The Parish Church of All Saints, Palace Gardens, Maidstone. (Map ref. D3/A)
One of the finest examples of a perpendicular church in England, the naive is 93 feet long. Containing many treasures including a memorial to Lawrence Washington, an ancestor of George. Open from Tuesday to Thursday from 10.00 to 16.00 and Saturday, from 10.00 to 12.30, May to September. Other times by arrangement. 01622 843298. Wheelchair access through West door when open.

Archbishops' Palace, Palace Gardens, Maidstone. (Map ref. D3/B)
This 14th century residence of the Archbishops of Canterbury displays many of it's original features today, and it's an attractive conference and wedding venue (the town's registry office is located on the ground floor). It has a fine coffee shop on the first floor and visitors are welcome to browse through the historical meeting rooms when they are not in use. The adjacent Apothecary's Garden is also open to the public. Open daily from 10.30 to 17.00. Occasional closures for functions. 01622 663006. No wheelchair access to first floor. Palace Image

College of Priests, College Road, Maidstone. (Map ref. D3/C)
Behind All Saints Church this complex of medieval buildings was originally the home to the college of priests. The Master's House is now the Kent Music School. From the Horseway by the River Tower a ferry crossed the river up until early this century.

Corpus Christi Fraternity Hall, Fairmeadow, Maidstone. (Map ref. C3/D)
The 13th century building was the centre of business in medieval Maidstone and used as the Grammar School from 1549 to 1871.

Maidstone Town Hall, High Street, Maidstone. (Map ref. C3/E)
Built in 1762, the building was originally used as the Magistrate's Courts and today houses the Council Chamber. Above the Chamber is the old prison cell still with graffiti carved by prisoners awaiting deportation. This remained in use until 1807. Visits may be arranged by telephoning 01622 602183. Most areas accessible for wheelchairs.

Maidstone Museum and Art Gallery, St Faith's Street, Maidstone. (Map ref. C3/G)
Elizabethan, Chillington Manor, houses one of the foremost museums and art galleries in the South East. The museum is rich in fine, and applied oriental art, ethnography, archaeology, natural local and social history. It is also home to the Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment Museum. The Egyptian Mummy is a favourite with the children and as well as some fine English and continental old masters, the art gallery offers a lively programme of temporary, contemporary and traditional exhibitions. Coffee shop and gift shop. Open daily from 10.00 to 17.15 Monday to Saturday. Sunday open from 11.00 to 16.00. 01622 754497. Wheelchair access to ground floor. Museum Image

Tyrwhitt-Drake Museum of Carriages, Mill Street, Maidstone. (Map ref. D3/H)
Outstanding collection of vehicles including royal state carriages, horse-drawn sledges and sedan chairs housed in the medieval stables of the Archbishops' Palace. Open daily from 10.30 to 17.15, 1st March to 31st October. 01622 663006/754497. Limited wheelchair access to ground floor. Carriage Museum Image

Brenchley Gardens (Map ref. C3/I)
Situated behind the museum, the Victorian bandstand is the venue for summer Sunday afternoon band concerts and other events throughout the year. Gardens Image(1) Gardens Image(2)

Mote Park (Map ref. D5)
This large, beautiful park close to the town centre incorporates the Kent County Cricket Ground, the Mote Leisure Centre, plus pitch and putt, and sports pitches. The lake in Mote Park is used for sailing, fishing and model boats.

Vinters Valley Nature Reserve (Map ref. C4/5/J)
70 acres of woodlands, wetlands, grasslands and scrub. A wedge of wilderness just outside the town centre. Other parks and gardens are to be found throughout the town.

Kentish Lady (Medway River), Undercliffe Boathouse, Palace Gardens, Maidstone. (Map ref. D3/K)
Daily river trips, Easter to mid October from Maidstone to Allington. Sailings from 11.00 to 16.30. Also private hire. 01622 753740. Disabled by arrangement.

"The Swan" River Trips, Malta Inn, Allington.
Daily round trips on open boat from Allington. Regular sailings from 12.00 until evening, April to October. No disabled provisions. Allington Image

Tovil Bridge Boat Yard, Wharf Road, Maidstone.
Boat hire, rowing, electric, narrow boats and cruisers. 01622 686341.

Details on all sports facilities throughout the Borough can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centres.

Cobtree Manor Golf Course, A229, Chatham Road, Maidstone.
18 hole public course owned by Maidstone Borough Council. 01622 753276. Details of privately owned course can be obtained from Maidstone Tourist Information Centres.

