Fairbourne Heath is a quiet rural hamlet nestled south of the North Downs, lying within the parish of Harrietsham. Though small today, the area reflects centuries of agricultural heritage, with scattered farmsteads and hedge-rowed lanes typical of the Kentish countryside. Its name hints at the “Fair Bourne”, a stream feeding the nearby River Len. The peaceful setting makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the ancient landscape of Len Valley.

A short walk east brings you to Broomfield, a village steeped in history. At its heart is St. Margaret’s Church, dating from the 12th century and still retaining Norman and early Gothic features. The village layout follows traditional medieval patterns, with timber-framed houses and lanes once used by those working the castle lands nearby. Broomfield historically functioned as part of the Leeds Castle estate, and traces of its manorial past remain visible in the surrounding field patterns and old boundaries.

Just west of the castle lies the historic village of Leeds, mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Esledes. The village grew alongside the royal estate and was once a key settlement for supplying the castle. Leeds is known for its traditional Kentish architecture, including weatherboarded cottages and converted oast houses that reflect its farming and hop-growing past. Ancient lanes still link the village to its better-known neighbour, echoing a time when daily life revolved around the needs of the castle.

The centrepiece of this walk, Leeds Castle, boasts over 900 years of history. First built as a Norman stronghold in 1119, it became a royal palace under King Edward I and later a residence for six of England’s medieval queens, including Catherine of Aragon, first wife of Henry VIII. The castle was later transformed into a Jacobean manor, a Georgian mansion, and finally a 20th-century country retreat for heiress Lady Baillie, who restored and furnished it in opulent style. Set on two islands within a wide moat and surrounded by 500 acres of landscaped parkland, the castle combines military fortification with stately elegance. Public footpaths skirt the edge of the estate, offering walkers glimpses of towers, turrets, and lake reflections without requiring entry. The surrounding woodlands and gardens reflect centuries of designed landscape, making this portion of the walk both scenic and historically rich.