Discover Capel: Nature, History and a Brewery Tour

Capel offers plenty to explore for travellers interested in nature, architectural history and brewery visits. Specific highlights include the Capel Loops, two historic buildings, Dorking Brewery and the Capel Show.

Capel Loops and Views

The Capel Loops lead into the Dairy House Nature Reserve through a passage beside a field gate. A later section passes through the reserve again and offers views of the North Downs; the loops also offer views of Leith Hill. The route therefore combines a walk through the reserve with views of two distinct destinations. Check the path conditions before setting out.

The sequence of sections is also useful for finding your way: the path leads into the reserve, and later another section passes through it again. The view of the North Downs is noted for this later section, while Leith Hill is also one of the viewpoints along the Capel Loops. This makes it possible to consider the route and its landscape features separately, rather than combining them into a single viewpoint.

Architectural History in Capel

The Church of St. John the Baptist is a 13th-century church that was rebuilt and restored in 1865 by H. Woodyer. The two dates refer to different phases of its architectural history: its 13th-century origins are complemented by its 19th-century rebuilding and restoration. Anyone interested in historic buildings will find both an early date and a later intervention with a known year and architect.

The Capel Quaker Meeting House and Cottage comprises a Quaker meeting house built in 1724 and later altered, as well as an attached 18th-century cottage that was subsequently altered and extended. A specific year of construction is given for the meeting house; the cottage’s history includes a broader time period and later alterations. The two parts of the building therefore reflect different construction phases.

Brewery Visits and Beer on Tap

Dorking Brewery offers a guided brewery tour in Capel every Saturday at 11:30 am. The tour lasts about 45 minutes and includes a beer tasting, at £15 per person. Places can be booked online. The approximate duration and set Saturday start time make it easier to plan your visit; check availability before travelling.

Another brewery address is The Tap & Gun at Aldhurst Farm in Capel. Beer from Dorking Brewery is served fresh from the source there; the taproom is just a few metres from the brewery. The tour and the taproom offer different experiences: the tour combines a guided visit with a tasting, while The Tap & Gun serves the brewery’s beer. Check current operating arrangements before visiting.

The Capel Show

Since 2007, the Capel Show has combined the Capel Horticultural Society’s summer show with the Capel Classic Car & Bike Show. The programme also includes hobby and handicraft exhibitions. The event therefore covers gardening, classic cars and motorcycles, as well as other exhibition areas. If you are planning your trip around the Capel Show, check the event dates in advance.

The highlights described here differ considerably: the Capel Loops combine paths through the Dairy House Nature Reserve with scenic views, the historic buildings reveal different construction phases, and the brewery experiences offer either a guided tour with a tasting or beer served on site. When choosing a hotel in Capel, you can first consider which of these themes matters most for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Chaldon, Virginia Water, Tatsfield, Redhill, Bookham, Copthorne, Ewhurst, Crowhurst.

For the wider travel overview: Surrey.