· GB

Leatherhead

Leatherhead, Surrey, United Kingdom

Leatherhead, located in the picturesque county of Surrey in the United Kingdom, is a charming town that offers a delightful blend of history, natural beauty, and modern amenities. Situated at the gateway to the stunning …

#Leatherhead#Surrey#United Kingdom#historic town#business hub

1/5

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Leatherhead.

Top Hotels in Leatherhead

Top Flights to Leatherhead

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Leatherhead.

Tours

Explore Leatherhead's Historic Town Centre

A walk through the historic streets of Leatherhead, exploring ancient architecture and local culture.

Shopping

Shopping at The Leatherhead Swan Centre

A popular shopping destination with a variety of shops and eateries under one roof.

Outdoor

Hiking in Box Hill

Enjoy an invigorating hike with breathtaking views at Box Hill, part of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Leatherhead.

Currency

£ | GBP | Pound Sterling

Population

Not Available

Languages

English, English

Average weather

Leatherhead

Jan

6°1°

Feb

7°1°

Mar

10°3°

Apr

13°5°

May

17°8°

Jun

20°11°

Jul

23°14°

Aug

23°14°

Sep

19°11°

Oct

15°8°

Nov

10°4°

Dec

7°2°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Leatherhead.

What people love

Leatherhead, located in Surrey, United Kingdom, offers several advantages for travelers. Some of the pros of traveling to Leatherhead include:

Scenic Beauty: Leatherhead is situated in the picturesque Surrey countryside, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks, cycling, or simply taking in the natural beauty of the area.
Historic Attractions: Leatherhead has a rich history dating back to Roman times, with several historic sites and landmarks to explore. The town's historic center features charming architecture, including the Grade I listed Leatherhead Parish Church.
Easy Access to London: Leatherhead is conveniently located just a short distance from London, making it an ideal base for exploring the capital city while enjoying a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere in the countryside.
Outdoor Activities: The surrounding area of Leatherhead offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, horse riding, and golfing, providing opportunities for visitors to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful surroundings.
Local Culture and Community: Leatherhead has a vibrant local community with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore. Visitors can immerse themselves in the town's culture and interact with friendly locals.

Overall, traveling to Leatherhead can offer a mix of natural beauty, history, outdoor activities, and a welcoming community, making it a great destination for those looking to experience the charms of the English countryside.

What to know

Traveling to Leatherhead, located in Surrey, United Kingdom, may have some potential cons to consider. Here are some detailed points to keep in mind:

Limited Tourist Attractions: Leatherhead is a small town and may not offer as many tourist attractions and activities compared to larger cities. Visitors looking for a bustling nightlife or a wide range of entertainment options may find Leatherhead lacking in this regard.
Limited Public Transportation: While Leatherhead is well-connected by trains and buses to nearby cities like London, the frequency of services may be limited, especially during off-peak hours. This could potentially restrict your flexibility in exploring the surrounding areas.
Higher Cost of Living: Surrey, including Leatherhead, is known for having a higher cost of living compared to other parts of the UK. Accommodation, dining, and shopping may be more expensive in this region, which could impact your travel budget.
Weather: The weather in the UK can be unpredictable, and visiting Leatherhead during certain seasons might mean facing rain and colder temperatures. It's advisable to pack accordingly and be prepared for varying weather conditions.
Limited Dining Options: While Leatherhead has some nice restaurants and cafes, the variety of dining options may be limited compared to larger cities. If you are a food enthusiast looking for a diverse culinary scene, you might find the choices in Leatherhead to be somewhat restricted.
Lack of Major Events: Leatherhead may not host as many major events or festivals compared to larger cities or tourist destinations. If you are looking for vibrant cultural events or large-scale celebrations, you might need to travel to nearby cities for such experiences.

Overall, while Leatherhead offers a quaint and peaceful setting with its historic charm and beautiful countryside surroundings, visitors seeking a more dynamic and bustling travel experience may find it lacking in certain aspects.

Please note that these points are based on general observations and may vary depending on individual preferences and expectations.

Leatherhead is a town in the Mole Valley district of Surrey, England, with a rich history that dates back to at least the Anglo-Saxon period. It is situated on the River Mole and has been a significant settlement throughout various historical periods. Here is a detailed history, along with notable landmarks and events:

Early History

Anglo-Saxon Era: Leatherhead's name is thought to derive from the Old English 'Leodridan,' meaning 'place where people can ride across the river,' indicating its early significance as a river crossing point.
Domesday Book: Leatherhead is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as 'Leret,' under the ownership of Osbern de Ow, highlighting its existence as a notable settlement during the Norman Conquest.

Medieval Period

Market Town: By the 13th century, Leatherhead had developed into a market town. It received a charter in 1248 to hold a weekly market and annual fair, contributing to its economic growth.
Parish Church: The Parish Church of St. Mary & St. Nicholas, originating from the 11th century, is one of the oldest buildings in the town. It has undergone various renovations and expansions over the centuries.

Post-Medieval and Georgian Era

Coaching and Transport: During the 18th and early 19th centuries, Leatherhead became an important stop on the coaching route between London and the south coast, benefiting from improved roads and transport.
Bridge Construction: A significant stone bridge was built over the River Mole in the 1780s, facilitating travel and trade.

Victorian and Edwardian Period

Railway Arrival: The arrival of the railway in 1859 transformed Leatherhead, making it more accessible and leading to suburban development.
Expansion: The town expanded significantly during the Victorian era, with new housing and public buildings.

20th Century to Present

World Wars: Leatherhead, like many British towns, was affected by both World Wars, with local men serving in the armed forces and the town contributing to the war effort.
Modern Development: In the latter half of the 20th century, Leatherhead saw considerable development, including the construction of the Swan Centre shopping mall and various residential and commercial buildings.

Significant Landmarks

St. Mary & St. Nicholas Church: A historic parish church with architectural elements from several periods, including Norman, medieval, and Victorian restorations.
Leatherhead Theatre: Originally opened in 1969 as the Thorndike Theatre, it remains a hub for cultural events and performances.
The Running Horse Pub: Dating back to the 15th century, it claims to be one of the oldest pubs in Surrey.
Bocketts Farm: A popular local attraction with historical significance as a working farm.

Notable Figures

Edmund Tylney (1536–1610): Master of the Revels to Queen Elizabeth I and King James I, responsible for overseeing royal entertainments.
Mary Toft (1701–1763): Infamous for the 'Rabbit Hoax' of 1726, where she claimed to have given birth to rabbits, drawing widespread attention and medical scrutiny.

Leatherhead's rich historical tapestry is reflected in its buildings, infrastructure, and the stories of the people who have lived there throughout the centuries.