Maidstone Travel Guide: Things to Do in Maidstone, including 25+ Attractions, Parks, Castles & Hidden Gems

By Train

Direct Southeastern services run from London Victoria to Maidstone East in about one hour. Connections are also possible via Tonbridge or Strood to Maidstone West and Barracks stations, all conveniently located for town centre attractions.

By Car

Maidstone sits just off the M20 motorway, connecting London to Channel ports. Town-centre parking and park-and-ride services are available for easy access.

Local Travel

Walk to most sights in the compact centre. For Leeds Castle, Kent Life, or out-of-town attractions, use Arriva local buses, drive, or cycle. The riverside Medway Valley Walk and town bus network make getting around Maidstone easy for visitors of all ages.

Maidstone is a year-round destination, but each season offers something different:

Winter: Christmas events and festive markets

Spring: Parks and gardens in bloom, quieter attractions

Summer: Festivals, outdoor dining, river activities

Autumn: Scenic countryside colours and fewer crowds

This charming 14th-century palace, a former residence of Canterbury’s archbishops, graces the River Medway. While not generally open to the public, its dramatic exterior can be enjoyed on scenic riverside strolls and as the picturesque backdrop for special events.

Entry Fee: Free (outside viewing)

Address: Archbishop’s Palace, Mill Street, Maidstone, ME15 6YE

Allington Castle is a grand medieval castle, only visible from the river or during exclusive pre-booked tours and events. For a unique view, take a Kentish Lady river cruise to see its romantic towers and manicured grounds from the water. Although not generally open to the public, it can be booked for private events.

Entry Fee: £38.00 per person for pre-booked tours with Kentish Lady Boat Tours; not open to the public on a walk-in basis. Private hire is priced separately.

Address: Allington Castle, Castle Road, Maidstone, ME16 0NB

A majestic 14th-century collegiate church founded by Archbishop Courtenay, All Saints Church is one of Kent’s finest examples of Perpendicular Gothic architecture. Known for its stunning symmetrical design, intricate stonework, and historic tombs, the church stands as a centrepiece of Maidstone’s heritage. Admire its soaring windows, medieval carvings, and peaceful churchyard. Although it serves as an active parish church, the interior is well worth exploring for architecture and history enthusiasts alike.

Entry Fee: Free

Address: All Saints Church, Mill Street, Maidstone, ME15 6YE

Free-entry museum set in a magnificent Elizabethan manor, showcasing Egyptian treasures (including a real mummy), dinosaur fossils, costumes, Japanese artefacts, and rotating art exhibitions, perfect for curious minds and families alike.

• Entry Fee: Free (charges may apply for special exhibitions/ activities)
• Address: Maidstone Museum, St Faith’s Street, Maidstone, ME14 1LH

The Bentlif Art Gallery is an elegant Victorian gallery wing within Maidstone Museum, set in a historic Elizabethan manor. Renowned for its collections of watercolour and oil paintings, donated by Samuel and George Bentlif, the gallery features English and continental, as well as regular contemporary exhibitions and vibrant rotating displays.

Explore themed galleries surrounded by centuries of art and culture, making Bentlif Art Gallery a must-see destination for lovers of fine art in Kent.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Address: Located inside Maidstone Museum at St Faith’s Street, Maidstone, ME14 1LH

See rare royal coaches, vintage sleighs, and over 60 elegant carriages inside a 14th-century tithe barn. This hidden gem offers insight into Britain’s grand transport history.

Entry Fee: Free

Address: Maidstone Carriage Museum, Mill Street, Maidstone, ME15 6YE

Opening Times: Open Saturdays from April to September, 11am–3pm (check before visiting)

The town’s leading live venue hosts an eclectic mix of theatre, comedy, concerts, and family entertainment in an intimate central location.

Entry Fee: Varies by performance

Address: Hazlitt Theatre, Earl Street, Maidstone, ME14 1PL

Spread across 450 acres, Mote Park features tranquil lakes, ancient woodland, adventure playgrounds, and water sports, plus a popular outdoor adventure zone for adrenaline seekers. Great for walking, picnics, and year-round fun.

• Entry Fee: Free to walk in (fees apply for adventure activities and parking)
• Address: Mote Park, Mote Avenue, Maidstone, ME15 7SU

This welcoming park has themed playgrounds, woodland trails, picnic spots, sculptures, and a neighbouring 18-hole golf course with a cafe; ideal for families and nature lovers. It was Maidstone Zoo in the past.

• Entry Fee: Free to walk in (parking charges apply)
• Address: Cobtree Manor Park, Forstal Road, Aylesford, Maidstone, ME20 7AG

A beautifully landscaped Victorian public garden in the town centre with mature trees, flower beds, a historic bandstand, and frequent community events.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Address: Brenchley Gardens, Maidstone, ME14 1QT

This riverside features extensive play areas, boardwalks, woodland walks, an adventure zone and a skatepark, fabulous for families and wildlife watchers.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Address: Whatman Park, St Peter’s Street, Maidstone, ME16 0SN

This beautiful riverside park stretches along the River Medway, providing scenic walking and cycling routes linking Maidstone’s town centre to surrounding green spaces. Featuring well-maintained paths, playgrounds, picnic spots, and wildlife habitats, the Millennium River Park is ideal for all ages and offers peaceful nature views right within the heart of Maidstone. It connects to other green areas like Whatman Park and Allington Lock. Start this 6.6-mile route from Teston Bridge Country Park and finish at Kent Life Heritage Farm or vice versa, or anywhere in between.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Address: start at Teston (ME18 5GW) to finish at Kent Life (ME14 3AU) and vice-versa

This Kent Wildlife Trust centre offers nature trails, wildlife habitats, interactive education, and a cafe, all based around a traditional Kentish barn. They grow many kinds of organic tomatoes as well as other vegetables.

