history and heritage

The Friars
England’s first Carmelite priory built in 1242 and restored in 1949
by Carmelite monks. The medieval buildings are surrounded
by tranquil riverside gardens. Free wheelchair access to
all areas.
Open dawn to dusk. Tea rooms and shop, pottery and upholstery workshops.
i Summer 10.00 - 17.00, winter 10.00 16.00.
01622 717272
Aylesford near Maidstone

Lashenden Air Warfare Museum

Aviation exhibits from 1911 to present day and wartime
memorabilia, including a V1 piloted flying bomb.
Open Easter - end October, open Sundays and bank holidays 10.30 - 18.00.
i November - Easter, Sunday 10.30 - 15.30.
01622 890226
Headcorn Aerodrome, Headcorn

Leeds Castle
Surrounded by 500 acres of landscaped parkland and
gardens, this romantic castle set on two islands in the middle
of a lake is described as ‘the loveliest castle in the world.’
The grounds feature an aviary, maze, cottage garden and
Mediterranean garden and several places to eat. Special
events held throughout the year.
Open daily April - September 10.00 - 17.00 (Last admission 17.00).
i October - March 10.00 - 15.00 (Last admission 15.00).
01622 765400
Leeds, near Maidstone

All Saints Church

Described as the ‘grandest perpendicular church in England’,
this fascinating church with its memorial to the Washington
family dates from the 14th century.

i Open May to September, Tuesday - Thursday 10.00 - 16.00,

Saturday 10.00 - 12.30.
01622 843298
Mill Street, Maidstone

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history and heritage
Kent Life
Located near the boat landing at Allington Lock, Kent’s
premier heritage farm attraction portrays rural life in Kent over
the past 100 years. With 28 acres of fun including improved
family activities, exciting new indoor and outdoor play
areas, traditional breeds, discovery trails and a hands-on
cuddle corner.
Open early April - early November, daily 10.00 - 17.30
i (16.30 last admission).
01622 763936
Lock Lane, Sandling
Maidstone Museum and
Bentliff Art Gallery
With its Earth Heritage Gallery featuring dinosaurs and natural
history, Maidstone Museum is a must-see. The museum
shows art and artefacts from around the world which will
educate and intrigue. The Bentliff Art Gallery stages a varied
programme of contemporary exhibits, while the museum
offers an imaginative programme of childrens’ crafts and
activities. Coffee/gift shop/free admission.
Open Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 17.15, Sunday 11.00 - 16.00.
i
01622 602838
St Faith’s Street, Maidstone
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history and heritage
Maidstone Carriage Museum
Housed in the medieval stables of the Archbishops’ Palace,
the wonderful Tyrwhitt-Drake collection of carriages and
transport curiosities is unique in Britain. The collection is widely
regarded as the best in Europe with some of the finest state
carriages originally owned by Royalty and titled families.
Free admission.
i Open 1st May - 31st August, Wednesday - Sunday plus bank holidays
12.00 - 16.00, please call.
01622 602838
Mill Street, Maidstone
Stoneacre
Idyllic half-timbered 15th century yeoman’s house, with central
hall, furnished in period style. Romantic cottage garden with
large collection of unusal plants.
i Owned by the National Trust and open to the public Saturdays only
11.00 - 17.30 (last admission 16.30) from mid March - early October.
01892 893842
Otham near Maidstone
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shopping gardens

One of the best retail centres in the south east

of England.

Yalding Organic Centre

Sixteen individual gardens take the visitor through gardening
history including the Cottager’s Garden, a knot garden,
herbaceous borders and a wildlife haven. Wheelchair access.
Local produce farm shop and café.
Fremlin Walk
i Open April - October, daily 09.00 - 18.00. November - March,
This stylish, open air shopping development is built on the Monday - Saturday 09.00 - 17.00, Sunday 09.00 - 16.00.
riverside site of a Victorian brewery. Here you can find the 01622 814650
latest trends, luxury brands or gifts, with 50 stores selling a Benover Road, Yalding
range of fashion goods and 800 parking spaces with easy
access for disabled people.

i 01622 356580

Royal Star Arcade

Originally an old coaching inn, the Royal Star Arcade has
been transformed into an attractive shopping centre for a
variety of fashion outlets housed under one roof.

i 01622 690395 Iden Croft Herb Garden

Herb gardens and a 15th Century walled garden. Collections
include National Oreganum and Mentham aromatic wild
flowers and bee/butterfly plants. Wheelchair access. Plant gift
shop/tea room.
Open March - September, 09.00 - 17.00, Sundays and bank holidays
i 11.00 - 17.00. October and November Monday - Friday 10.00 - 16.00.
01580 891432
Frittenden Road, Staplehurst

Brenchley Gardens
Situated in the town centre, it provides an oasis of calm in
The Mall, Chequers contrast to the bustling shopping streets. The Victorian
The Mall is a popular shopping centre located in the centre of bandstand is the venue for Sunday afternoon concerts during
town. It contains many of the high street shops and eateries. the summer.
Facilities include car parking and shopmobility. Open all year.
i
01622 602747
i 01622 690395 St. Faith’s Street, Maidstone

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 Maidstone
20
Attractions

21
22

19

Attractions Key
All Saint’s Church Larkfield Leisure Centre Kent Life Maidstone Town Hall
Visitor Information Centre
Bredgar & Wormshill Lashenden Air Warfare Museum River Trips
Light Railway
Leeds Castle Stoneacre
Cobtree Manor Park
Maidstone Carriage Museum Teapot Island
The Friars, Aylesford
Maidstone Leisure Centre 19 Go Ape For details of all these
Yalding Organic Centre
Maidstone Museum 20 Buckmore Park Kart Curcuit attractions, click on
The Hop Farm Family Park & Bentlif Art Gallery www.tour-maidstone.com
21 Renaissance Crafts
Iden Croft Herb Garden Mote Park
22 AMF Bowling
countryside and parks leisure and culture

Lying at the heart of the rolling Kent countryside, As the vibrant County Town, Maidstone enjoys a
Maidstone’s varied rural landscapes are a delight thriving entertainment scene and facilities for a wide
to explore, and provide a contrast to the hustle and range of sports and interests and the surrounding area
bustle of the town centre. has no shortage of gardens waiting to be explored!

