Leatherhead – The gateway to the Surrey Hills

Leatherhead – The gateway to the Surrey Hills

Situated close to the M25 and surrounded by greenery Leatherhead offers a perfect balance for commuters and countryside lovers.

This historic market town has so many reasons to make it your next stop out of London with stunning scenery, historical features, and charming quirks.

Travel

Easy access to the M25 provides great road links and short driving distances to the airports of Heathrow and Gatwick for holiday goers and airport workers alike. Gatwick can also be easily reached by train from Leatherhead station which is also on the mainline to London and down to the south coast. Clapham junction, Britain’s busiest train station, can be reached in u35 minutes.

River Mole

Descending from Box Hill and winding its way through Leatherhead, the River Mole stands as the town's most picturesque asset, fostering a sanctuary for wildlife.

An impressive tally of over 50 bird species have been documented along the River Mole within the town's vicinity and it forms numerous islands teeming with various types of birds and insects. Among these, the quaint Shell Bridge stands out, connecting two of the islands and ranking among the three listed bridges along the Leatherhead stretch of the river.

Architecture

More than 80 buildings in the town hold special architectural or historical significance. You can explore these gems using the two town trails downloadable from www.visitleatherhead.com.

The parish church of St Mary and St Nicholas stands as magnificent testament to longevity. Portions of this architectural gem date back to the 11th century, a period coinciding with the compilation of the Domesday Book.

Culture

The Leatherhead Theatre was originally the Crescent Cinema in the 1930’s until it was converted into a Fire Station HQ. In 1969, an architect fascinated by theatre; Roderick Ham and experienced director Hazel Vincent Wallace turned it into the Theatre that it is today. The theatre can house up to 530 people and it also has a bar, a coffee area and a gallery with meeting rooms and workshop facilities.

Leatherhead Museum is in a league of it’s own — the charmingly timber-framed Hampton Cottage, a gorgeous 17th-century building that encourages education into the town's rich history.

Exceptional Leisure Facilities

Leatherhead Leisure Centre offers a superb setting for various sports activities, including football, squash and more. Its amenities include three swimming pools, two spacious sports halls, a soft play area for children, squash courts, an indoor bowls green, and a well-equipped gym. Plus, the excuse of avoiding gym fees holds little weight here, given the abundance of picturesque routes perfect for walking, running, or cycling, allowing for budget-friendly fitness activities.

For those with a passion for equestrian pursuits, Leatherhead boasts several stables offering horse riding experiences. For golfers the town has easy access to several courses including Leatherhead, Tyrells Wood and the exclusive and newest addition Beaverbrook golf club with A-List celebrity members from the world of sport, TV and the arts. Additionally, adventure seekers can head to the High Ashurst Centre nearby for exhilarating climbing and abseiling activities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Leatherhead stands as the gateway to the Surrey Hills, offering a harmonious blend of urban convenience and rural charm.

With its stunning scenery, rich history, and unique quirks Leatherhead promises an unforgettable experience for all who venture to this charming corner of Surrey.