Entry Fee: Free with donations appreciated

Address: Tyland Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3JF.

An interactive open-air attraction blending historic homes, hands-on farm activities, craft workshops, tractor rides, play barns, and regular seasonal events.

Entry Fee: Ticket prices vary throughout the year. There are many types of concessions, including groups and schools.

Address: Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3AU

Enjoy up-close encounters with majestic owls, hawks, and exotic animals through educational displays and handling sessions. It is located within Kent Life.

Entry Fee: Varied

Address: Located within Kent Life Heritage Farm, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3AU

An action-packed adventure site offering giant climbing walls, exhilarating zip lines, high ropes, and mini golf; perfect for thrill-seekers of all ages.

Entry Fee: Fees vary by activity: e.g. adventure golf, climbing, high ropes (typically from £7+ per person)

Address: Adventure Zone, Mote Park, Mote Avenue, Maidstone, ME15 7SU

Year-round indoor fun with a cinema, bowling, trampoline park, VR experiences, health club, and a great choice of restaurants; perfect for rainy days or group outings.

Entry Fee: Depends on activity

Address: Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre, Barker Road, Maidstone, ME16 8SF

A dynamic indoor adventure venue inspired by the Crystal Maze, featuring 23 unique challenge rooms testing teamwork and problem-solving. Enjoy additional attractions like 12-hole themed Prison Putt golf, augmented reality darts, shuffleboard, and a vibrant bar. Perfect for families, groups, parties, and team-building events.

Entry Fee: From £15 per person (group discounts available)

Address: 60-61 High Street, Maidstone, ME14 1SR

Board a classic riverboat for guided town tours, relaxing lunch and supper cruises, or special castle visits. See Maidstone from the water and learn its river history – The River Medway.

Entry Fee:

1 hour return trip: £10 adult, £6 child, concessions and special pricing available for families

3-hour lunch/ supper cruise: £38 per person (includes food; pre-booking required)

Castle cruise: £38 per person (includes Allington Castle tour; pre-booking required)

Address: Departs from Bishop’s Way, near Archbishop’s Palace, Maidstone town centre. Postcode: ME15 6XG

This scenic riverside footpath links Maidstone with Tonbridge, meandering through picturesque countryside and nature reserves, ideal for walkers and cyclists. It uses public walking and cycling paths. Head north towards Chatham or South towards Tonbridge. Walk for as long as you like but note that the total distance is over 45 km!

Entry Fee: Free

Address: Follows the River Medway through Maidstone. Start at any riverside access near the town centre (e.g. from Archbishop’s Palace: ME15 6YE, or Whatman Park: ME16 0SN).

Discover award-winning Kentish spirits with immersive gin tours, hands-on gin-making sessions, and tastings in a state-of-the-art town centre distillery.

Entry Fee: Tour and tasting from £25 per person

Address: Maidstone Distillery, Market Buildings, Maidstone, ME14 1HP

Maidstone’s vibrant food and drink scene offers everything from traditional Kentish ales in cosy riverside pubs to stylish restaurants, independent cafes, and local brewery tours.

Locations: The High Street, Gabriel’s Hill, King’s Street, Bank Street, The Mall, Allington Lock and more

Maidstone’s premier open-air shopping centre is home to more than 40 stores, including House of Fraser, H&M, Zara, Boots, River Island, and Skechers. Fashion, tech, beauty, and dining options are all steps away in this stylish retail hub located in the heart of the town centre.

Address: Fremlin Walk, Maidstone, ME14 1PS

Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Sunday: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

An extensive indoor shopping centre with popular high-street retailers like Matalan, New Look, Next, Superdrug, Boots, along with pop-up stalls and cafés, ideal for all-weather shopping.

Address: The Mall, Pads Hill, Maidstone, ME15 6AT

Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Sunday: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

A historic arcade off the High Street with independent retailers selling jewellery, gifts, kitchenware, and more; a great spot for unique finds.

Address: Royal Star Arcade, High Street, Maidstone, ME14 1JL

Charming streets featuring a range of boutique shops, antiques, and local artisan crafts alongside cafes and pubs. An atmospheric place for leisurely browsing.

Address: Bank Street & Gabriel’s Hill, Maidstone town centre

A traditional open-air and indoor market held twice a week, offering fresh produce, crafts, antiques, and vintage wares. A vibrant spot for shoppers looking for local goods and bargains.

Address: Maidstone Market, Lockmeadow, Maidstone, ME16 8AH

Market Days: Usually Tuesdays and Saturdays

Ideal for fresh regional produce, artisan foods, homewares, and crafts. The St Peter’s Wharf area also houses larger homeware and clothing stores.

Address: St Peter’s Wharf, Maidstone, ME14 area