The Folk Trail: a heritage walk with live music in the Surrey Hills
A five-mile circular walk with music, Morris dancing and poetry, set in the Surrey Hills landscape that inspired the beloved British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams.
- Booking essential
Join us this summer solstice weekend for an unforgettable day in the Surrey Hills. This heritage trail traces the footsteps of one of England's greatest composers, celebrating his love of folk music and landscape. Starting and finishing at The Parrot pub — where Vaughan Williams did some of his famous folk song collecting — we follow the path through local woodlands and hillsides, with musical and poetry encounters in the trees. Along the way, we explore the stories held in this landscape — how it has been shaped, contested and walked by human feet across the centuries. We climb to Leith Hill Tower with Morris dancers bringing the hillside alive, before descending to Leith Hill Place, Vaughan Williams childhood home, for cream teas and folk music. The afternoon ends back at The Parrot with a folk session — raising a glass to the music and the landscape that inspired it.
Moderate to challenging — steep climb and uneven steps to Leith Hill Tower. Bring a packed lunch. Cream teas, tower and house entry included.
Brought to you by Bardic Trails.
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| Adult incl. cream tea | £28.00 |
| Concession incl. cream tea | £20.00 |
The basics
- Booking number
Call Book online
- Meeting point
Meet outside The Parrot Pub in Forest Green RH5 5RZ
- Suitability for children
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- What to bring and wear
Please wear suitable shoes for walking.
- Other
Please bring a packed lunch. Cream tea and entrance to Leith Hill Tower and Leith Hill Place included.
Upcoming events
Silent Book Club
Read your own book, in silence, amongst good company. Bring a book of your choice — or borrow one from our second-hand bookshop — and find a comfy spot in our beautiful library with views across the Weald. Carve out some time for you and a good...
Weekend music recitals
Join us for free music recitals at weekends throughout the summer.
Shipley Festival Concert with the Bernardi Piano Trio and guests
Set within the inspirational surroundings of Leith Hill Place in the Surrey Hills, this special concert brings together new music and much-loved masterpieces.
Movement, Forest Bathing and Cream Tea Mini Retreat at Leith Hill Place
Join us for a nourishing afternoon of yoga, forest Bathing and quiet rest held in the grounds of Leith Hill Place.