Events

Leith Hill Place – Members only event

10th May 2017, 13:45 - 16:30

This is a special Members only event when we have sole access to the house.

Leith Hill Place is an elegant 17th-century property, which was added to and improved in the 18th century by General John Folliot. The estate grew to become a landscape of natural splendour and includes a ha-ha, lime avenue and extensive tree planting.

Some of the country’s most influential families have lived at Leith Hill Place. Their lineage includes the names of Wedgwood and Vaughan Williams, and these people are now woven deeply into the place’s history. A close relative of the Wedgwood family, the English naturalist Charles Darwin, frequently stayed at Leith Hill Place. While here, he conducted research around the estate and his ‘worm-stone’ still sits within the grounds today.

Ralph Vaughan Williams, the English composer, was the last member of the family to own Leith Hill Place. He gave it to the National Trust in 1944. Since then it has been rented out and then more recently used as a boarding house for a boys’ school. You can see some graffiti in the cellar.

This is only the fourth year the house has been open and it has a quiet and relaxing atmosphere.

The visit will consist of free-flow viewing of rooms on the ground and first floor of the property and a 35 minute soundscape tour of the attic. The latter will be in groups of 15 people, but there will be sufficient time for all of our party to visit. The attic is accessed by steep stairs and may not be suitable for those with mobility difficulties. Those unable to ascend to the attic will be able to hear the Soundscape on the ground floor. The ground floor is accessible to all.

Last year the house was fortunate to receive the piano on which Ralph Vaughan Williams composed most of his music and a volunteer will play it for us.

The property has a volunteer baker baking delicious cakes and scones on the premises and the cost of the event includes a slice of cake or scone and tea or coffee

Toilet facilities are available.   Dogs on leads are welcome in some rooms

Parking is available in the National Trust (NT) cost £3.50 for non-NT members – NT members should display their 2017 parking sticker. The car park is a 400 metre walk across fields (can be wet – if so please bring a change of shoes to wear in the house). Those with mobility difficulties may park at the house. Parking and venue details will be sent with booking confirmation.

 Website: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leith-hill-place

This is an exclusive SHS party visit – Booking is essential. The cost for the visit will be £7.00. NT members please bring your NT membership cards. Non NT members will need to pay the admission fee of £5 on the day on entry.


By continuing and making a booking you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to the Terms & Conditions specified in our Cancellation Policy and Responsibility Statement, both of which can be viewed by clicking here


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