Leith Hill in southern England is the highest summit of the Greensand Ridge, approximately 6.7 km southwest of Dorking, Surrey and 40.5 km southwest of central London. It reaches 294 m above sea level, and is the second highest point in southeast England, after Walbury Hill in southwest Berkshire. It is a designated Marilyn and on the summit is an 18th-century Gothic tower.
The Tower
Climb the 78 spiral steps to the top of Leith Hill Tower and take in the views from the highest point in south-east England. Use the telescopes to look for famous landmarks – on a clear day you’ll be amazed how far you can see. The Tower is open 11am-3pm, every weekend on Bank Holidays and daily throughout the school holidays.
The highest point
The top of Leith Hill Tower marks the highest point in south-east England at 1,029ft (313m). There are sweeping views from the top and on a clear day you can see the English Channel to the south and the clock face of Big Ben in Westminster to the north.
Exhibition room
Halfway up the tower is an exhibition room with fascinating tales about the tower and the man who built it.
A personal project
The tower was built in 1765 by Richard Hull from Leith Hill Place as 'a place for people to enjoy the glory of the English countryside'. Richard loved the tower so much he wanted to be buried underneath it.