Skip to content
Skip to content

The Rhododendron Wood at Leith Hill Place: Tea, talk and walk with Seamus O'Brien

“From Sikkim to Surrey”. Enjoy a tea and talk in the house with Seamus O'Brien as he brings his expertise and insights into rhododendrons, and then take a walk around Caroline Wedgwood's historic woods.

  • Booking essential
  • Admission applies

Seamus is an authority on the renowned Victorian botanist, Joseph Hooker. Hooker spent two years in the Himalayas studying and collecting the plants of the region and it’s thought that many of the rare and old specimens still thriving at Leith Hill are from Hooker’s journey.

With a passion for rhododendrons, Seamus is Irish Branch Chairman of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Rhododendron Camellia and Magnolia Group and a trustee of Exbury Gardens in England. In 2018 Seamus was awarded the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland’s Gold Medal of Honour, in 2021 he was made a Fellow of the Explorer’s Club (New York), in 2022 he was awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s (UK) Loder Rhododendron Cup and in 2023 was made a Fellow of the Linnean Society.

Nearest parking is at the Rhododendron wood car park. Normal parking charges apply. NT members park for free.

This event will go ahead with 12+ tickets sold.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

Ticket typeTicket category
All £25.00
Check admission prices

The basics

Booking details

Call 0344 2491895

Suitability

Not suitable for children

Meeting point

The Terrace Room

What to bring and wear

Dress for the weather as this event will involve a walk in the Rhododendron woods. Including suitable footwear.

Upcoming events

Event

'Last Night For Ever' touring sculpture by Andrea Gregson 

This season, Leith Hill Place will host 'Last Night for Ever, a captivating sculpture by Andrea Gregson, that will then be touring National Trust properties in the South East. The installation will feature an artist's workshops during its stay.

Event summary

on
5 Apr to 6 Jul 2025
at
11:00 to 17:00
+ 27 other dates or times
Event

'Enchanted Woodlands': photographic exhibition by Dorking Camera Club 

A display of over 70 photographs from Dorking Camera Club, a local club with photographers ranging from novices to Members of the Royal Photographic Society.

Event summary

on
5 Apr to 2 Nov 2025
at
11:00 to 17:00
+ 61 other dates or times
Event

Storytelling time at Leith Hill Place 

Sit back, relax and enjoy children's story telling in the cosy library at Leith Hill Place.

Event summary

on
12 Apr to 11 Oct 2025
at
11:00 to 11:30
+ 6 other dates or times
Event

Lights & Bushells Theatre Co. present 'My Second Best Bed ' 

Horsham-based Lights & Bushels Theatre Company are delighted to present 'My Second Best Bed' by Barry Syder.

Event summary

on
12 Apr to 13 Apr 2025
at
16:30 to 17:15
+ 1 other date or time