Kent Tourist Guide - Articles
Maidstone County town of Kent
The County town of Maidstone is set within the heart of Kent, surrounded by an expanse of rolling hills and glorious countryside it is easy to see how Maidstone has been named Kent’s County Town.
Set in the prime position on the main route between London and the English Channel Maidstone is well worth a visit.
Although it now boosts a diverse and modern culture, hidden behind its spread of new business and enterprise is a treasure trove of colourful history well worth uncovering.
One of Maidstone most attractive buildings is the 16th Century Archbishops Palace. Originally dating back to the 14th Century the Palace was formally part of the Manor of Maidstone, it was built to provide a resting place for Archbishops travelling between London and Canterbury. The building is now Kent’s Register Office and is often used for civil marriages. Although not open to the public, the Palace can be viewed during Heritage open days and group tours can be arranged by the Visitor Information Centre. Next door to the Palace there lies hidden behind the tall stone walls the Apothecary’s Garden and this is opened to the public on Wednesday afternoons from May to August.
South of the Palace visitors can find an array of historic buildings including the DUNGEONS, the impressive 14th Century building holds a variety of stories, most famously claiming that it was from this building that the ‘mad priest of Kent’ was released in 1381, by the leader of the Peasant’s Revolt, Wat Tyler.
There are many museums to be visited in and around Maidstone, The Tyrwhitt Drake Museum of Carriages can be found in Mill Street, The Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art can be found situated in St Faith’s Street, and the award winning Museum Of Kent Life can be found on the outskirts of Maidstone.
If the historical side of Maidstone is not for you then there is plenty more to be seen. With the River Medway running through Maidstone’s centre there are a multitude of walks along the scenic network of footpaths through the town and into the neighbouring countryside. The river is host to plenty of water activates with the simple pleasure of boating being one of its most popular. Fishing can be undertaken at certain points along the river although a permit will be needed from the local Post Office. Or for those simply wishing to sit and admire the peace and tranquillity that the river has to offer they will not be disappointed by the wealth of wildlife and nature there is to see.
Maidstone has a wealth of shopping experience to offer, from small boutiques to larger high street stores. If speciality shops, exclusive wine bars and fine dinning are your temptation then why not visit Bank Street, most probably one of Maidstone’s most historic streets it boast an architectural array of fine historic buildings. Visit Gabriel’s Hill, where a variety of jewellers, shoe shops and eateries can be found or Earl Street where independent shops and boutiques line the street. For those interested in the larger stores Broadway shopping centre is a must as is Fremlin Walk, the newly opened shopping area on the riverside.
Within easy reach of Maidstone there are a number of pretty villages ,some set in rural serinity and some amongst business and industrial growth. One such village is Aylsford. get to the centre or follow the river paths and enjoy.
There is no doubt that Maidstone offers something for everyone and it is well worth a visit during your time in the County of Kent.
Visit Tour maidstone for fantastic itinerates of how to make the most of your stay in Maidstone.
Maidstone
Tourist Information
Set in the prime position on the main route between London and the English Channel Maidstone is well worth a visit.
Although it now boosts a diverse and modern culture, hidden behind its spread of new business and enterprise is a treasure trove of colourful history well worth uncovering.
One of Maidstone most attractive buildings is the 16th Century Archbishops Palace. Originally dating back to the 14th Century the Palace was formally part of the Manor of Maidstone, it was built to provide a resting place for Archbishops travelling between London and Canterbury. The building is now Kent’s Register Office and is often used for civil marriages. Although not open to the public, the Palace can be viewed during Heritage open days and group tours can be arranged by the Visitor Information Centre. Next door to the Palace there lies hidden behind the tall stone walls the Apothecary’s Garden and this is opened to the public on Wednesday afternoons from May to August.
South of the Palace visitors can find an array of historic buildings including the DUNGEONS, the impressive 14th Century building holds a variety of stories, most famously claiming that it was from this building that the ‘mad priest of Kent’ was released in 1381, by the leader of the Peasant’s Revolt, Wat Tyler.
There are many museums to be visited in and around Maidstone, The Tyrwhitt Drake Museum of Carriages can be found in Mill Street, The Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art can be found situated in St Faith’s Street, and the award winning Museum Of Kent Life can be found on the outskirts of Maidstone.
If the historical side of Maidstone is not for you then there is plenty more to be seen. With the River Medway running through Maidstone’s centre there are a multitude of walks along the scenic network of footpaths through the town and into the neighbouring countryside. The river is host to plenty of water activates with the simple pleasure of boating being one of its most popular. Fishing can be undertaken at certain points along the river although a permit will be needed from the local Post Office. Or for those simply wishing to sit and admire the peace and tranquillity that the river has to offer they will not be disappointed by the wealth of wildlife and nature there is to see.
Maidstone has a wealth of shopping experience to offer, from small boutiques to larger high street stores. If speciality shops, exclusive wine bars and fine dinning are your temptation then why not visit Bank Street, most probably one of Maidstone’s most historic streets it boast an architectural array of fine historic buildings. Visit Gabriel’s Hill, where a variety of jewellers, shoe shops and eateries can be found or Earl Street where independent shops and boutiques line the street. For those interested in the larger stores Broadway shopping centre is a must as is Fremlin Walk, the newly opened shopping area on the riverside.
Within easy reach of Maidstone there are a number of pretty villages ,some set in rural serinity and some amongst business and industrial growth. One such village is Aylsford. get to the centre or follow the river paths and enjoy.
There is no doubt that Maidstone offers something for everyone and it is well worth a visit during your time in the County of Kent.
Visit Tour maidstone for fantastic itinerates of how to make the most of your stay in Maidstone.
Maidstone
Tourist Information
