If you like your views to look like they’ve, quite literally, sprung from the pages of a storybook then please allow me to point you in the breathtakingly beautiful direction of Leith Hill Tower. The highest point in south-east England, this 18th-century gothic folly is perched proudly on the top of (you guessed it, folks) Leith Hill. And on a clear day, you can supposedly see 13 counties from the top of it. Not bad, hey?
Leith Hill Tower
Leith Hill is set within the stunning Surrey Hills National Landscape. It’s 965-feet in height, and was declared a mountain by landowner, Richard Hull, when he plonked the tower on its summit in 1765 – thus raising its height to 1029-feet and making it the highest point in the south-east. Hull built the tower as ‘a place for people to enjoy the glory of the English countryside’, and I think it’s safe to say that he succeeded.
Visitors can climb the steep spiral staircase (which consists of 78 stone steps) to revel in the glorious views. A vista so glorious that its recently been named one of Britain’s loveliest views by The Telegraph. The tower is surrounded by woodland, heathland, and farmland – all of which can me admired from above.
On a clear day, it’s pretty incredible how far you can see – with the likes of Wembley, Big Ben, St Pauls, the Shard, and even the English Channel in eye-shot from the top of the tower. Half way up, there’s also an exhibition room, revealing some rather fascinating folklore and tales about the Leith Hill Tower and the man who built it.
Leith Hill Tower is looked after by the National Trust and opens for the summer season on June 6. From then, it will be open between 11am and 4pm every weekend and bank holiday. The surrounding Leith Hill is open all year round. You can find out more and plan your visit here.