Maidstone Leisure Centre, Mote Park, Maidstone. (Map ref. D5/Q)
Free-form leisure pool, a traditional swimming pool, health and fitness suite and children's adventure play areas. Full disabled access. 01622 761111

Axis Health & Fitness, Mill Meadow, St Peters Street, Maidstone. (Map ref. B2)
Fully supervised gymnasium, exercise aerobic studio, sun beds, tennis, bar, crèche, saunas, steam room, 20m swimming pool, free parking. 01622 681987

Westborough Sports Centre, Oakwood Park, Tonbridge Road, Maidstone. (Map ref. D1/R)
Squash, multigym, badminton, basketball, football, netball, tennis. Holiday club activity sessions. 01622 759615. Disabled access - main hall only.

Maidstone YMCA Sports Centre, Melrose Crescent, Cripple Street, Maidstone.
Fitness suite, wide range of sporting activities, sports hall, floodlit area. Weekly activities for young people. 01622 743317. Disabled access - ground floor only.

The Hazlitt Theatre and Corn Exchange, Earl Street, Maidstone. (Map ref. C3/T)
The Exchange and Hazlitt Theatre present a varied programme ranging from popular music to drama, opera and children's shows throughout the year. 01622 758611. Full disabled access by arrangement.

Lockmeadow Leisure Complex, Lockmeadow, Maidstone. (Map ref. D3/P)
Located beside the river, this new complex includes an Odeon multiplex cinema, restaurants, cafes, bars and a David Lloyd fitness centre.

Maidstone Bowling, King Street, Maidstone. (Map ref. C4/U)
01622 693322. Full disabled access.

Mote Hall, Maidstone Leisure Centre, Mote Park, Maidstone. (Map ref. D5/Q)
Programme of concerts, performances and events during the year. 01622 761111. Full disabled access.

Odeon Multiplex, Lockmeadow, Maidstone. (Map ref. D3/P)
8 screens. Information and booking line 01622 687768.

Several venues in the town offer live music and entertainment. Details are available from the Tourist Information Centres.

Bearsted Vineyard, Caring Lane, Bearsted.
Two hectare family-run vineyard with estate winery producing award-winning white, red and rose wines. Self-guided tours and tastings free. Guided tours by appointment. Open Monday to Saturday 10.00 to 18.00, Sundays by appointment. 01622 736974. Disabled access to all areas.

Leeds Castle, Leeds, Maidstone.
Beautiful castle built on two islands in a lake, surrounded by parkland and gardens. Attractions include aviary, maze and grotto, and world famous dog collar museum. 9 hole public golf course. Open all year round from March to October, 10.00 to 17.00. November to February, 10.00 to 15.00. Occasional closures for events, please check. 01622 765400. Disabled access to all areas, but castle restricted to ground floor only.

Lashenden Air Warfare Museum, Headcorn Aerodrome, Headcorn.
Wartime exhibits and memorabilia from both Britain and Germany, including a V1 flying bomb. Open Sundays and Bank Holidays, Easter to October, 10.30 to 18.00. November and December, 10.30 to 15.30. Refreshments. 01622 890226. Disabled access to all areas.

The Friars, Aylesford Priory, Aylesford.
Carmelite Friary founded in 1242, dispossessed by Henry VIII and re-established in 1949. Today, an important pilgrimage centre with lovely tranquil gardens, tea rooms, gift shop and potters, all open to the public. Dawn to dusk. Summer 10.00 to 17.00, winter 10.00 to 16.00. 01622 717272. Disabled access to all areas.

The Hop Farm Country Park (formally The Whitbread Hop Farm), Beltring, Paddock Wood.
The worlds largest collection of Victorian oast houses, plus the magnificent shire horses. Also includes:
Animal Farm, The Shire Pottery and Activity Room, Happy Hoppers Indoor Adventure Playground, Water-in-your-World Exhibition, Hop Story Exhibition. Regular special events. Groups and educational visits welcome. Licenced restaurant and cafe. Open all year. April to October, 10.00 to 17.00. November to March, 10.00 to 16.00. 01622 872068. Disabled access to all ground floor areas, not to museum.

Cobham Manor Riding Centre, Water Lane, Thurnham.
This equestrian centre located at the foot of the North Downs, and a short distance from the Pilgrims Way, is the starting point for several North Downs circular walks, cycle routes and rides. Free parking. Refreshments. Open all year. 01622 738497. Disabled access all areas.

Iden Croft Herbs, Frittenden Road, Staplehurst.
Gardens and walled garden filled with herbs, aromatic wild flowers, bee/butterfly plants. National Oreganum and Mentha collections. Special events. Plant/herb shop. Refreshments available. Open Monday to Saturday, 09.00 to 17.00. Bank Holidays and Sundays from March to September, 11.00 to 17.00. 01580 891432. Disabled access to all areas.