North Downs Way Maidstone Leisure Centre

The North Downs Way is a well established National Trail which One of the best equipped leisure centres in the south east,
stretches along the ridge of the North Downs from Dover to with four swimming pools and two water slides. There is an
Surrey. Passing through the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding exciting indoor adventure play area for the children as well as
Beauty near Maidstone, with panoramic views. a full fitness suite.

i 0845 155 2277

Willow Way, Maidstone

Hazlitt Arts Centre

The Exchange and Hazlitt Theatre offer a varied programme
from the contemporary drama, music, mainstream and
alternative comedy, ballet, opera and children’s drama
including a traditional Christmas pantomime.

i 01622 758611
Earl Street, Maidstone
Teston Country Park
Three meadows nestling beside the River Medway. This is an
ideal location to watch the boats cruising or to fish. Picnic
area, children’s play area and car parking.

Mote Park
An attractive 500 acre landscaped park near the town centre,
surrounding a picturesque lake. Walking and cycling trails,
mini golf, children’s play area and café.

Go Ape
An award-winning high wire forest adventure course of rope
bridges, tarzan swings and zip slides... all set high up in the
tree tops. Providing a fun day out with friends, families or
colleagues, you’ll be fitted with a climbing harness and given
instruction before trekking from tree to tree high above the
forest floor.

i 0845 643 9215

Leeds Castle, near Maidstone

Maidstone Millenium River Park AMF Bowling

Stroll along the well maintained riverside path for six miles This bowling alley also has pool tables, arcade games and
between Allington and Teston, enjoying the natural tranquility snackbar. Also glow in the dark bowling with party music six
so close to the town centre. nights a week.

i 0844 826 3023

King Street, Maidstone

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leisure and culture leisure and culture

Riverboat Rides Lockmeadow Entertainment Complex

Enjoy a relaxing trip down the River Medway, through the This exciting entertainment centre offers an 8-screen multiplex,
Maidstone Millenium River Park to Allington Lock on either of a nightclub, bars, restaurants and gym and is home to the
these scheduled boat services. Maidstone Market.

i 01622 753740 01622 661064 i 01622 764410

Kentish Lady Allington Belle Barker Road, Maidstone

Teapot Island Renaissance Crafts

This amazing exhibition has over 3,500 teapots, each with its Family run pottery painting studio and art gallery where
own unique history. There is a wonderful array of colours and pottery painting is fun and suitable for all ages and abilities.
designs and even a signature teapot representing Teapot Make an original gift in a relaxing cafe-style setting.
Island. After admiring the teapot display, visitors can enjoy a
cream tea, lunch or dinner in the riverside cafe. i 01622 750467
Starnes Court, Union Street, Maidstone
Open April - September, Monday - Friday 10.00 - 16.00, Saturday, Sunday and
i bank holidays 09.00 - 17.00.
01622 814541
Yalding, near Maidstone

Kent Wildlfe Trust Visitor Centre

Set in a wonderfully restored 17th Century barn, which houses
a large exhibition of wildlife and conservation. Also visit the
Buckmore Park Karting Circuit demonstration nature park and education centre. Wheelchair
access. Café and gift shop.
Nestling within picturesque Kentish woodland, this is a superb
1200m international outdoor kart circuit catering for sports, Open Monday - Friday 10.00 - 17.00, Saturday - Sunday 11.00 - 16.00 (except
i
corporate and hire-kart drivers aged 4 to 84 years. Established December 23 - January 23).
in 1963, facilities include the biggest fleet of hire-karts in 01622 662012
the country. Tyland Barn, Sandling, Maidstone

i 01634 661606
Blue Bell Hill, near Maidstone

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villages

Lenham
This large village close to the North Downs is an excellent
location for exploring the countryside. The square is the
focal point of the village surrounded by medieval houses,
restaurants, antique shops and pubs.

Yalding
Three rivers, the Beult, Teise and Medway converge here in this
picturesque village surrounded by orchards and oasts and
the famed Organic Gardens. A visit to Teapot Island is great
fun, to see their collection of novelty teapots.

Headcorn
The charms of this ancient Wealden village are reflected in
the neatly kept medieval cottages and high street, which
cunningly conceal a selection of shops and eateries to cater
for any need.

Boughton Monchelsea
Boughton Monchelsea lies on a ridge overlooking the Weald
of Kent. St Peter’s Church dates from the 13th Century and its
medieval lynchgate is one of the oldest in England. Inside the
church you will find a modern stained glass nativity scene by
local artist Graham Clarke.

Sutton Valence
The ruins of Sutton Valence castle lie on the southern slope of
the hill, built by the Norman nobleman William de Valence,
half brother to Henry III. The village has beautiful views over
the countryside and welcoming inns.

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