If you’re looking for free and cheap days out in Maidstone, Kent for all the family, then look no further. We have all the information you need for the best local attractions.
Leeds Castle is 7 miles southeast of Maidstone. It is built on islands in a lake formed by the River Len to the east of the village of Leeds. In the 13th century, the castle came into the hands of King Edward I, for whom it became a favourite residence; in the 16th century, Henry VIII used it as a dwelling for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. It has been open to the public since 1976.
The castle is located 9 minutes from the hotel.
Mote Park is a huge green space in the heart of Maidstone and is extremely popular with both visitors and locals alike. Covering over 450 acres, it includes natural features such as grassland, woodland, rivers and a 30 acre lake. Entry to the park is free but you do have to pay for car parking.
Mote Park is located 10 minutes from the hotel.
Maidstone Museum is a local authority-run Grade II listed building in Maidstone, Kent. The museum features internationally important collections including fine art, natural history, and human history. The Museum is recognised as having the largest mixed collections in the county and one of the most important in the South-East of England, outside London. Entry to the museum is free.
Maidstone museum is located 9 minutes from the hotel.
Cobtree Manor Park has over 50 acres of parkland displaying a diverse and maturing collection of trees and shrubs. Standing on the site of the old Maidstone Zoo, the park features a themed play area, along with a sculpture trail, plenty of space for picnics, and a café serving hot and cold food and drinks. The park gates open at 7.00am every day (closed Christmas Day). Entrance is free and car parking is £2 per day.
The park is located 7 minutes from the hotel.
Allington Castle is a Medieval 12th-century castle, fully furnished in character with its Medieval origins, tapestries, antique furniture and Great Hall. The Castle was converted into a mansion house in 1491 and sadly severely damaged by fire in the late 16th century. It was abandoned until 1905 when the castle was purchased and partly restored.
Allington Castle is 13 minutes from the hotel.
Vinters Valley Nature Reserve is a local wildlife oasis tucked away between the Vinters Park and Grove Green housing estates. The reserve can be enjoyed from a network of pathways, with the Bluetit Trail providing an easy 20-minute stroll through a variety of habitats. There’s a platform for feeding the ducks, and benches where you can sit and admire the bird life and trees.
The nature reserve is located 5 minutes from the hotel.
Just 4 miles from Maidstone, Teston Bridge Country Park is one of the best places to enjoy a rural riverside walk in Kent. Focused around the historical bridge, the park also offers a play area and plenty of idyllic picnic spots, making it the perfect place for a family day out.
The park is located 19 minutes from the hotel.
Maidstone Market at Lockmeadow is open every Tuesday and Saturday from 7.30am – 1pm with a Local Producers and Craft Market the second Saturday in the month.
There is a range of stalls including farm produce, bakery, street food, bargain bulk foods, flowers, bric-a-brac and more.
Maidstone Market is located 11 minutes from the hotel.
Sutton Valence Castle is a ruined medieval fortification in the village of Sutton Valence in Kent. It was built in the second half of the 12th century, and passed from family to family, before being given to William de Valence in 1265, from whom the castle takes its current name. It was abandoned in the early 14th century and fell into ruin and today the castle is managed by English Heritage. Entry to the castle is free.
The castle is located 20 minutes from the hotel.
Set in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, White Horse Wood Country Park offers beautiful countryside, local history and panoramic views. Perfect for a picnic or walking the dog, you’ll also be able to explore the medieval ruins of Thurnham Castle.
The park is located 20 minutes from the hotel.