Kits Coty/Little Coty House, Bluebell Hill, Nr. Aylesford.
Near the attractive village of Aylesford, ruins of two prehistoric burial chambers, formerly covered by long earthen mounds, thought to be older than Stonehenge.

Brattle Farm Museum, Five Oak Lane, Staplehurst.
A country museum on a working farm, displays agricultural tools and skills from the past 200 years. Shop, saddler, pair oxen, vintage cars and much more, drinks available. Open all year for pre-arranged visits, please phone in advance. 01850 291222. Disabled access restricted to ground floor.

Museum of Kent Life Cobtree, Lock Lane, Sandling.
Open-air museum home to collection of historic buildings which house exhibitions on life in Kent over the past 100 years. Gardens, farmyard, tearooms and shop. Lots to see and do inside and out. Open daily March to end October, 10.00 to 17.30. 01622 763936. Disabled access restricted. Oasthouse Image

Stoneacre, Otham, Maidstone.
Delightful small 15th century Yeoman's house with pretty gardens. (National Trust) open Wednesdays and Saturdays, 14.00 to 17.00, April to October. 01622 862871. No disabled access.

Tyland Barn, Sandling, Maidstone.
Wonderfully restored 17th century barn, now open to the public as an exciting visitor centre and headquarters of the Kent Wildlife Trust. Displays of wildlife habitats, information about wildlife events, walks, talks, family days etc. Free admission. Open daily from 3rd February to 19th December, 10.00 to 17.00 or dusk in winter. School bookings by arrangement. 01622 662012. Disabled access all areas.

Yalding Organic Gardens, Benover Road, Yalding.
Comprising 14 individual gardens illustrating the history of gardening. Medieval to present day organic principles, sustainable methods. Refreshments available. Open from May to September, Wednesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays, 10.00 to 17.00. April and October weekends only, and Easter weekend, 10.00 to 17.00. 01622 814650. Disabled access to all areas.

Allington
This area lies to the north west of the town centre and forms part of Maidstone, but is not a parish. The nearby locks on the River Medway are popular. The £8 million Kent River Walk, Maidstone's major Millennium project, stretches from here to Teston. The moated 13th century Allington Castle stands near the river and the Mid Kent Shopping Centre can also be found in Allington.

Barming
It is two miles west of Maidstone with a population of more than 1,700. An old wooden bridge called St Helen's crosses the River Medway, but has now been closed to traffic. St Margaret's Church dates back to Norman times.

Bearsted
Whilst close to the town of Maidstone, Bearsted maintains it's rural identity, focused around the village green, believed to be one of the earliest playing fields in Kent. The population is more than 7,800. Holy Cross Church dates back to Saxon times.

Boughton Monchelsea
This village, with a population of more than 1,700, lies on a ridge overlooking the Weald of Kent. St Peter's church has 13th century work and the late medieval lychgate is one of the oldest in England. To the north of the church is Boughton Monchelsea Place, an Elizabethan battlemented manor house.

Boxley
To the north of Maidstone, below the North Downs, is a small, pleasant village of weatherboarded and red brick cottages. The 13th century All Saints' Church retains part of an earlier Norman church. The remains of Boxley Abbey can be found to the west of the village. Boxley has links with the poet Tennyson. His works, In Memoriam, The Brook, and Prologue to the Princess, are all associated with the village. The parish includes the village and two suburbs, Grove Green and Walderslade.

Broomfield
This picturesque hamlet lies to the south east of Leeds Castle. The 12th century church, St Margaret's, is the resting place of several notable people including Frederick Hollands, a county cricketer from 1849-1859, bell-founder Joseph Hatch, the Wykeham-Martin family and members as of the Fairfax family, both of Leeds Castle. A 1,000 year-old yew tree stands in it's churchyard. Broomfield was also the home of George Broadbridge, a protestant martyr, burned to death for his faith in 1555.

Chart Sutton
With a population of more than 800, this village enjoys an outstanding view across the Kentish Weald. Tenterden Church is clearly seen to the south east and the Surrey hills to the west. St Michael's Church has a 14th century tower and a west door dating back to 1616. The naive was rebuilt in 1780-82 following a fire.

Coxheath
This village retains an assortment of typically Kentish cottages of either ragstone or timber-clad construction despite having greatly enlarged since the 1960's. A replica beacon pole and coat of arms celebrates the role that the village played as a signal bonfire site for many hundreds of years. The population is more than 3,900.

