Maidstone

Maidstone

Type:Towns & Villages

Kent
Fremlin Walk

About

Maidstone in the heart of the Kent countryside has some wonderful events each year, both at the Kent County Show Ground and at many other venues in the town including the theatre, the museum and Leeds Castle.  The town is just 39 miles from Central London, and is an ideal base for exploring the county of Kent.  The River Medway running through the heart of the town providing a great place to walk, cycle and enjoy a number of independent cafes and riverside views.

Things to do in Maidstone

  • Leeds Castle remains a spectacular day out for all the family with great events throughout the year including Jousting, theatre, Christmas at the Castle and many other great events. There's also a Go Ape at the castle.
  • Go Ape at Leeds Castle boasts three high ropes experiences. Whether you're looking for things to do nearby with the kids or a day out with friends we have adventure covered. Treetop Adventure and Treetop Adventure Plus are both a one hour experience aimed at kids and young families.
  • Maidstone Museum is home to one of the largest collections in Kent, with over 600,000 items of international importance that are free for all visitors to discover, including archaeology, ancient Egypt, local history and more.   The Japanese gallery has one of the best collections of Japanese Art in England and new interactive research stations will allow visitors to find additional articles within the collections in this state of the art facility.
  • Kent Life has lots of good events throughout the year but particularly popular is the Hops and Harvest Festival, which includes local food products from the Kent countryside including regionally made beers. This is usually the second weekend in September. The Apple Festival is usually the second weekend in October and has everything to do with Apples, including eating apples, cooking with apples, cider etc.
  • Mote Park has been a popular place to visit for both visitors and locals being a huge green open space in the heart of town. It's vast number of mature trees create a landscape of tranquil beauty, cool shade in the summer and glorious colour in the autumn.
  • The Kentish Lady River boat is synonymous with Maidstone and is one of Kent’s premier excursion providers
  • Balfour Winery has been producing England's most exclusive pink fizz, Balfour Brut Rosé, since its award winning 2004 vintage. The family-owned winery uses traditional Champagne grape varieties and methods in the production of its sparkling wines and also crafts small batches of traditional method Sparkling Ciders, and still wines from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
  • Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats is a Kent-based, caring for between 130 and 150 goats resident in the sanctuary at any one time. Entry is free but please donate as all income goes to look after the goats.
  • The Maidstone Distillery is a brand new distillery, in the heart of the town. Set in a beautiful building where visitors can learn about Maidstone rich history in the making of gin.
  • Take in the sights and splendor of the River Medway and Maidstone, from the comfort of your seat aboard the Kentish Lady River Boat or take to one of the self-drive hire cruisers for up to 6 people.

For things to do in Maidstone this weekend, check out our guide to What's On in Kent.

Coach Parking can be found close to the town centre with good drop off points. For longer stays in Kent, Maidstone is centrally based and offers excellent hotels and good prices to group visitors. Being located here brings you within easy reach all the castles of Kent, some brilliant gardens to visit and the best evening economy in the county, with good nightlife, theatre, bars and restaurants.

Towns & villages near Maidstone

Explore these places closer than 10 miles from Maidstone and find out where to go in the local area to get the most from a visit to the town.

Book Tickets

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Maidstone is about 40 miles south east of London, is easily accessible via the major motorway networks of the M25, M20 and M26 and is well served by public transport.

Video

  • Welcome to Maidstone, The County Town of Kent

What's Nearby

  1. Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery

    Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art Gallery is an exceptional regional museum housed in the…

    0.04 miles away
  2. The Hazlitt Theatre

    The Hazlitt Theatre & The Exchange offer a varied programme throughout the year.

    0.07 miles away
  3. Kentish Lady

    The Kentish Lady River boat is synonymous with Maidstone and is one of Kent’s premier…

    0.25 miles away
  1. Maidstone Carriage Museum

    Maidstone Carriage Musuem is home to a unique collection of horse-drawn vehicles &…

    0.27 miles away
  2. Mote Park

    Mote Park has been a popular place to visit for both visitors and locals being a huge…

    0.87 miles away
  3. Kent Life Heritage Farm Park

    History and family fun sit side by side. Explore the Oast House, gardens and period homes…

    1.6 miles away
  4. Cobtree Manor Park

    Cobtree Manor Park has over 50 acres of parkland displaying a diverse and maturing…

    1.96 miles away
  5. Kent Wildlife Trust Tyland Barn Visitor Centre

    A beautifully restored 17thC barn, now a visitor centre, with displays on Kent's wildlife…

    2.13 miles away
  6. White Horse Wood Country Park

    The White Horse Country Park is set within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural…

    3.33 miles away
  7. Teston Bridge Country Park

    Three meadows nestling beside the River Medway. This is an edial loction to watch boats…

    3.6 miles away
  8. Go Ape Leeds Castle

    Just 7 miles southeast of Maidstone, you can find us in the grounds of Leeds Castle.…

    4.71 miles away
  9. Leeds Castle

    Just 4 miles south of Maidstone, Leeds Castle is one of the best preserved historic…

    5.08 miles away
  10. Chatham Ski & Snowboard Centre

    Chatham Ski Centre has the longest artificial slope in the South East and is the premier…

    5.8 miles away
  11. Capstone Farm Country Park

    Capstone Farm Country Park is one of Medway's finest green spaces, offering wonderful…

    5.97 miles away
  12. St Peter's Church Sandwich

    St Peter's Church Sandwich

    7.32 miles away
  13. The Central Theatre

    Located in the heart of Chatham town centre, this beautiful 965-seat venue is already…

    7.42 miles away
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