Egerton: Churches, Greensand Ridge and Paths through the Landscape

Egerton combines historic church architecture, prehistoric traces and paths through a hilly landscape. If you are planning a trip where culture and activity go hand in hand, the village offers various points of interest: you can explore the history of St James, look out across the Greensand Ridge or include the Egerton Walk in your day’s plans.

Greensand Ridge and the Landscape around Egerton

Egerton lies on the crest of a range of hills forming part of the Greensand Ridge. The Greensand Ridge crosses the upper part of the parish; the national long-distance public footpath, the Greensand Way, also runs there. From public footpaths and open areas 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.

The landscape is characterised by small fields bordered by hedges and old trees, creating a fine-grained mosaic. There are also areas of ancient woodland, natural springs, ponds, ditches and grass strips, which provide habitats for a diverse range of wildlife. Around 40 footpaths and other public rights of way are used by walkers, runners and dog owners. The Egerton Walk offers views across the Great Stour valley to the North Downs.

St James and Historic Traces

The village centre of Egerton was designated a Conservation Area in 1976 and includes 23 listed buildings. St James is particularly prominent: 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 were built in the 15th century.

The tower of St James is over 100 feet high and visible for many miles. The church stands in a highly prominent position and is also a landmark visible from many miles away. There are specific historical details to discover both inside and in the churchyard: the chandelier was made in 1699 and donated to Egerton in 1856. The churchyard contains table tombs, oval gravestones and 18th-century gravestones featuring skulls, cherubs and hourglasses. St James also welcomes first-time visitors who would like to look around the church.

The Bowl Barrow, which is designated as a Scheduled Monument, lies 350 m south-east of St James Church. The mound has a diameter of 24 m and rises up to 2.5 m above the surrounding ground. The route of the Egerton Walk also passes a tumulus described as a Bronze Age burial site. Those interested in different periods can therefore combine sacred architectural history, prehistoric traces and experiences in the landscape.

Further Historical and Culinary Points of Interest

The history of the 20th century is also part of the village’s identity. 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. For travellers who would like to include historic memorial sites in their plans, this location adds a much more recent chapter to the older history of St James and the Bowl Barrow.

Another distinctive feature is the Taste Of Kent Cookery Course, held in the commercial kitchen at Frasers Of Egerton. Alongside churches, paths and historic sites, this provides a culinary point of interest. Whether you would prefer to spend your days walking, exploring local history or enjoying regional cuisine, Egerton offers various themes to consider when planning your trip.

Egerton as a Base for Your Trip

When looking for holiday accommodation or a holiday cottage in Egerton, your preferred way of spending each day is a useful starting point. Those who want to focus on the landscape and wide-ranging views can pay particular attention to the paths, the Greensand Ridge and the Egerton Walk. If you are more interested in architectural history and historical details, St James, the village centre, the Bowl Barrow and the RAF Headcorn War Memorial come to the fore.

Egerton can therefore be a versatile base for a trip with varied interests: the landscape offers open views and a fine-grained natural environment, while the historic sites tell specific stories spanning from the Bronze Age to the 20th century. When choosing your accommodation, consider which of these themes should shape your trip and how much time you would like to allow for walks, culture or culinary experiences.

For further orientation in the directory, you can also visit Dartford, Broad Street, Aylesham, Lydd, Frittenden, Sandhurst, Broad Oak Brede and Otham.

For the higher-level travel overview: Kent.