Leith Hill

Surrey

Come and explore the trails through woodland, heathland and farmland, all with exceptional views.

near Coldharbour village, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6LU

Opening times
Prices
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View of Leith Hill Tower through the trees in summer

M T W T F S S
Open
Closed
Opening times for 15 April 2026
Asset Opening time
Countryside Dawn - Dusk
Tower tea kiosk 10:00 - 15:00
Tower Closed
House Closed
Kitchen Closed
Overnight parking and camping is not allowed. Help us look after Leith Hill by not lighting fires or barbeques.
Bookshop
You'll find the volunteer-led second-hand bookshop to your right as you enter the house. If you have any books that you would like to donate, please get in touch.
Car park
You must pay to park here (National Trust members park free). You need to validate your parking at a machine or on the JustPark app. There is no phone signal, so download and set up the app before your visit. £2 up to 1 hour. £4 up to 2 hours. £6 up to 4 hours. £9 all day. No overnight parking or camping. Location ID: Rhododendron Wood 80612. Landslip 80601.
Car park - more information
Dogs allowed
Well‑behaved dogs are welcome across the estate. Please keep them on a lead around grazing livestock and within fenced areas during ground‑nesting bird season (1 March–31 July). Well‑behaved dogs on short leads are also welcome inside Leith Hill Place.
Dogs allowed - more information
Kiosk
At the base of the Tower there is a kiosk selling hot and cold drinks, and snacks (not National Trust).
Tea-room
The Kitchen at Leith Hill Place serves a selection of cakes and scones baked on site, as well as hot and cold drinks.
Toilet
Toilets and baby changing facilities are available at Leith Hill Place during house opening times. There are no toilet facilities at the Tower.
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
Click here to access the full Accessibility Guide for Leith Hill - AccessAble.co.uk
Designated parking
Two accessible designated parking spaces are available immediately in front of the house. Access from Leith Hill Lane.
Drop-off point
You are welcome to drop-off immediately in front of the house, where there is space to turn up to mid-sized vehicles such as a mini-bus. Access from Leith Hill Lane.
Induction loop
Induction hearing loops are installed at the reception desk and in the Kitchen.
Level access/terrain
The ground floor is accessible. A ramp and assistance are available for the two entrance steps. Inside is mostly level. Stairs are required for the first floor and cellar.
Ramped access/slopes
There is a sloped floor between the main house and the Kitchen, which is in an attached building extension.
Steps/uneven terrain
The courtyard’s brick path is uneven and there is a step to the terrace. Step‑free access to terrace views is available via the side path from the main doors.
Map
Directions via Google Maps
On foot
Leith Hill is readily accessible on foot with many paths connecting the area.

Leith Hill is part of the Greensand Way long distance route for 1.5 miles (2.4km) taking you past the Tower. A short diversion downhill will take you to Leith Hill Place.

Leith Hill is approximately 2.5 miles (4km) from Holmwood train station. Other nearby stations include Ockley (4 miles, 6.4km) and Dorking (5.5 miles, 9km). See by train information for details.
Cycling
Cycle parking is available in front of the house.

Cycling at Leith Hill offers beautiful scenery and challenging climbs suitable for a range of abilities. Please ride responsibly, stick to designated paths, and help protect this special landscape for everyone to enjoy.

Leith Hill is 4.1 miles (6.5km) south of National Cycle Network Route 22 (NCN22). This route connects south London with Portsmouth, an escape into nature through the countryside. Nearby, it runs between Banstead and Guildford, through Dorking. In Banstead it joins with NCN20, connecting to south and central London.

Leith Hill is approximately 2.5 miles (4km) from Holmwood train station. From here, there is a good connection along Anstie Lane and Abinger Road. This is shared with local traffic. Other nearby stations include Ockley (4 miles, 6.4km) and Dorking (5.5 miles, 9km).

Plan your route to Leith Hill using the CycleStreets journey planner via the by bicycle link below. (This journey planner uses OpenStreetMap data which is generally excellent but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. If you come to a footpath or other cycle-prohibited track, please don’t ride on it).

Cycle hire is available from several places in Dorking.
Cycling - more information
By train
The >Surrey Connect on demand electric bus service operates Monday to Saturday. Leith Hill is part of the Central Surrey zone covering Leith Hill, all Dorking rail stations, and other local connections.

The 22 bus travels between Dorking and Crawley, from Monday to Friday, stopping at nearby Holmbury St Mary. It is a 2.5 mile (4km) walk from here.

The 465 bus travels nearby between Dorking and Kingston every day, with several stops at the bottom of scenic Box Hill.. The 465 bus can be taken from outside Dorking and Dorking Deepdene train stations for local connections.
By bus
Nearest location served by bus - Holmbury St Mary 2½ miles.
By road
Off A29/B2126.
Parking: Please use the Rhododendron Wood car park if visiting Leith Hill Place house. For Leith Hill Tower the following car parks can be used: 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. See more details under ‘Facilities’.
Sat Nav: If visiting Leith Hill Place, please use postcode: RH5 6LU for Rhododendron Wood car park (nearest car park).

Opening times for 15 April 2026
Asset	Opening time
Countryside	Dawn - Dusk
Tower tea kiosk	10:00 - 15:00
Tower	Closed
House	Closed
Kitchen	Closed

Tower
Ticket type	With Gift Aid	Without Gift Aid
Adult (18+)		£3.50
Child (5-17) under 5s free		£1.50

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

Events at Leith Hill Place

With a packed programme of events, there’s so much to see and do at Leith Hill. From literary festivals and poetry open mics, to atmospheric evening concerts in the house and special interest talks, find out more about what’s coming up this summer.

Leith Hill Place

** PLEASE NOTE: Leith Hill Place will be open every weekend from Sat 6 June until Sun 27 September 2026. As the childhood home of one of England’s greatest composers, Ralph Vaughan Williams and often visited by Charles Darwin, it's a welcoming home and a place of inspiration, discovery and creativity. Find out more about Leith Hill Place and what's coming up this summer.

Visiting Leith Hill Tower

** PLEASE NOTE: Leith Hill Tower will be open every weekend from Sat 6 June until Sun 27 September.**. Climb the 78 spiral steps and discover the incredible views from the highest point in south-east England.

Leith Hill Tower, an 18th-century Gothic folly, built of stone with battlements, at Leith Hill, Surrey

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.

Close-up view of a brown and white dog, held on a lead, with fallen leaves on the ground, at Clent Hills, Worcestershire

Planning an event in the Surrey Hills?

If you would like to host an event on National Trust land, or your sporting event includes routes on National Trust land, please email us at: surreyhills@nationaltrust.org.uk. Please contact us at least twelve weeks before the event date. We know how important events are to organisers and participants. Please help us ensure events are safe and legal for both participants and our visitors.