What was once simple enclosed farmland has been variously sculpted into ornamental parkland through a process of tree thinning, augmentation and managed grazing.
[1][2][3] The association of the estate with leisure pursuits, particularly of the upper classes, is evident from at least the mid-19th century as illustrated by one report in a local newspaper: "Royal East Kent Mounted Rifles - last Saturday the C troop of the regiment met at Torry Hill where they were entertained at luncheon by their captain, Lofus Leigh Pemberton Esq.
(East Kent Gazette, 4 September 1869)In addition the Torry Hill Miniature Railway was constructed on the estate in the 1930s following earlier carriage drive routes.
[4] In common with other big houses on the Kent Downs, Torry Hill possesses an icehouse, used in the 19th century to provide cold storage for provisions.
The estate parkland has in recent years been used for other diverse pursuits such as a campsite for the local District Scout organisations and a grasstrack motorcycle racing venue.