Headcorn: Heritage and Walking Routes

Headcorn is in the Low Weald of Kent. During a stay, you can explore its architectural history, local memorials, walking routes and aviation history as distinct points of interest.

Architectural history and local memorials

The nave and tower of Headcorn church date from the late 14th century and include older structural elements. The date of the main structure and the older parts thus mark different phases of construction. Headcorn Manor dates from around 1516. The timber-framed house has plaster infill panels and is now a well-restored private residence. The area around the manor is not open to the public; if you are considering a visit, check the access conditions in advance, as they may change. The church and manor therefore represent different periods in architectural history.

Textile history is also rooted in Headcorn. Shakespeare House was originally involved in cloth production and is listed as a Grade II building in Headcorn’s 1986 list of buildings of architectural or historic interest. The Old Cloth Hall recalls the growth of woollen cloth production in Headcorn after Flemish immigrants arrived in the 14th century. A war memorial commemorates the people from Headcorn who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars. A plaque beside the path explains the history of the remains of Headcorn’s great oak; vegetation may obscure the remains.

Walking routes

Church Walk is a quiet footpath with medieval cottages. The route from Headcorn railway station to Headcorn Aerodrome, by contrast, crosses fields and includes bridges and stiles. Details of this route may change if paths are altered; check the route before setting off.

The walking route to Brissenden Vineyard starts in the centre of Headcorn and is about two miles long. A suggested circular walk also starts and ends in the village and is approximately four kilometres long. The routes differ mainly in their destinations and course: one leads to a named destination, while returning to the village is part of the circular route. Check the route in advance here too, as path changes may affect it.

Aviation history at Headcorn Aerodrome

Headcorn Aerodrome is a historic airfield with a grass runway; it is also a private civil airfield and skydiving centre. The Lashenden Air Warfare Museum is located there and was founded by Jack Matthews in 1970. The airfield and museum offer two related but distinct ways to explore aviation history: the historic site and the history of the institution based there. Headcorn railway station is the nearest station to the museum; the museum is 1.5 miles away. Check travel information again before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Marden, Smeeth, Snodland, Biddenden, New Ash Green, Lydd-On-Sea, Wingham, Woodnesborough

For the wider travel overview: Kent.