You can explore Leatherhead along paths by the River Mole and through the commons, as well as through its museum and theatre. To choose a focus, it helps to consider the specific differences: walking options vary in length, connection to the river, location and type of route; cultural venues differ in their collections, architectural history and programmes. This can help you decide whether walks, local history or attending an event will shape your stay.
Walking by the River Mole and through the commons
The Mole Gap Trail is a 10-kilometre walking route by the River Mole, connecting Dorking and Leatherhead. The Leatherhead Riverside Walk also follows the River Mole. Its most accessible section runs from Leatherhead Leisure Centre along the west bank. Both routes follow the river, but offer different points of reference: the Mole Gap Trail stands out for its length and the connection between the two towns, while on the Riverside Walk you can follow the particularly accessible section.
The Leatherhead Common circular walk offers a different type of route. The circular route lies north of Leatherhead and passes through commons as well as Ashtead Common National Nature Reserve. It reaches the southwestern tip of the 200-hectare Ashtead Common. If you are looking for a circular route that takes in commons and a nature reserve, this walk offers both. Local trail conditions on the Common circular walk and the Riverside Walk may change; check them before setting out.
Hampton Cottage and local history
The Leatherhead Museum of Local History is housed in Hampton Cottage, a much-altered 17th-century cottage. After restoration, it opened to visitors in 1980. Today, the museum has six rooms with curated exhibitions, including significant Anglo-Saxon and Roman artefacts. The building and collection offer two historical perspectives: a cottage with a long, altered architectural history, and artefacts from the Anglo-Saxon and Roman periods. The year 1980 refers to the opening after restoration, not the building's construction date. If you are interested in early periods, the Anglo-Saxon and Roman artefacts offer a specific point of interest. Check current visitor arrangements before planning a visit.
Leatherhead Theatre: architecture and programme
Leatherhead Theatre opened in 1969 and remains an important example of architecture as well as a centre for culture and community. The auditorium has 530 seats; facilities include a bar, a coffee bar, a gallery, meeting rooms and workshop spaces. Its programme includes live theatre performances and film screenings. Alongside the museum's collections, the theatre offers a different way to experience culture: instead of exhibition rooms, it has stage performances and films on the programme. If you would like a performance or screening to shape your stay, check the dates for your trip.
Discover more destinations: Shepperton, East Horsley, Farnham, Ash, Thorpe, Ockley, Horley, Gatwick
For the wider travel overview: Surrey.
