Pubs
The Royal Albion
Centuries-old Shepherd Neame pub on Havock Lane near Fremlin Walk, with live music, karaoke, pool and decked outdoor areas.
Over 50 acres of parkland on the site of the old Maidstone Zoo, with an arboretum, sculpture trail, play area, marked walks and a cafe.
The park is part of the Cobtree Manor Estate, run and funded by the Cobtree Manor Estate Trust and maintained by Maidstone Borough Council. Parking is charged; check the council’s page for the current tariff.
Toilets include disabled toilets. Disabled parking available.
Pubs
Centuries-old Shepherd Neame pub on Havock Lane near Fremlin Walk, with live music, karaoke, pool and decked outdoor areas.
Farm Shops & Producers
Winery at Mereworth with tours and tastings, a bar and kitchen, wine shop and event hire.
Farm Shops & Producers
Vineyard with cellar door, tours, guided tastings and a wine shop at West Peckham, Kent.
Restaurants
Family-run Italian trattoria on Lower Stone Street, Maidstone, with monthly specials and party set menus. Closed Mondays.
GuideMuseums & Galleries, Parks & Walks
Maidstone Museum, Brenchley Gardens, Whatman Park, Mote Park and Cobtree, then Kent Life and Leeds Castle for a longer day out.
Parks & Walks
Town centre gardens behind Maidstone Museum with a Victorian bandstand, the Cenotaph war memorial and the Royal Engineers statue.
Family Days Out, Museums & Galleries
Free council museum in Chillington Manor with Ancient Egypt, Japanese art, natural history and the Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment collection.
Castles & History, Family Days Out
Castle on two islands in a lake, set in 500 acres of parkland near Maidstone, with gardens, a maze, playgrounds and seasonal events.