Discover Egerton

Egerton lies on the crest of a ridge in the Greensand Ridge. Historic buildings and the landscape, with its public rights of way, offer different ways to get to know the place: St James and the village centre represent its architectural heritage, while the Greensand Way and Egerton Walk offer views of the surrounding area. If you are planning a stay, these themes can help you choose how to explore Egerton according to your interests.

St James and the architectural heritage

St James is a Grade I listed building with Norman origins. The chancel, north chapel and north aisle date from the 14th century; the nave, south porch and west tower date from the 15th century. This attribution of individual parts of the building helps avoid reducing its history to a single period—an interesting perspective for travellers interested in medieval church architecture. The west tower, over 100 feet high, can be seen for many miles; St James stands in a prominent position and is a widely visible landmark.

One distinctive feature is the chandelier: it was made in 1699 and donated to Egerton in 1856. St James’s churchyard includes chest tombs and oval gravestones. Eighteenth-century gravestones feature motifs of skulls, cherubs and hourglasses. These details broaden the focus from church architecture to the design of historic burial sites.

The village centre also has a designated historic character: it was designated a Conservation Area in 1976 and includes 23 listed buildings. The Bowl Barrow, classified as a Scheduled Monument, lies 350 m south-east of St James. Its mound is 24 m in diameter and rises up to 2.5 m above the surrounding ground.

Routes and countryside

The Greensand Ridge, crossed by the national long-distance footpath known as the Greensand Way, runs through the upper part of the parish of Egerton and offers significant views across the Weald. There are about 40 footpaths and other public rights of way in Egerton, used by walkers, runners and dog owners. These two figures provide different points of reference: the Greensand Way is a named long-distance footpath, while the approximate number refers to the paths and rights of way across Egerton as a whole.

The Egerton Walk offers views across the Great Stour valley to the North Downs. Its route passes a tumulus described as a Bronze Age burial site. From public footpaths and open spaces in Egerton, uninterrupted views extend to the Weald and the North Downs; near Egerton House, the Greensand Ridge offers dramatic views across the Weald below. These routes therefore showcase different landscapes: the Great Stour valley and the North Downs on the Egerton Walk, and the Weald from the viewpoints on the Greensand Ridge.

The countryside around Egerton is shaped by small fields bordered by hedgerows and old trees, forming a varied patchwork. Ancient woodland, natural springs, ponds, ditches and grassy strips are also part of the landscape, providing habitats for a diverse range of wildlife. Alongside views of larger landscapes, the area is also defined by its varied habitats and smaller landscape features.

Further historical and culinary connections

RAF Headcorn was an advanced landing ground in Egerton. The RAF Headcorn War Memorial at Headcorn Airfield in Egerton Forstal commemorates those who lost their lives while flying from the airfield between April and October 1943. This period gives the memorial a specific historical context.

Another highlight is the Taste Of Kent Cookery Course, held in the commercial kitchen at Frasers Of Egerton. Availability and minimum participant numbers apply; check these conditions before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Wingham, Alkham, Edenbridge, Upchurch, Lyminge, West Kingsdown, Greenhithe, Greatstone

For the wider travel overview: Kent.