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The historic
market town of Leatherhead stands lies north of the
North Downs on the River Mole.
Dating
back to Saxon times, the town is a mixture of medieval timber-framed
buildings, elegant Georgian houses and imposing Victorian
Gothic villas.
Leatherhead
Museum of Local History, one of the attractions of the
town, is located in the timber-framed Hampton Cottage, dating
from the 17th century. The museum has regularly changing
displays relating to local history and industry.
Visitors
can take also the Literary Walk or stroll along the Leatherhead
riverside.
Leatherhead
boasts a wide range of art galleries including the Fire
& Iron Gallery, the Southside Contemporary Art and Studio
Art House.
The town
also has its own purpose-built theatre, known as 'Theatre'
, a cultural centre offering live theatre, a cinema, conference
facilities, art exhibitions, a café and bar.
The
'Help Shop' in the centre of the town provides visitors with
information on Leatherheand and the surrounding area.
Leatherhead's
most prominent landmark is the church of St Mary and St Nicholas
with its 15th century tower, overlooking the floodplain of
the River Mole, which inspired JMW Turner to capture the scene
in watercolours.
The
River Mole, a tributary of the River Thames, flows beneath
the town's 14-arch bridge -one of the most attractive waterways
in the South East. Visitors can walk along the Mole Valley
Trail as it skirts two great estates: Cherkley Court and Norbury
Park.
Two long
distance footpaths also pass close to the town: the North
Downs Way and the Thames
Down Link.
Leatherhead
is the Gateway to the Surrey
Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Leatherhead
is a good base to discover the district and the Surrey
Hills Explorer Bus runs from the town to many picturesque
areas.
Bocketts
Farm Park, off Young Street, is set in beautiful countryside
on the slopes of the North Downs. A working farrm it has
old and modern breeds of animals and grows a variety of crops.
There are large undercover areas so visitors will find plenty
to do in bad weather.
Chessington
World of Adventures lies five miles north of Leatherhead.
Very popular with families, 90% of the rides at this exciting
theme park are suitable for under 12s. The site also includes
the famous Chessington Zoo.
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Leatherhead
