Visiting Leith Hill: What you need to know

We are delighted to welcome you back to Leith Hill. Here you'll find details on what's open and when, where to park, refreshments and ideas for walking routes.

Follow the grass path to Leith Hill Place

Leith Hill Place 

Leith Hill Place is now closed for the winter and will re-open in spring 2022. It was home to the Wedgwood family and was regularly visited by Charles Darwin, Caroline Wedgwood’s brother. Ralph Vaughan Williams, one of the most prolific English composers of the 20th century spent his childhood here.

Discover the history of Leith Hill Place
A view of the West Front of Leith Hill Tower, Dorking, Surrey

Leith Hill Tower

The top of this striking 18th century Gothic tower marks the highest point in South East England at 1029ft (313m). Although you can admire it from the outside, access to the top of the tower is currently closed to visitors. To visit the Tower, we recommend parking at Starveall Corner car park (RH5 6LX) which is managed by Surrey County Council and is free. From there it's a 10-15 minute walk steadily uphill over rough ground to the Tower.

The woods at Leith Hill, Surrey

Explore Leith Hill 

Leith hill countryside is open daily from dawn to dusk. There are many footpaths and bridleways that allow you to explore the countryside. Details of these can be found on OS Explorer map 146 and OS Landranger map 187. We also have 4 waymarked walks of a variety lengths around Leith Hill which can be found on our downloadable map.

Discover our walking trails
Visitors walking in parkland with cups of takeaway coffee

Refreshments

Tanhouse Farm Shop (not NT) operates a small catering kiosk from the base of Leith Hill Tower. It’s open daily 11am-3pm and serves a selection of hot and cold drinks and light snacks. Please note that there are no public toilet facilities at the tower or anywhere on Leith Hill.

children sitting in boot of car

Parking 

The 4 car parks near Leith Hill are often at capacity by mid-morning during weekends and at school holidays. Please consider coming back another time if the car parks are full. The Rhododendron Wood car park is free for NT members; £3.50 donation for non-NT members.

Find the car parks on the map
Dog walking at Dunstable Downs Bedfordshire

Visiting the Surrey Hills with your dog 

Take some time to explore heathland and woodland on an invigorating walk with your dog in the Surrey Hills. Take a look at our tips for a safe stroll with your four-legged friend.

Pick up your dog lead now