Leith Hill has landmark status among the cognoscenti of the Surrey Hills. The highest point in South East England topping out at an impressive 965 feet, it has long been a magnet for visitors with its expansive views over the Surrey Weald to the South Downs and the sea beyond. Unusually for Surrey, there are views in all directions from the top of the eponymous tower which rises above the surrounding tree line and, incidentally, raises the viewer to 1000 feet above sea level. The tower was built by Richard Hull, of nearby Leith Hill Place, in the mid C18 in the style of a Gothic tower for just this purpose.
Such is the scale of the Leith Hill Estate (NT) that the best part of a day can easily be spent here. There are no less than seven car parks that provide different starting points for the ascent. Oldgreytravel’s favourites are the car park at Friday Street, some 2 miles to the north of the tower and that by Leith Hill Place about 1 mile to the south west. From Friday Street, there is a long, gradual ascent through thick forest until the trees start to thin out near the summit. From the latter, there is a more formalized route via steps and a well-used path to the tower. The area of open grassland surrounding the tower provides extensive views but, when open, the short climb to the top of the tower provides an uninterrupted 360 degree view over 14 counties with clear views of central London, Heathrow and Gatwick. Telescopes are provided. Do not miss the little café at the base of the tower which serves delicious coffee and snacks – the pasties and sausage rolls are legendary. It is open every day of the year apart from Christmas Day.
Leith Hill Place is located just to the south west. It is a remarkably unaltered, mid C18 Georgian house, which displays the restraint in detailing and flourish of these early examples. It depends on pure symmetry and proportion for its impact and few places show the influence of Palladio upon the architecture of England more clearly. Its grounds display substantial planting of prime specimens, including an impressive rhododendron wood, with some specimens believed to be the first to be introduced into the country. The house itself has had many distinguished owners, none more so than the composer, Ralph Vaughan Williams who gave the estate to the National Trust in 1944.
There are a number of marked trails around Leith Hill and the surrounding estate which take in various aspects of the landscape with varied woodland, heath and formal parkland, including what must be one of the smallest and highest cricket pitches in South East England. The appropriately-named Coldharbour, around 1 mile to the north-east of the tower is the highest village in South East England and the Plough Public House presumably the highest too. Regardless of that, it provides excellent real ales and pub food. The similarly excellent Stephan Langton PH in Friday Street is currently closed, but keep an eye out for any re-opening. There are numerous other excellent public house offerings in the neighbouring villages.
The lure of Leith Hill is such that weekends, particularly in the summer can be exceptionally busy. The best time to visit is midweek when visitor numbers are likely to be at a minimum. The whole estate including the tower and Leith Hill Place are owned by the National Trust and they provide guides and further information on their website.
