Straddling the River Medway in the heart of Kent, Maidstone's historic buildings and waterside setting make this an attractive place in which to spend many pleasurable days. There are museums and art galleries, boat trips along the meandering river, golf courses and family attractions, plus all the usual shops, cafés and restaurants that plug the gaps between sightseeing. If that wasn't enough to fill your time here, the magnificent Leeds Castle is on the doorstep of town. Phew! Where to start?
You could get your bearings first off with an unhurried trip along the River Medway, which slices Maidstone in half. Maidstone Museum and the Bentlif Art Gallery, which occupy an Elizabethan manor house, familiarise visitors with the heritage of Kent.
For outdoor adventures in Maidstone, use your hire car to journey into the western reaches of the Kent Downs, which cross the northern part of town, or visit Mote Park - a blissful slice of English countryside, whatever the weather. A 10-minute drive north of central Maidstone is Kent Life, a terrific farm experience for all the family.
Leeds Castle is a mere 15-minute drive to the east of Maidstone. One of Kent's highlights, the solid walls of this imposing waterside castle store many beguiling tales and there's much to do here, come rain, snow, sun or whatever else the British skies have to offer.
Pre-book your Maidstone hire car to find the best deals; you can compare prices when you enter your requirements into TravelSupermarket's search tool. Pick up your vehicle at a convenient location in downtown Maidstone as the open road beckons. So where will you go?
