Pubs
The Royal Albion
Centuries-old Shepherd Neame pub on Havock Lane near Fremlin Walk, with live music, karaoke, pool and decked outdoor areas.
Free English Heritage site: the ruined 12th-century great tower of a Norman castle above Sutton Valence, with views over the Weald.
Dogs on leads are welcome.
The path to the castle is steep with some steps. No parking at the castle; roadside parking on Broad Street, a three-minute walk.
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.
Parks & Walks
Town centre gardens behind Maidstone Museum with a Victorian bandstand, the Cenotaph war memorial and the Royal Engineers statue.
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.
Family Days Out, Museums & Galleries
Heritage farm park at Sandling near Maidstone with farm animals, a vintage village, play areas, a working oast house and the Kent Owl Academy.