What to discover in Maidstone, Kent - 2026
Where to eat, things to do and places to visit!
Perhaps you know it as the County Town of Kent? Possibly, you know it as the home of upright dinosaur the iguanodon? Maybe you know it as one of the cornerstones of house music? And, just by chance, perhaps you don’t know much about Maidstone at all… Well, there’s a lot to discover, and a lot to love about it.
With its picturesque riverside areas and historic buildings, Maidstone is a town with significant history, from battles to sweet-makers, but today there is even more to find. In recent issues of ‘cene magazine, we have featured musicians like Holly Henderson and Youth Sector, artists such as Louise Rieger and Blondie Howden and events such as Soul Guardians and Genesis Pro Wrestling. So, what can you do when you visit?
DISCOVER
In the heart of the town, the picturesque Mote Park is a huge 450-acre green space that has been a Green Flag Award winner for its natural grassland, woodland walks and rivers. It also houses a 30-acre lake offering water sports, plus there’s an outdoor adventure centre and segway tours.
On the outskirts of the town is the beautiful Leeds Castle, which needs no introduction, but did you know that there is also a Go-Ape course set in the magnificent grounds? Speaking of high-wire action, The Climbing Experience is Kent’s largest indoor climbing facility, featuring a massive 500 sq m bouldering area with caves and slabs, as well as a Fun Wall for kids and beginners.
Prison Island is an indoor, team-based adventure experience featuring more than 20 interactive challenges - mental and physical… think The Crystal Maze meets escape rooms.
Football fan? Non-league Maidstone United FC hit national headlines in 2024, making it through to the fifth round of the FA Cup and knocking out top professional clubs en route; they have become something of an attraction at their home, Gallagher Stadium. Coming in May 2026, Maidstone’s first padel club - Forever Padel - will bring five indoor premium courts as well as a fully-equipped gym and cardio room, plus spaces for Pilates and circuit training. There will also be a wellness arm, featuring sauna and ice baths, recovery area, sunbeds and relaxing bar area. Smashing!
STAY
Out of the town centre, there are a number of great places to stay, but we have just picked out three - each with a different vibe.
The Chilston Park Hotel in Lenham, part of Hand Picked Hotels, is a four-star, 17th-century Grade I-listed manor house set in 77 acres of parkland, featuring 53 unique bedrooms filled with antiques. Apart from being a stunning building, the hotel also offers the 2 AA Rosette restaurant Culpepers, as well as a traditional bar and afternoon tea, while it is a popular venue for weddings.
If you fancy a quick round, the Delta Hotels by Marriott Tudor Park Country Club in Maidstone is a four-star countryside retreat featuring an 18-hole PGA Championship golf course, an indoor swimming pool, gym and a spa with steam rooms. It offers modern dining at the Cast Iron Grill, the Zest Bar and afternoon tea in the Brew Bar Lounge.
Finally, Village Hotels offers stays with a lively atmosphere, with its extensive Velocity Health & Fitness club and on-site Starbucks. Guests can dine at the Village Pub & Grill, which offers all-day dining, live sports, VR Darts and big screens - fun for all the family.
THE ARTS
A vibrant new chapter in Maidstone’s creative story began in July with the opening of the Creative Maidstone Community Arts Hub - a welcoming space designed to inspire makers, support local talent and bring people together through the joy of creativity. At the heart of the Hub is a diverse programme of art and craft workshops for all ages and abilities. The Hub’s dedicated retail zone puts local artists’ work front and centre, while studio spaces are available for hire.
At Maidstone Museum workshops, from learning how to draw Manga-style to neon light creation, take place, while regular exhibitions and events take place there across the year. It is a key location as part of the Maidstone Fringe Festival (April 30th-May 4th) and Maidstone LitFest (October). For live music, seek out the Market House pub in the town centre for plenty of upcoming bands and acts, while The Source Bar leans into electronic-led music from house to DnB.
FOOD & DRINK
Across the river from the town centre, LOVE FOOD @ Lockmeadow offers Maidstone’s street-food dining hot-spot, selling globally-inspired food from local independent businesses - from the burgers of Notorious BRG to Nepalese Momo dumplings of Sewaro.
A new addition to the town is Jerky Werky’s Caribbean (see page 36 for review), while The Herbalist in Pudding Lane offers great food and drinks in a stunning surrounding. With wines from sister vineyard Wild Shark, The Herbalist is the only place in Kent where you can enjoy Staropramen tank beer delivered directly from the brewer. The buzzing stage kitchen serves up seasonal classics, while you can also grab a takeaway artisan sourdough pizza from the pizza hatch. Junipers premium cocktail lounge is located downstairs for some mixology fun!
Talking of botanicals, if you have a libation fixation, you can head to the Maidstone Distillery to have a liquid experience.
For hot stops, there are a couple of options, but our favourites are The Deaf Cat - an independent coffee shop established 2009, with its original shop in Rochester but now in Maidstone serving locally-roasted coffee with a unique blend. There’s also the Little Travelling Bean, a converted VW camper that doubles as a mini coffee kiosk as well as doing cafe pop-ups at Otham Village Hall.
Finally, Puddings Coffee Shop in Week Street is a popular independent, family-run cafe known for its homemade desserts, cakes (using family recipes) and quality coffee. It offers a cozy, dog-friendly atmosphere serving breakfast, lunch and brunch items, including waffles, pancakes and paninis. Well worth a visit!
