Leith Hill RH5 6LU
Free for NT Members
Open: Seasonal - See website
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About:
Leith Hill is set within the Surrey Hills, and from the Tower rising majestically above the surrounding hills you can see sweeping views towards London in the North and the English Channel in the South. The top of the Tower is the highest point in South-East England.
Leith Hill has been popular with visitors since the Victorian times and you can enjoy similar pastimes today but with a modern twist; follow a self-guided trail through ancient woods, the scented Rhododendron Wood or across open heathland.
There’s plenty of space for family adventures and many spots for picnics too. Hot and cold food is available from the Tower’s servery.
Leith Hill is within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is home to an abundant wildlife. It’s also designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Visit and escape into a natural and peaceful world around you...
History:
From 17th century merchants to modern musicians, Leith Hill Place has had a long and interesting history. With connections to the Wedgwood family, Charles Darwin and famous composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, the house has had some fascinating inhabitants. Explore the history of this wonderful home and discover some of its stories.
Leith Hill Tower was built in 1765 by Richard Hull as 'a place for people to enjoy the glory of the English countryside'. The many hollows on the nearby slopes are thought to be where materials were quarried to build it. The tower was sealed up in 1800 and the stairwell was added in 1864 to provide access to the roof. It was reopened in 1984 after the cement and rubble were dug out.
In 1847 Leith Hill Place was bought by Josiah Wedgwood III. Having retired from the family pottery business in Staffordshire, he brought his wife and three young daughters to live in the Surrey Hills. Josiah was married to Caroline Darwin, and her brother Charles, the famous naturalist, often used to visit.
Charles Darwin involved his three nieces - Sophy, Margaret and Lucy - in his earthworm experiments in and around Leith Hill Place. In the parkland below the house you can still see his 'worm stone' which sits next to one of the orange trail markers.
Margaret Wedgwood married Arthur Vaughan Williams, but was widowed early and moved back to Leith Hill Place with her three young children. Her youngest son, Ralph, went on to become the well-known English composer.
Dog Friendly:
Well-controlled dogs are welcome across the estate. Please keep them on a lead when around grazing livestock and also in the fenced Duke's Warren during ground-nesting bird season (1 March - 31 July). Well-behaved dogs on leads are also welcome inside Leith Hill Place.
Entry Charge:
See website - all visitors must pre-book
Parking:
Parking: You must pay to park here (members park free). You need to validate your parking at a machine or on the JustPark app. There is no phone signal, so download and set up the app before your visit. £2 up to 1 hour. £4 up to 2 hours. £6 up to 4 hours. £9 all day. No overnight parking or camping. JustPark location ID: Rhododendron Wood: 80612. Landslip: 80601.
Facilities:
Book Shop
Kiosk
Tea Room
Toilet
Notes:
Steep routes with steps and uneven surfaces. Leith Hill Place is partly accessible. Spiral stairs to tower. Blue Badge parking at Leith Hill Place.
Contact:
Email:
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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