Itineraries

Whether you are looking for a day rich in history and heritage, a fun-packed outing for all the family or a countryside tour, please see our suggestyions below for a programme that appeals to you.

Castles in the Countryside

Spend the morning visiting Leeds Castle in Hollingbourne. Known as ‘the loveliest Castle in the world’, this splendid moated 13th century castle has been home to many of the Kings and Queens of England.

Have a spot of lunch at a traditional country pub such as the ‘Cock Inn’ at Boughton Monchelsea or ‘The Plough’ at Langley.

Round off your day with a visit to one of the many other castles which are also near to Maidstone, such as Bodiam, Hever or Tonbridge Castle. For further details, visit the Heart of Kent website.

Gardener’s Tour

Situated at the heart of the Garden of England, Maidstone is a gardener’s paradise. Take a walk through gardening history at Yalding Organic Gardens – the fourteen individual gardens include a Knot Garden, Cottager’s Garden, herbaceous borders and a wildlife haven – all gardened organically.

Then head for Staplehurst to visit Iden Croft Herb Gardens – these beautiful aromatic herb gardens are home to the national mint, origanum and nepeta collections. Stop for lunch at one of the village pubs with Wealden views, such as the Bull Inn at Linton or the Queens Head at Sutton Valence.

Then visit Stoneacre at Otham – a 15th century Yeomans house whose romantic cottage garden houses a large collection of unusual plants and is featured in many gardening magazines. Finish the tour at Bearsted Vineyard – where award-winning English red, white and rosé wines are produced.

Many other famous gardens are also near to Maidstone, including Sissinghurst, Great Dixter and Groombridge Place. For details, visit the Heart of Kent website.

Heritage by the River

The River Medway’s important role in Maidstone’s colourful history is reflected in some of the landmark attractions scattered along its banks.

Begin your day at the All Saints Conservation Area – a fascinating complex of medieval buildings in an enchanting riverside setting. Make sure you don’t miss these historic gems:

• All Saints Church – known as ‘one of the grandest perpendicular churches in England’

• The Archbishops’ Palace – built of Kentish ragstone, the Palace was used by the Archbishops of Canterbury as a resting place when travelling to London.

• The Maidstone Carriage Museum – a unique collection of horse-drawn vehicles, housed in the Palace stables.

From here, take a stroll through Maidstone’s historic town centre, stopping at one of the town centre cafés or restaurants for a spot of lunch. Then take one of the river boat trips to Allington – you will have the chance to admire the idyllic scenery of the Maidstone Millennium River Park along the way.

Round off the day with a visit to the Museum of Kent Life at Allington – an award-winning open-air museum where historic buildings house exhibitions on life in Kent over the last 150 years. Here you will see Britain’s last traditional working oast house!

Leeds Castle & County Town

Spend the morning visiting Leeds Castle in Hollingbourne. Known as ‘the loveliest Castle in the world’, this splendid moated 13th century castle has been home to many of the Kings and Queens of England.

Have a spot of lunch at a traditional country pub the ‘Ringlestone’ at Harrietsham or the ‘Who’d a Thought It’ at Grafty Green. After lunch, why not indulge in some retail therapy in Maidstone town centre with its great mix of high street stores and specialist boutiques.

Round off the day with a visit to the Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery – an exceptionally fine regional museum housed in the Elizabethan Chillington Manor. Here you will find an extensive range of collections including natural history, Japanese, medieval, Earth Heritage and costume.

Maidstone – Past & Present

Walking through the cobbled streets of Kent’s County Town, the many unique listed buildings are testimony to Maidstone’s vivid history.

The ideal place to find out more is Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery. Situated at the heart of the town, this exceptionally fine regional museum is housed in the Elizabethan Chillington Manor.

The ‘Maidstone Connections’ gallery gives an insight into the local and social history of the area. Other captivating collections include costume history, Egyptian, Japanese and Earth Heritage.

Take a break for lunch in one of the many traditional pubs or modern bistros. Then why not indulge in some retail therapy?

Maidstone has a great mix of high street names and specialist boutiques, such as those in the Royal Star Arcade. In Gabriel’s Hill, you will find the oldest shoe shop in the country which still bears the wonderful trade sign of a Wellington boot.

The North Downs – Countryside & Heritage

Begin the day at Cobham Manor Riding Centre, Thurnham. Located in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the centre offers riding lessons for all levels and is also the starting point for several circular rides, cycling paths and walks encompassing the beautiful surroundings of the North Downs.

Follow one of the circular walks through the North Downs, stopping for lunch at a country pub such as the Black Horse at Thurnham.

Spend the afternoon finding out more about Kent’s rural heritage at the Museum of Kent Life.