Tucked away in the Kent countryside, Maidstone is a characterful town set by the River Medway. It's brimming with history, from Tudor-style houses to royal castles. With a fantastic museum, leafy parks and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, Maidstone is a top family-friendly destination.

Things to do

The pocket-sized Little Old Toll House is one of Maidstone's top places to refuel. It's perched on a tiny island in Maidstone River Park and was once used to collect payments from passing boats. Lounge on chairs that dot the sunny terrace and enjoy a leisurely lunch.

If you love the outdoors, there's plenty adventure on offer in Maidstone. The town serves up a host of activities, including scenic boat trips and a handful of cycling and walking routes. Winding past pretty country villages, North Downs Way is a popular choice for ramblers.

Maidstone unlocks access to some of the top historic attractions in the United Kingdom, including the magnificent Leeds Castle. Just a few kilometres from the city centre, the magnificent castle was favoured by King Edward I. Take a stroll around the gardens, get lost in the hedge maze, check out falconry displays and tour the lavish interior.

Housed in a grand Elizabethan Manor house, the award-winning Maidstone Museum has a treasure trove of artefacts, including medieval armour, Japanese woodblock art and even an ancient Egyptian mummy. Kids will love the enormous dinosaur in the Earth Heritage Gallery wing.

Getting around

The Maidstone town centre is easy to get around on foot, while local taxis are also available. Maidstone is serviced by two train stations with connections to London, Ashford, Strood and Gatwick. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore the Kent countryside at your own pace.