The past few weeks were so rainy. When the one good day came along, we set of to explore Leith Hill. It was my pre Mother’s Day treat because Leith Hill has been on my list of places to visit for a while. My particular interest was not just the views but to see the wooden sculpture Oak Stones by Walter Bailey. The sculpture was one of the Inspiring Views installations along the Surrey Hills. Back in 2020, during Lockdown my family and I began going on walks to find the various installations. When we got to the top of Leith Hill, the sculpture wasn’t there! Could it possibly the act of vandals? Who knows? I was disappointed but the views cheered me up. I’m pretty sure I could see the ocean at one point. Add Leith Hill to your walking trails and you’ll better for the experience.
Getting to Leith Hill
As usual hubby drove us to our destination in the Surrey hills. We parked at the Leith Hill Rhododendron Wood car park. From the car park we walked roughly 20 minutes at a leisurely pace up hill to Leith Hill Tower. The tower is currently closed until Spring but there is a small café inside.
At the tower I enquired about the location of the sculpture Oak Stones. It was confirmed that the installation was no longer in situ.
Thing To See And Do
When you explore Leith Hill, you will not be short of things to see and do. There are four car parks at different points. Choose the one that best suits what you would like to do during your visit. If like us you park in the Rhododendron Wood car park, from there you can explore the woods.
The wood was developed by the wife of Josiah Wedgewood (son of the founder of the Wedgewood China Company), Caroline Wedgewood. Caroline (elder sister of Charles Darwin) was a keen botanist. The woodland features as in the name of the car park … rhododendrons. We didn’t go into the Rhododendron Wood. However, along with rhododendrons, you will find azaleas and trees like the English Oak, Paperback Birch (we saw some on our walk up the hill as well) and Japanese Cedar.
Leith Hill Tower is at the zenith of the hill. Once at the top of the tower, you’ll have a 360 view across Surrey. On a clear day you could see as far as Canary Wharf and beyond. It was built by Richard Hull in 1766 for the then owner of Leith Hill, General Folliot. It is said the General wanted a feature that would rise above 1,000 feet from which he could view the sea. Visit in Spring 2024 and you can ascend the tower, see what your eyes can spy.
My Personal Highlight
We took a packed lunch but ate in the car, little did you know there was a picnic area at the top. When we exited the wood land and the expanse of the view opened up before us, I instantly breathed long and deep. I focused on those views, listening to the birds and trees. I never get tired of watching and touching trees. Each has its own unique form an beauty.
Planning A Visit To Leith Hill
Always check the relevant websites before planning a trip. I suggest Surrey Hill and National Trust because Leith Hill Place is one of the Trust’s properties. Beware: there is limited access for persons with mobility concerns as there are steep steps, the paths are get muddy after rains but also there will be roots and natural debris along the way. 
There are no toilet facilities on the hill but there is outdoor seating and picnic tables dotted about. Some of them are at the perfect vantage point to look out onto Surrey.
The next time we visit, I plan to explore Rhododendron Wood and if possible more of the heathland. I love the variety of colour and brilliance of heather when it comes into bloom.
Have you ever been to Leith Hill? Where did you park and what did you do? May be you would like to recommend a place for us to visit. Comment below I would love to hear from you. Do comment below.
Staying In Touch
Finally, don’t forget to check out our other Surrey adventures. Like this day out to Ash Aqueduct! It’s located between Aldershot and Farnborough, Surrey. Watch the video below
On Instagram you will find me at @MsXpat and at @xpatathome
