Architecture

Leatherhead has a rich and varied tradition of building over many centuries... Over 80 of the town's buildings are listed as being of special architectural or historic interest. Many of these can be found along the two town trails. These trails are an excellent introduction to the heritage of the centre of Leatherhead. This heritage of buildings extends from the ancient parish church of St Mary and St Nicholas Church, the earliest parts of which date from the 11th century, and The Theatre on Church Street. The Theatre dates from 1969 and was designed by Roderick Ham, one of the country's foremost theatre architects. These contrasting architectural legacies deserve close inspection, especially inside.

The buildings that give the town its interest and character range from the big set Œpiece buildings' such as Wesley House and The Mansion (now the register office), to Sweech House and Hampton Cottage, both of which are late medieval timber-framed buildings. Hampton Cottage is the home of the local museum.

There are some wonderful nooks and crannies to be explored and history to be revealed from a slow walk around the town, perhaps starting from the centrally located museum, or from the Help Shop in the High Street where local information is available.