This event is fully booked. If you wish to have your name on our waiting list, please let us know via email or contact form.
1st June 2018, 13:30 - 16:00
We shall be given a guided tour by a National trust Ranger of the Rhododendron Wood at Leith Hill Place. Caroline Wedgwood created the stunning Rhododendron Wood, transforming two areas of field and shaw into formally planted park and garden.
When Josiah Wedgwood III and Caroline moved to Leith Hill Place in 1847 it was fashionable to collect exotic specimen plants from all over the world. As the sister of the famous naturalist, Charles Darwin, Caroline had also inherited a love of botany and flowering plants. So it was only natural that she would want to create a beautiful garden for her new Surrey home. The estate grew to become a landscape of natural splendour and includes a ha-ha, lime avenue and extensive tree planting.
Today the Rhododendron Wood is a relaxing haven where you can wander through woodland walks edged with spectacular rhododendrons and azaleas. In May and June the wood is ablaze with colour.
Following the tour we shall enter Leith Hill Place for refreshments in their kitchen where a volunteer baker bakes delicious cakes and scones on the premises and the cost of the event includes a slice of cake or scone and tea or coffee.
If you wish to look round the house you are welcome to do so. Leith Hill Place is an elegant 17th-century property, which was added to and improved in the 18th century. 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 the English naturalist Charles Darwin, frequently stayed at Leith Hill Place. The ground floor is accessible to all. Toilet facilities are available. Dogs on leads are welcome in some rooms. National Trust Members can gain access free, if they show their Membership card, non-members will pay £6. (To have tea, which is included in the cost of the tour, there is no entrance charge).
Please note, although much of the walk in the park will be on gravelled paths, it could be muddy if wet. Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather. Parking is available in the National Trust car park costing £3.50 for non-NT members – free for NT members if 2018 parking sticker displayed. More details will be sent with booking confirmation.
The house is open to the public that day. The cost for the exclusive SHS visit will be £10 for members and £12 for non-members including guided tour of the woods and tea, coffee and cake in the house.
Booking is essential. If you would like to join us for the visit, please book you spaces online or complete and return the attached slip before 28th May 2018. Please include a stamped addressed envelope if you are not booking online, so you may be sent full details, directions and locations for the visit.
For further details or enquiries, please phone 07530 949302 or email info@surreyhillssociety.org
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