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Visiting Leith Hill Tower

Leith Hill Tower, an 18th-century Gothic folly, built of stone with battlements, at Leith Hill, Surrey
Leith Hill Tower, an 18th-century Gothic folly, at Leith Hill, Surrey | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Climb the 78 spiral steps to the top of Leith Hill Tower and take in the views from the highest point in south-east England. Use the telescopes to look for famous landmarks – on a clear day you’ll be amazed how far you can see. The tower will reopen in spring 2027.

Leith Hill Tower will reopen in 2027

Leith Hill Tower is now closed for the 2026 season and will reopen in spring 2027. Please check back here for details.

The highest point

The top of Leith Hill Tower marks the highest point in south-east England at 1,029ft (313m). There are sweeping views from the top and on a clear day you can see the English Channel to the south and the clock face of Big Ben in Westminster to the north.  

Exhibition room 

Halfway up the tower is an exhibition room with fascinating tales about the tower and the man who built it. 

A personal project

The tower was built in 1765 by Richard Hull from Leith Hill Place as 'a place for people to enjoy the glory of the English countryside'. Richard loved the tower so much he wanted to be buried underneath it.

A leaf-littered sunken track with banks on both sides in woodland at Leigh Hill, Surrey
Autumn woodland at Leigh Hill, Surrey | © National Trust Images/Andrew Butler

Mosses Wood at Leith Hill

The walk up the hill towards the tower passes Mosses Wood. Measuring 69 acres, the wood is home to some spectacular specimen trees which make up part of an arboretum. Many of the trees are pines, the oldest of which were planted in the mid-1800s by local resident Alexander Hargreaves Brown. Take some time to explore this peaceful spot on your walk to the tower.

Mosses Wood was donated to the National Trust by Lady Edith Ivy Pigott-Brown in memory of her son, Captain Sir John Pigott-Brown, who was killed in action in Tunisia on Christmas Day 1942. This was the second tragedy to strike Lady Edith; her husband Captain Hagreaves Brown was killed during the First World War.

Visitors at Leith Hill Tower, Surrey. Two people are sitting on a bench with their dog and two bikes.

Discover more at Leith Hill

Find out when Leith Hill is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

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The house at Leith Hill Place 

**PLEASE NOTE: Leith Hill Place is now closed until spring 2027.

View of front exterior of Leith Hill Place, with pink rhododendrons along the drive and a bright pink door.

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.

View of the steps to Leith Hill Tower surrounded by heather and trees

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.

View of front exterior of Leith Hill Place, with pink rhododendrons along the drive and a bright pink door.

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