Detling
Unspoiled village on the Pilgrims Way. One mile outside the village is the Kent County Showground, which retains some WW2 buildings from former airfield days. Detling, which is bypassed by the A249 and relatively unspoilt, is on the Pilgrims Way, sheltered by the North Downs. It's population is over 700 and the early Norman Church of St Martins has an elaborately carved mid 14th century oak lectern.

East Farleigh
This rural village, with a population of about 1,300, stands on steeply rising ground on the south bank of the River Medway, south west of Maidstone, and is known for it's hops and fruit. Parliamentary troops marched over the 14th century bridge in 1648 and captured Maidstone from the Royalists. The bridge with it's five arches is said to be the finest medieval bridge in the south of England. A cross in the churchyard of the ancient parish church commemorates 43 hop pickers who died of cholera in 1849. Two former vicars of the church were sons of William Wilberforce who helped to abolish slavery. His wife is also buried there, as is the artist Donald Maxwell.

East Sutton
Located in farming country, the village is about six miles from Maidstone and has a population of about 300. The 14th century church of St Peter and St Paul has a Jacobean pulpit and a late 13th century font. There is a magnificent brass of 1629 to Sir Edward Filmer, his wife and their 18 children.

Harrietsham
With a population of over 1,300, 7 miles east of Maidstone, the village lies either side of the A20. In the south east are the Quested Almshouses, rebuilt in 1770 and a Wealden house, the timbered 16th century Old Bell Farm. North east is the church of St John the Baptist with one of the finest Norman fonts in Kent.

Headcorn
A stroll along Church Walk is the best way for a visitor to savour the charms of this ancient village. This quiet footpath with it's medieval cottages and neatly kept flower beds was once the main road out of Headcorn. It is one of the largest villages in the area, with about 3,000 residents, many Elizabethan houses and a good range of shops. Just outside the village is Headcorn Airfield for flying and parachuting instruction and charter flights, Headcorn Flower Centre & Vineyard and an 18-hole golf course.

Hunton
About 5 miles out of Maidstone is the parish of Hunton, known centuries ago as Huttingstone, the hunters' town. Hunton Court, built in the 18th century, was the home of the former Prime Minister Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman. The population is about 600.

Hollingbourne
Almost 1,000 people live in Hollingbourne, which straddles the North Downs on the Pilgrims Way. In upper Hollingbourne there is an Elizabethan Manor House, home to the Culpepper family during the 17th century. All Saints Church dates back to the early 14th century. This long, winding village has many beautiful listed buildings, also a village pond.

Leeds
Best known for it's castle, but an attractive village in it's own right. The church of St Nicholas has Saxon work, a massive early Norman tower and contains a fine 15th century rood screen. From the church the road dips, twists and climbs through the village passing attractive cottages, timber framed houses and oasts. The original wooded castle was built by Saxons, but it was rebuilt in stone in 1119 by Rober de Crevecoeur. The population here is over 750.

Lenham
The charming square is the focal point of this large, attractive village close to the North Downs, just off the A20 between Ashford and Maidstone, with a population of about 3,000. Flanked by medieval houses, it contains several shops, restaurants and pubs. The church of St Mary with it's fine Kentish tower is of Norman origin. Buried in the churchyard is Mary Honywood, who was renowned for her bravery in visiting prisons.

Linton
This attractive village has a population of about 500. The 13th century church of St Nicholas contains an interesting and varied collection of monuments, including some by EH Baily, who sculpted the figure of Nelson in Trafalgar Square.

Loose
This delightful village, with a population of more than 2,300, is unique in this part of the country, having cottages rising in terraces above the Loose stream, from which it takes it's name. The power of the stream, the purity of the spring water and the availability of Fuller's Earth helped the woolen trade prosper in the 16th century.

Marden
Go to the south of the borough and you will find a village that used to have it's own courthouse, which still stands in the centre of the village, and dates back to the Celts. The population is more than 3,600, making it one of the largest villages in the Maidstone area. The old town stocks can be found in the 13th century St Michael and All Angels' Church porch.

Nettlestead
Built mainly on one side of the B2015, the village is the furthest west in the borough. More than 800 people live here. The parish church of St Mary the Virgin has links with William the Conqueror's half brother, Odo.

Otham
The village, with a population of about 400 and located 3 miles south east of Maidstone, boasts late medieval timber-framed houses, including Stoneacre, a National Trust property. Located in the churchyard of the restored 14th century St Nicholas Church is the grave of William Stevens, the writer who called himself "Nobody", and founded the society of "Nobody's Friends".

