Discover more at Leith Hill
Find out when Leith Hill is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Go for a hike through parkland, stroll through the woods or sit peacefully with a picnic as you look out for wildlife. Leith Hill has been a place of leisure since the 19th century for good reason; with views reaching to the London skyline and the South Downs, you're so close to the hustle and bustle of the everyday, and yet miles from it at the same time.
Escape to Leith Hill and explore the many footpaths and woodland walks on offer in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), perfect for short strolls and longer hikes. You can download a trail leaflet before you visit or pick one up from one of the car parks: there are four walking trails to help you get the most from your visit.
Picnicking around Leith Hill Tower has been popular since the 19th century when Victorian day-trippers would bring large spreads to enjoy on the slopes as they took in the sunny views. Follow in their footsteps and find one of the many benches around Leith Hill Tower, along the footpaths and in the Rhododendron Wood.
Leith Hill is home to a variety of wildlife and diverse habitats. No matter what time of year you're here, there's always plenty to see.
During the warmer months you can spot plenty of butterflies in the wooded glades, from commas to silver-washed fritillaries, purple emperors and white admirals. For the best chance of seeing these butterflies, visit Etherley Copse in the height of summer and keep an eye on the tree canopy.
Wherever you are on Leith Hill, look out for birds of prey. Buzzards and red kites are often seen high in the sky. Goshawks are also thought to breed in the woods on the hill, but they are very secretive birds and spotting them is particularly difficult.
The heathland on Duke’s Warren Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is home to some very special wildlife; the open, scrubby habitat is perfect for ground-nesting birds such as the nightjar and woodlark. They arrive on the heath in April and normally leave in August once they have reared their young.
The woods around Leith Hill Place, which once formed part of the historic estate, are worked by a local hurdle maker. He uses hazel coppice to make unique and sustainable hazel hurdles. Managing the woodland in this way also creates homes for one of our rarest small mammals, the hazel dormouse.
The Rhododendron Wood has far-reaching views across the Leith Hill estate and was planted around the 1850s whilst the Wedgwood family lived here. There are many meandering paths through the wood for you to explore.
As well as the many varieties of rhododendron, which bloom in May and June, many notable trees were also planted including a magnificent tulip tree in the parkland and several giant redwoods.
Artist Alison Carlier developed an audio guide to lead you through the Rhododendron Wood and to reflect on your surroundings and pause to mindfully examine your environment. The audio guide features music by composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, who grew up at Leith Hill Place. You can listen to the summer or the winter version of the guides.
Charles Darwin often used to visit his sister, Caroline Wedgwood, at Leith Hill Place. He noticed that that earth had started to bank up against the sides of a particular stone in the grounds, and that the stone itself had begun to sink into the earth.
He concluded that parts of the stone became buried by the action of earthworms excavating soil from beneath and depositing it above the surface. He also believed that this was the same way that ancient ruins eventually became buried in the ground.
Darwin’s ‘worm stone’ still sits within the grounds of Leith Hill Place today – you can find it next to a waymarker for the orange trail below the house.
Find out when Leith Hill is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Step inside this welcoming home. Childhood home of one of England’s greatest composers, Ralph Vaughan Williams and often visited by Charles Darwin, Leith Hill Place is place of inspiration, discovery and creativity.
Visit Leith Hill Tower on the Leith Hill estate. Climb the 78 spiral steps and discover the incredible views from the highest point in south-east England.
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.
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.
Plan a visit to one of the special countryside places in our care and discover the benefits of being in the great outdoors. Pack your walking boots and get ready to explore woodlands, valleys and rivers.
Explore the wide array of countryside settings around Surrey, from tranquil waterways to landscaped parkland, and plenty of hills to climb.
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.