Kent's county town. The 14th century Archbishops Palace overlooking the River Medway is open for visitors
when the historical meeting rooms are not in use.
The Medway Valley Walk LDP passes through Maidstone.
Websites: www.heartofkent.org.uk |
www.maidstone.gov.uk
Tourist Information: Town Hall, High Street. Tel. 01622 602169.
Maidstone West and Barracks are on the Medway Valley Line for which there is a Community Rail Partnership with pages on this website: www.ruralkent.org.uk
The ¼ mile signposted path between Barracks and East stations provides a convenient interchange between Maidstone's two railway lines.
Museum & Art Gallery - St Faith's Street
Displays on Maidstone's history, women's clothing through the ages, biodiversity and ecology of Kent
housed in the Elizabethan Chillington Manor. Regimental Museum.
The Bentlif Art Gallery stages a varied programme of exhibitions. Coffee shop.
Tel. 01622 754497.
Open*: M-S 1000-1715. Sun 1100-1600.
Website: www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk
Tyrwhitt-Drake Museum of Carriages - Mill Street
A large collection of horse-drawn vehicles from royal state carriages to sledges.
Tel. 01622 754497.
Open*: Mar-Nov, 1030-1630, last admission 1545.
Website: www.digitalmaidstone.co.uk/leisure/
Museum of Kent Life - 1¾ miles from East and Barracks stations
or by bus or by boat
An open-air museum with reconstructed historic buildings showing life in Kent during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Oast house, hop garden and hoppers' huts. Herb and kitchen gardens. Farm animals. Children's playground. Tearooms.
Tel. 01622 763936.
Open*: Mar-Oct, Daily 1000-1730, last admission 1600. Nov-Feb, SSu 1000-1500.
Website: www.museum-kentlife.co.uk
Bus: 145/155 from Bus Station, Pudding Lane (near West Station) and East Station
to Sandling, Malta Inn. M-S 155 every 1-1½ hours, Sun 145 every 2 hours, about 10 minutes journey.
Traveline tel. 0871 200 2233.
Boat: Riverboat service from near the Archbishops Palace during the summer,
tel. 01622 753740 for details.
Tyland Barn - by bus
Kent's Wildlife Conservation Centre in a restored 17th century barn. Displays on Kent's wildlife.
Nature park with typical Kent habitats including a pond. Café.
Tel. 01622 662012.
Open*: Feb-Dec, M-F 1000-1700 (dusk if earlier), SSu 1100-1600.
Website: www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk
Bus: 150 from Bus Station, Pudding Lane (near West Station) and East Station
to Cobtree Golf Course, then cross the bridge to Tyland Barn. Return buses from stop outside Tyland Barn.
M-S only, every 2 hours, about 10 minutes journey.
Traveline tel. 0871 200 2233.
National Rail Enquiries
tel. 0845 748 4950.