The area is approximately evenly divided between buildings and infrastructure on the one hand and woodland or agricultural fields on the other.

In terms of districts, it borders Dartford to the north, Gravesham to the northeast, Tonbridge and Malling to the east, briefly Tunbridge Wells to the southeast.

[12] The layout of the district is dual-centred: In all areas low-rise dominates: the incidence of flats exceeding two storeys is rare.

Castles and English country houses of the wealthiest in society from the 16th to 18th centuries form part of this district.

Older with original stone walls are Hever Castle with its 16 acres (6.5 ha)-wooded island in a listed parkland.

A folly exists at Lullingstone Castle which is a reconstruction of its gatehouse and separate modern house.