Panorama showing the view from the southern side of Lieth Hill near Dorking. This virtual tour was taken late December in 2011 on a sunny day and shows a sculpture next to a stand of trees on the hill.

Leith Hill - Dorking visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Leith Hill' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Surrey.

Rising to 294 metres above sea level just south of Dorking in Surrey, Leith Hill is the highest point on the Greensand Ridge and second highest point in south-east England. From the top of the hill are stunning panoramic views over the surrounding area, which, from the north side, extend all the way to central London on a clear day.

The hill is of historic importance as the possible battle ground where Æthelwulf of Wessex, father of Alfred the Great, defeated the Danes in 851 who were heading for Winchester having sacked Canterbury and London.

On the top of a the hill is Leith Hill Tower, an 18th century Gothic tower with a viewing area at the top. This 19.5m high tower was built between 1765 to 1766 by Richard Hull, who lies buried beneath it. From the top it is possible, with a telescope, to see over 25 miles to both London and the English Channel, as well as into thirteen different counties on a very clear day.

Leith Hill is now owned and managed by the National Trust, who have also restored Leith Hill Tower and now charge an entrance fee allowing visitors to the top to admire these stunning views. While not a top tourist attraction, the tower is certainly worth a visit, though the walk up the hill is quite steep.

Lieth Hill
Email: leithhill@nationaltrust.org.uk
Website: nationaltrust.org.uk - leithhill

Bus: Coldharbour, Abinger Road (50, 433), 2 miles from Leith Hill, Holmwood (93 from Dorking) about 4 miles from Leith Hill.
Car: Leith Hill lies about 7 miles south of Dorking and the A25, best accessed via Colharbour lane or Lieth Hill Lane. There are several parking spots around the hill.
Train: Holmwood Station, 2 miles (3.2 km) to the east on the Sutton & Mole Valley Line.