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Leith Hill
Come and explore the trails through woodland, heathland and farmland, all with exceptional views.
near Coldharbour village, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6LU
Important notice
Leith Hill Place and Leith Hill Tower are closed and will re-open in spring 2024. Cattle are grazing on Dukes Warren.
Opening times for 30 November 2023
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk Tower tea kiosk 10:00 - 15:00 Tower Closed House Closed Kitchen Closed Due to major refurbishment works, Leith Hill Place is closed for the foreseeable future.
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Ticket type Gift aid Standard Adult £3.00 Child £1.50 House
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Adult £6.00 Child £3.00 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
Car park
There are 4 car parks at Leith Hill. The Rhododendron car park is recommended when visiting Leith HIll Place.: free for NT members or Paybyphone: £1.50 per hour for first 2 hours; £4 for up to 4 hours; £6 for 5 hours and more. It is advisalbe to download the Paybyphone app before visiting.
Kiosk
At the base of the Tower there is a servery selling hot and cold drinks (not NT).
Dogs
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.
Steep routes with steps and uneven surfaces. Leith Hill Place is partly accessible. Spiral stairs to tower. Blue Badge parking at Leith Hill Place. No toilets
Steps/uneven terrain
By road
Off A29/B2126.
Parking: Please use the Rhododendron Wood car park if visiting Leith Hill Place. No vehicle access to top of tower. The following car parks can be used if visiting the tower (please note the distances and accessibility): Starveall Corner car park – footpath to tower ¾ mile, easy walking. Windy Gap car park – footpath to tower ¼ mile, steep steps. Landslip car park – footpath to tower ¾ mile, steep gradient.
Sat Nav: If visiting Leith Hill Place, please use postcode: RH5 6LU for Rhododendron Wood car park (nearest car park).
On foot
comprehensive network of rights of way, including the Greensand Way National Trail
By train
Holmwood 2½ miles, Dorking 5½ miles, Ockley 4 miles. There is a walk from Holmwood station to Leith Hill available via this external website - http://www.walkingclub.org.uk/book_1/walk_42/
By bus
Nearest location served by bus - Holmbury St Mary 2½ miles.
By bicycle
many rights of way
near Coldharbour village, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6LU
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting the Surrey Hills with your dog
Surrey Hills is a one pawprint rated place. With a wide variety of paths and open spaces, the Surrey Hills are an ideal place to bring your dog for a walk. Here’s what to keep in mind to keep your dog and others safe.
Highlights
Countryside
Woodland and heathland at the highest point in Surrey.
Leith Hill Tower
The tower is closed for winter and will re-open in spring 2024. Built to see and be seen, the top of the tower is the highest point in Surrey. Access up a steep stone spiral staircase. The interpretation room and second-hand bookshop can be found about two-thirds of the way up the tower.
Leith Hill Rhododendron Wood
Planted by Caroline Wedgwood, the wood contains many original species sourced from Asia as well as species native to the Himalayas, China and Thailand.
Leith Hill Place
Closed until 2024 for essential conservation work. Imposing country house with magnificent views from upper floors. Home to composer Ralph Vaughan Williams and connections with Wedgwood family.
Eating
Kiosk at bottom of Leith Hill Tower (not NT) selling a limited selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks. Kitchen in Leith Hill Place serving traditional cream teas and cakes.
Things to see and do
Article
Exploring the estate at Leith Hill
Find out what to do in the great outdoors at Leith Hill in the Surrey Hills. Walk a trail, stroll in the colourful woods or look out for wildlife as you explore.
Article
Visiting Leith Hill Tower
The tower is now closed for winter. It will re-open in spring 2024. The top of this 18th-century tower marks the highest point in south east England, with views across to London and out to the southern coast.
Article
Leith Hill Place
The childhood home of composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. Please note that Leith Hill Place is closed until 2024 for essential conservation work.
Top trails
Trail
Leith Hill woodland walk
Enjoy some impressive views of the South Downs and the London skyline on this invigorating circular walk through woodland on Leith Hill
Trail
Leith Hill woodland bluebell walk
Follow this short but hilly walk around Frank's Wood for views across to the South Downs and, between April and May, a stunning array of scented bluebells.
Trail
Leith Hill Rhododendron Wood Walk
A glorious springtime stroll to see the myriad colours of rhododendrons, azaleas and bluebells in this peaceful woodland at the foot of Leith Hill.
Trail
Leith Hill heathland walk
Discover the source of the Tillingbourne stream on this circular walk through the open heathland of Duke's Warren.
Places to stay
Polesden Garden Cottage
You’ll find gorgeous views over the Polesden Lacey estate and elegant interiors in this Regency-style villa.
The Morris Apartment
A one-bedroom apartment in trademark Arts and Crafts style, on the second floor of Standen House.
About Leith Hill
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
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History of Leith Hill Place
Discover the history of Leith Hill Place in the Surrey Hills. The house was once home to the Wedgwood family and composer Ralph Vaughan Williams.
Our work
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Support us
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Volunteer opportunities at Leith Hill
Find out about the volunteering opportunities available at Leith Hill, working to maintain this beautiful estate in the Surrey Hills, and how you can join the team.