The house at Leith Hill Place

A view across lawn to the south front of Leith Hill Place country house, built in around 1600, at Leith Hill, Surrey. It's pale grey with a central building and a wing on either side — The south front of Leith Hill Place country house | © National Trust Images/Andrew Butler

Step inside Leith Hill Place to uncover the stories of the Wedgwood family and famous composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. From pianos to pottery, the house contains fascinating glimpses into the lives of its former inhabitants. Take time to listen to Vaughan Williams' music, soak up the atmosphere of this grand house and take in the inspiring views.

House closed

Due to major refurbishment works, Leith Hill Place will be closed in 2023 and will re-open in spring 2024. .

Vaughan Williams’ piano

In the study you’ll find the little piano on which famous composer Ralph Vaughan Williams wrote many of his famous works. The piano was used to write compositions including 'The Lark Ascending', which has been named the nation’s favourite piece of classical music.

The piano remained in the Williams family for many years until recently. It has been restrung and fitted with a new tuning plank so that the piano can once again be played.

A musical timeline

When exploring the rooms on the first floor, make sure to take in the fascinating timeline of the life and works of Ralph Vaughan Williams and a short and evocative film of his life set to music.

A pale blue jasperware milk jug with a raised white pattern of figures, a lyre and a tree, from the collection at Mompesson, Wiltshire — A jasperware milk jug | © National Trust/David Cousins

The story of Wedgwood

Wedgwood pottery is known internationally, with the most recognisable design being the blue and white Jasperware. In the Wedgwood room you can discover how the pioneering ceramicist, Josiah, experimented tirelessly to create his masterpiece.

A kind donation

Vaughan Williams’ piano was donated to Leith Hill Place in 2016 by Frances Rhodes (niece of Ursula Vaughan Williams, the composer’s widow) and is now on permanent display at Leith Hill Place.

The piano, a Broadwood with a model name of ‘Honeysuckle’, dates from 1903 and was bought second-hand by Vaughan Williams in 1905. He kept the instrument close to hand through his most productive and important years.

Thanks are given to Frances Rhodes, the donor of this important gift, and for the ongoing support of the Ralph Vaughan Williams Society, Vaughan Williams Charitable Trust for use of images, Surrey Performing Arts Library, Leith Hill Musical Festival and the Wedgwood family.