Staplehurst
This large village boasts the largest population in the borough at over 5,700. It lies on the outside of the old Roman road from Rochester to Hastings, now the A229, at the southernmost point of the Borough. Brattle Farm Museum, a country museum on a working farm, is in the area. Just south of Staplehurst is Iden Croft Herbs, which has a 17th century walled garden. All Saints Church is mainly 15th century. The Martyrs' Memorial commemorates the death of those burned during the Marian persecution. Two were burned at Canterbury and the other in Maidstone in the 16th century. Charles Dickens was involved in a serious railway accident to the east of the village in 1865, where the line crosses the River Beult. He alludes to this in a postscript to "Our Mutual Friend".

Stockbury
Stands high on the North Downs on an area of chalk uplands. It is almost all rural, although the parish has a population of more than 600.

Sutton Valence
This village, built on different levels on the side of a steep hill, has a population of more than 1,300. A memorial to John Wilkes, who introduced round-arm bowling to cricket, stands in the churchyard. To the east are the remains of a Norman keep with ragstone walls eight feet thick. Sutton Valence School, a public school founded in 1578 by London clothworker William Lambe, covers the northern part of the village. St Mary's Church dates from the 14th century and had an exquisitely carved stone alter from the same century removed for display at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Teston
South west of Maidstone, Teston overlooks the Medway valley. It is famed for the cricket balls which have been made continuously in the village since the mid-19th century and are still exported for test matches worldwide. The River Medway is spanned by a stout ragstone bridge, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, and three of the six arches are medieval. Beside the bridge is the popular lock and picnic site, which claims to be one of the busiest in Kent. It marks the end of the Kent River Walk. James Ramsey, a former vicar of the church of St Peter and St Paul, devoted his life to the abolition of slavery. He died three days after the Government agreed to abolish it. The population is about 600.

Thurnham
This is one of the oldest parishes in the borough and is mentioned in the Doomsday Book. The cricketer Alfred Mynn is buried in the churchyard of the medieval St Mary the Virgin. The remains of the 12th century Thurnham Castle can be found about a third of a mile north of the church. The population here is more than 850.

Ulcombe
This Wealden village, with a population of about 850, has one of the most interesting churches in the area. History claims that one of the two yew trees which guard All Saints Church has been growing since the time of William the Conqueror. Father and son Joseph and William Hatch, who made six bells for the church tower in the 17th century, also cast a bell for Canterbury Cathedral.

West Farleigh
The village remains traditionally agricultural, has an unspoilt Norman church, a village green with excellent views and some fine houses including Smith's Hall which has been the setting for several films. It has a population of about 430.

Yalding
It is one of the largest hop-growing parishes in England, surrounded by orchards and oast houses, and stands where the rivers Beult and Teise join the Medway, crossed by three medieval bridges, Town, Twyford and Laddingford. The streets are lined with houses dating back to the 17th century. The population is more that 2,800.

The following parishes and villages also lie within the Borough of Maidstone. Barming Heath, Bicknor, Boughton Malherbe, Bredhurst, Frinsted, Grove Green, Hucking, Laddingford, Langley, Wateringbury, Witchling, and Wormshill.

Maidstone has two Tourist Information Centres:
Maidstone Town Centre Tourist Information Centre, The Gatehouse, Palace Gardens, Maidstone.
1 April to end October
Monday to Saturday 09.30 to 17.00
Sunday 10.00 to 16.00

Maidstone M20 Tourist Information Centre, Roadchef Service Area, Junction 8, Hollingbourne.
Open daily except Boxing Day and Christmas Day 08.30 to 18.30
Disabled access to both. All telephone enquiries 01622 602169

An audio walk of Maidstone can be hired from the town Tourist Information Centre. A series of illustrated plaques depicting scenes of old Maidstone are located throughout the town. Themed guided walks with qualified multi-lingual guides can be arranged by Footsteps UK, 01622 754451.

Bus/Coach services:
Most services depart from the Chequers Centre Bus Station (Map ref. C4)
Travel Line:
Local and Kent 0345 696996
National Express coach services 0990 808080

Variable message signs show the number of spaces currently available in main car parks. Follow the colour-coded signs. A comprehensive Car Park map is available from the Tourist Information Centre. Car Park enquiries 01622 755759

Maidstone East (Map ref. B3) London/Ashford services.
Maidstone West (Map ref. D2) Strood/Paddock Wood/Gatwick.
Maidstone Barracks (Map ref. C2) Strood/Paddock Wood/Gatwick.
National rail enquiries 0345 484950
Eurostar enquiries 01233 617575, 0345 303030

Frequent Park and Ride buses service the town centre from attended car parks at Willington Street, Coombe Quarry, London Road, Sittingbourne Road, and Sandling (Sats only). 01622 602365.