Home to parks, museums and historic attractions, this place offers plenty of things to see and do.
And when you hire a car in Maidstone, its great location at the heart of Kent means you’ll be well placed to head further afield too, with day trips and other destinations within easy reach.
Historic days out
Leeds Castle is perhaps Maidstone’s most famous attraction. Once home to medieval queens including Henry VIII’s first wife Catherine of Aragon, it was later bought by an heiress in the 20th century who transformed it into a glamorous retreat for wealthy and famous guests.
First opened to the public in 1976, the castle remains one of Kent’s most popular days out, partly due to its unique setting – it’s perched on two islands set within a beautiful lake. You can tour of the castle and its state rooms before taking a stroll around the grounds, which are filled with attractions including a yew tree maze and regular falconry displays.
Back in the town centre, you will find another of Maidstone’s most famous historic buildings: the Archbishop’s Palace. Dating back to the 14th century it retains many of its historic features, while the stables in its courtyard are home to the unusual but highly interesting Carriage Museum.
Not far away is Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art Gallery, housed within Chillington Manor House. It’s home to a diverse collection of art and artefacts, ranging from historic Japanese paintings to a 2,700-year old Egyptian mummy. Also not to be missed is ‘Iggy’, the cast of an iguanodon dinosaur skeleton unearthed in Maidstone in the Victorian era.
Parking is available for a small charge at Fremlin Walk just a short distance away.
Rest and relaxation
Maidstone town centre offers plenty of shops and restaurants where you can take a break from sightseeing. And then there’s Mote Park, one of the largest areas of its kind in the south-east of England.
Once a country estate, complete with mansion house, today it’s a popular spot for visitors and locals alike. With children’s play areas, a large lake and even a model railway, it also hosts big events such as music festivals and open-air theatre performances during the summer months.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, head for the watersports centre where you can try your hand at sailing, windsurfing and kayaking. Or, for a more relaxing experience, take a peaceful woodland walk and relax amid the beautiful scenery.
Explore Canterbury
For an enchanting day out, you can hop in your hire car and head along the M2 to Canterbury, home to a magnificent cathedral that’s been a popular destination for pilgrims since the Middle Ages.
As well as its historical attractions, Canterbury has museums and galleries aplenty. It also boasts great shopping facilities, including the King’s Mile and Westgate – where you will find independent boutiques selling everything from clothing to jewellery and antiques.
With car hire in Maidstone, all this and more is within easy reach. Book direct online today.