Living in Leatherhead

Leatherhead is well known for its welcoming community feel and attractive lifestyle. Residents describe it as an area where it’s easy to get to know neighbours, with multiple annual events such as the Leatherhead Drama Festival and the Christmas Festival fostering local pride. The Leatherhead Community Association and local churches are active in bringing together diverse groups and promoting a cohesive identity.

Outdoor life is a significant part of living in Leatherhead, with easy access to the Surrey Hills for walking, cycling, and horse riding. The picturesque Riverside Walk, Norbury Park, and Fetcham Downs offer green spaces for relaxation and recreation. Local markets and monthly farmers’ events sell regional produce and promote a sense of tradition.

Volunteering, local sports clubs, and creative groups all thrive in Leatherhead, offering residents many ways to get involved and form lasting connections.

Crime rates in Leatherhead are generally regarded as low compared to nearby urban centres and the national average. The area benefits from its position as a largely residential town with active neighbourhood watch schemes and regular police community engagement.

Like many towns, there are occasional reports of anti-social behaviour or minor property crime, particularly in the town centre during peak hours. However, the surrounding suburbs and village-like districts are typically very safe, and Leatherhead is not usually associated with serious crime. Community safety initiatives, partnerships with Surrey Police, and a visible local policing presence all contribute to a reassuring environment for residents.

Recent police data and resident perceptions indicate a trend toward improved safety, particularly as regeneration schemes and increased community involvement continue to bolster the area's sense of security and neighbourliness.

Parking in Leatherhead is relatively straightforward compared to other commuter towns near London. The town offers a number of public car parks in the centre, including the multi-storey Swan Centre and Randalls Road, all within easy walking distance of shops and the railway station. On-street parking is generally available on residential roads, though controlled parking zones and resident permits are in place near the centre and railway station to manage commuter demand.

Congestion is most likely during weekday rush hours or local events, and Leatherhead's proximity to Junction 9 of the M25 can mean the area is a hotspot for through-traffic. Main road access includes the A24, providing a direct southern route to Dorking (approx. 15 minutes) and north into Epsom (approx. 15 minutes). Other local roads, such as A245 and A243, offer straightforward access to Kingston upon Thames (approx. 30 minutes) and Guildford (approx. 35 minutes via A246, 15 miles).

Leatherhead is well-placed for road-based journeys throughout Surrey and beyond, suitable for both daily commutes and weekend excursions.

Leatherhead's dining and social scene is rich with independent eateries, traditional inns, and stylish cafés. Standouts include the Running Horse, one of Surrey’s oldest pubs, serving up classic fare and riverside charm. The Bell on Bell Street offers contemporary British cuisine and a cosy bar area. For those seeking a lighter bite or artisanal coffee, several independent cafés dot the High Street and the Swan Centre.

Restaurants in town range from relaxed Italian trattorias to vibrant Indian and Thai spots, while several takeaways fulfil diverse culinary tastes. Evening entertainment is provided by Leatherhead Theatre, an art deco venue offering plays, films, and live music performances. While Leatherhead does not have a bustling nightclub scene, several local bars and wine lounges attract a regular crowd, and nearby towns such as Epsom and Kingston provide a broader nightlife offering.

The emphasis in Leatherhead is on relaxed, high-quality dining and friendly, pubs-centric socialising, making it popular with both families and professionals.

Schools and education: Leatherhead is highly regarded for its excellent selection of both state and independent schools, many of which have achieved strong Ofsted rankings and impressive reputations for pastoral support.

Parks and green space: Families benefit from proximity to the Surrey Hills AONB, the River Mole, and facilities such as Leatherhead Leisure Centre and playgrounds dotted throughout the town.

Childcare: There are a number of nurseries, pre-schools, and after-school clubs, giving working parents flexibility and peace of mind.

Safety: A low crime profile and visible policing offer reassurance to families, with neighbourhood schemes often encouraging parent engagement in safety matters.

Activities: Leatherhead offers swimming, dance, karate, and drama classes for all ages, as well as many parent-and-child groups and school holiday clubs that tap into the community spirit.

Leatherhead is exceptionally pet-friendly, thanks to its easy access to countryside walks and green spaces. Popular dog-walking destinations include Norbury Park, the Riverside Walk, and nearby Bookham Common. Many residential areas back onto open spaces and trails, allowing for off-lead walks and weekend family rambles.

There are several local veterinary practices, pet supply shops, and a number of cafés and pubs that welcome dogs with water bowls and treats. Housing policies in the area often accommodate pets, especially in family-oriented and suburban developments, and residents report a generally positive culture towards pet ownership.

For those with more adventurous animals, the Surrey Hills and Mole Valley countryside provide some of the best access to nature in the south of England, making Leatherhead an excellent choice for pet lovers.

Leatherhead is renowned for its transport links, making it a popular choice for commuters and those seeking access to both the city and the countryside. Leatherhead railway station offers frequent services to London Waterloo and London Victoria, with journey times of around 45 minutes, as well as direct trains to Guildford and Dorking.

A comprehensive bus network operates in and around Leatherhead, connecting residents to surrounding towns such as Epsom, Bookham, Fetcham, and Kingston upon Thames. Leatherhead is strategically situated near Junction 9 of the M25, granting easy access to the wider motorway network. This proximity is ideal for those who need regular road trips to Gatwick Airport (under 30 minutes by car) or into Central London (approximately one hour drive).

Commute times to key locations:

• London Waterloo – around 45 minutes by train
• Guildford – about 22 minutes by train, or 35 minutes by car (15 miles)
• Epsom – approximately 8 minutes by train, or 15 minutes by car (5 miles)
• Gatwick Airport – roughly 30 minutes by car (18 miles)
• Heathrow Airport – about 35 minutes by car (23 miles)

Overall, Leatherhead offers seamless connections for both local and long-distance travel, underpinned by its strategic location and robust transport infrastructure.

Parents searching for schools in Leatherhead can choose from an array of education options noted for both academic excellence and pastoral care. The area boasts a selection of well-regarded primary and secondary schools, as well as independent and special education providers. Many families cite the quality of Leatherhead's schools as a major draw for moving to the area.

Primary Schools:

St Peter's Catholic Primary School is highly rated, with a 'Good' Ofsted report (2022) and a warm community atmosphere. Leatherhead Trinity School is another popular choice, also holding a 'Good' rating (2022) and known for its inclusive ethos. Eastwick Infant and Junior Schools on the southern edge of town consistently perform above national averages, receiving a 'Good' rating (2021). Oakfield Junior School, while smaller in size, is praised for nurturing children's wellbeing and achievement ('Good', 2020).

Secondary Schools:

Therfield School serves as the main non-selective secondary, earning a 'Good' Ofsted (2023) and recognition for its progressive approach. Howard of Effingham School is just to the north and is known for strong exam results and a vibrant extra-curricular programme ('Outstanding', 2019). City of London Freemen's School, although independent, is one of the most prominent in the greater Mole Valley area and draws pupils from across Surrey.

Independent Schools and Colleges:

The Downs School and West Hill School are both noted for their specialist provision, with the latter dedicated to special educational needs. City of London Freemen's School in nearby Ashtead Park is a historic co-educational day and boarding school with a strong academic pedigree. Leatherhead also offers access to several high-performing preparatory schools in the surrounding area.

Colleges and Universities:

NESCOT (North East Surrey College of Technology) in neighbouring Epsom offers post-16 vocational and academic courses. There are no universities in Leatherhead itself, but the University of Surrey in Guildford and Royal Holloway, University of London in Egham, are both within a commutable distance.