’s road sweeper, a nod to the local company that has been making sweeping vehicles for over a century.
Kathy also mentioned an upcoming event on February 22, where kids can join a Lego model-making day. Their creations will be added to the display, and there will be a model train for younger visitors, inspired by a small Lego version of the Dorking 5 Toed cockerel.
This exhibit was inspired by a quirky piece of Dorking’s history involving James May, the famous British TV presenter from Top Gear. Back in 2009, he built a full-sized Lego house at the Denbies Wine estate for a BBC show. The museum’s exhibit not only showcases the Lego models but also tells the story of how that house came to be.