Today I took the children out for a fantastic day in the woods at the wonderful National Trust’s Leith Hill in Surrey.  It was a boiling hot summer’s day (yes, I know that’s very unusual!) and we wanted to go somewhere the kids could run about and let off steam but wouldn’t overheat in direct sunlight. Leafy, lovely Leith Hill fitted the bill exactly. Here are my tips for a fantastic free day out in this beautiful National Trust site in the Surrey Hills.

Best Place To Park

The best car park for people with young children and/or buggies is definitely Starveal Corner car park (put postcode RH5 6LX into your sat nav). This National Trust car park is shady, spacious and most importantly, free. It provides the easiest access for buggies to get to the top of the hill (and the Tower).

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The Tower

Make your way up the gothic tower at the top of Leith Hill. It is the highest point in southeast England and you can see London’s skyline in the north and the English Channel to the south.

Picnic

There are lots of lovely spots to picnic on Leith Hill – choose from sitting on a rug in the shade, or one of the numerous wooden benches. Our kids love the S-shaped Sue’s Seat most. Enjoy your lunch with a fantastic view.

Play

Bring a Frisbee for a game, or a ball to kick around. Or let the children run around the woods playing hide and seek, cowboys or tag.

Build a Den

Grab some sticks and start building your own den in the trees…a pastime adored by children and adults alike! Hours of fun can be had making the den and then playing in it.

Get On Your Bike

Leith Hill is a biker’s paradise..there are trails suitable for the most ardent mountain bikers, or you can let the kids bring their bikes and follow the gentler tracks.

Running

Get your trainers on and get out for a run in this beautiful setting. And if you fancy more than a gentle jog, check out the regular races held throughout the year.

Free Children’s Events

There are free events for kids to be found throughout the school holidays at Leith Hill, from the Leith Hill Tower Heritage open day, rebuilding the Rhododendron Wall day or hardboiled-egg rolling at Easter.

Check out this link for more events. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leith-hill/things-to-see-and-do/events/

Featured Image Copyright Colin Smith and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence