From green spaces to museums, historic castles and bustling shops on pretty cobbled streets, local amenities are excellent, with exceptional schools to match. The thriving town centre hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, including music and arts, and open-air stages and theatres offer plenty more cultural experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re looking for countryside living with city-style amenities \u2013 and the opportunity to discover your \u2018forever home\u2019 \u2013 Maidstone is a top contender. Let\u2019s find out more about this spectacular Kent town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Transport links<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA popular commuter town, Maidstone has three train stations \u2013 Maidstone East, Maidstone West and Maidstone Barracks. Those working in London can be there within an hour from Maidstone East, with services to Canterbury available, too. There are also regular trains to Ashford International, which offers onward connections to St Pancras International for the Eurostar<\/a> to Paris, Brussels and Lille. Maidstone West runs services to Tonbridge and Strood and Maidstone Barracks offers services between Paddock Wood and Strood.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTravelling by car is also made easy living in Maidstone, with excellent motorway connections including the M20 running to the north and the M2 a short distance away. Meanwhile, the A20 runs through the town and links with Sevenoaks and Ashford, the A229 takes you to the Medway Towns and Hastings, the A26 leads to Tonbridge and the A274 heads to Tenterden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether travelling around the town or locally, there are many Arriva buses<\/a> in Maidstone taking you wherever you want to go, along with National Express<\/a> coach services.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFor travelling further afield, Southend Airport<\/a> is just over an hour\u2019s drive away. Gatwick Airport<\/a> is less than an hour away and has flights to 200 destinations, whilst business airport London City<\/a> is also less than an hour\u2019s drive away.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Port of Dover<\/a> is just a 50-minute car journey away, where cross-channel ferry services to Calais and Dunkirk can be enjoyed.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNearest train stations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n- Maidstone East<\/a><\/li>
- Maidstone West<\/a><\/li>
- Maidstone Barracks<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Schools<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWith 37 primary schools<\/a> and 17 secondary schools in the Maidstone and The Weald constituency, the town is a popular place for young families to live. Roseacre, Oakwood Park Grammar and Maidstone Grammar School are all highly rated and there are also a number of independent schools nearby including Sutton Valence School<\/a> and MEAPA Academy<\/a> for performing arts.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFor those seeking further education, there is the MidKent College University Centre<\/a> for higher education courses and The University for the Creative Arts<\/a>, a prestigious university in the neighbouring district of Oakwood, with an onsite TV studio.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNew mums can socialise with other local mums in their area at baby and toddler groups<\/a> and can also take part in the Princess Project<\/a>. There are a number of highly rated nurseries and Montessori settings locally, too.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nLeisure and amenities <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWith lush parks, fantastic shops and mouth-watering restaurants, Maidstone has an abundance of amenities for every demographic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are excellent shopping centres in the heart of the town, as well as a pedestrianised high street with an eclectic mix of well-known and independent retailers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fremlin Walk<\/a> is a chic open-air shopping centre home to department stores and high street shops; The Mall<\/a> is an indoor shopping centre; St Peter\u2019s Wharf<\/a> offers homeware, clothing and crafts stores, and Broadway Shopping Centre is located on the other side of the River Medway. For boutique stores \u2013 including The Golden Boot, the UK\u2019s oldest independent shoe shop \u2013 the Royal Star Arcade<\/a> is the place to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMaidstone Market<\/a> is also held twice a week, where residents can buy fresh local produce along with household goods, enjoying everything from soft fruits and chutneys to ice-cream and fruit juices. A farmers\u2019 market is held in Maidstone on the fourth Friday of every month and there are also farm shops and regular farmers\u2019 markets in the surrounding villages. Renowned for its fine wine, locals can enjoy wine-tastings and guided tours of Maidstone\u2019s local wineries and vineyards<\/a>, whilst Kent\u2019s famous beer can be supped in local pubs and restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn the evenings, the town\u2019s cobbled streets come alive as people explore the multitude of superb international restaurants<\/a>, vibrant bars and nightclubs on offer. From cosy Kentish country pubs such as Ye Olde Thirsty Pig<\/a> \u2013 a 15th <\/sup>century watering hole \u2013 to elegant bistros, fine-dining restaurants and artisan cafes, there are places to eat and drink in Maidstone to suit every budget. Not forgetting Kent\u2019s speciality, Afternoon Tea<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEntertainment wise, Maidstone offers a cinema, theatre, bowling complex and trampoline park and Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre<\/a> has a cinema, restaurants and nightclubs all in one.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you like to get out and about in the fresh air, Maidstone has green spaces in bucket-loads. Green Flag Mote Park<\/a> is perfect for afternoon strolls and woodland walks and also has a boating lake, miniature railway and fishing and water sports available. The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty<\/a> is nearby, ideal for hiking and cycling, and the Medway Riverside Walk<\/a> makes for pleasant waterside strolls or bike rides, with plenty of flora and fauna and houseboats to admire along the way. For a peaceful spot to read a book or while away an hour or so, head to the tranquil Hermitage Millennium Amphitheatre<\/a> on the banks of the River Medway.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMaidstone is an active town and residents can visit Maidstone Leisure Centre<\/a>, play tennis or enjoy a round of golf<\/a>. For adrenaline-junkies, head to nearby GoApe<\/a> at Leeds Castle with treetop walkways, zip wires and segways on offer.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s on?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere is plenty to keep the whole family entertained when living in Maidstone and history fans, theatre aficionados and festival goers are all well catered for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many of the town\u2019s parks hold exciting summer events and festivals, including Whatman Park<\/a>, which has a magnificent open-air stage and hosts the popular Proms in the Park<\/a>, film nights and Shakespearean plays. If you love music, the Social Festival held at the Kent County Showground has dance music acts as well as funfair rides and market stalls; the Maidstone Fringe Festival<\/a> celebrates local music, with live acts, dance and street food every May Day bank holiday in the town centre; and the Hazlitt Theatre<\/a> hosts comedy performances, music acts and theatrical performances.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLeeds Castle<\/a>, known as \u201cthe loveliest castle in the world\u201d, makes for a great family day out. It is 900 years old and offers a fascinating insight into days gone by, with castle rooms to visit, exhibitions and events, an exhilarating maze and grotto, and GoApe in the woodland grounds. Other historical attractions include Maidstone Museum<\/a> and Maidstone Carriage Museum<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.yopa.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/leeds-castle-1024x683.jpg\")
Above: The magnificent (if confusingly named) Leeds Castle.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nFurther information on what Maidstone has to offer can be found at Visit Maidstone<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSafety & Crime<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMaidstone residents enjoy a good quality of life, with excellent local transport connections and plenty of places to shop and socialise. There are many pleasant neighbouring villages towards the countryside that are popular with retirees, retirement villages and sheltered housing options as well as families and young professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The town centre sees its share of rowdy nightlife on occasion, but the Safer Maidstone Partnership<\/a> is a multi-agency partnership which has been introduced to create a safer environment by reducing crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour in the area. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThinking of moving to <\/strong>Maidstone?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Travelling by car is also made easy living in Maidstone, with excellent motorway connections including the M20 running to the north and the M2 a short distance away. Meanwhile, the A20 runs through the town and links with Sevenoaks and Ashford, the A229 takes you to the Medway Towns and Hastings, the A26 leads to Tonbridge and the A274 heads to Tenterden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether travelling around the town or locally, there are many Arriva buses<\/a> in Maidstone taking you wherever you want to go, along with National Express<\/a> coach services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For travelling further afield, Southend Airport<\/a> is just over an hour\u2019s drive away. Gatwick Airport<\/a> is less than an hour away and has flights to 200 destinations, whilst business airport London City<\/a> is also less than an hour\u2019s drive away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Port of Dover<\/a> is just a 50-minute car journey away, where cross-channel ferry services to Calais and Dunkirk can be enjoyed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nearest train stations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n With 37 primary schools<\/a> and 17 secondary schools in the Maidstone and The Weald constituency, the town is a popular place for young families to live. Roseacre, Oakwood Park Grammar and Maidstone Grammar School are all highly rated and there are also a number of independent schools nearby including Sutton Valence School<\/a> and MEAPA Academy<\/a> for performing arts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For those seeking further education, there is the MidKent College University Centre<\/a> for higher education courses and The University for the Creative Arts<\/a>, a prestigious university in the neighbouring district of Oakwood, with an onsite TV studio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n New mums can socialise with other local mums in their area at baby and toddler groups<\/a> and can also take part in the Princess Project<\/a>. There are a number of highly rated nurseries and Montessori settings locally, too. With lush parks, fantastic shops and mouth-watering restaurants, Maidstone has an abundance of amenities for every demographic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are excellent shopping centres in the heart of the town, as well as a pedestrianised high street with an eclectic mix of well-known and independent retailers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fremlin Walk<\/a> is a chic open-air shopping centre home to department stores and high street shops; The Mall<\/a> is an indoor shopping centre; St Peter\u2019s Wharf<\/a> offers homeware, clothing and crafts stores, and Broadway Shopping Centre is located on the other side of the River Medway. For boutique stores \u2013 including The Golden Boot, the UK\u2019s oldest independent shoe shop \u2013 the Royal Star Arcade<\/a> is the place to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maidstone Market<\/a> is also held twice a week, where residents can buy fresh local produce along with household goods, enjoying everything from soft fruits and chutneys to ice-cream and fruit juices. A farmers\u2019 market is held in Maidstone on the fourth Friday of every month and there are also farm shops and regular farmers\u2019 markets in the surrounding villages. Renowned for its fine wine, locals can enjoy wine-tastings and guided tours of Maidstone\u2019s local wineries and vineyards<\/a>, whilst Kent\u2019s famous beer can be supped in local pubs and restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the evenings, the town\u2019s cobbled streets come alive as people explore the multitude of superb international restaurants<\/a>, vibrant bars and nightclubs on offer. From cosy Kentish country pubs such as Ye Olde Thirsty Pig<\/a> \u2013 a 15th <\/sup>century watering hole \u2013 to elegant bistros, fine-dining restaurants and artisan cafes, there are places to eat and drink in Maidstone to suit every budget. Not forgetting Kent\u2019s speciality, Afternoon Tea<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Entertainment wise, Maidstone offers a cinema, theatre, bowling complex and trampoline park and Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre<\/a> has a cinema, restaurants and nightclubs all in one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you like to get out and about in the fresh air, Maidstone has green spaces in bucket-loads. Green Flag Mote Park<\/a> is perfect for afternoon strolls and woodland walks and also has a boating lake, miniature railway and fishing and water sports available. The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty<\/a> is nearby, ideal for hiking and cycling, and the Medway Riverside Walk<\/a> makes for pleasant waterside strolls or bike rides, with plenty of flora and fauna and houseboats to admire along the way. For a peaceful spot to read a book or while away an hour or so, head to the tranquil Hermitage Millennium Amphitheatre<\/a> on the banks of the River Medway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maidstone is an active town and residents can visit Maidstone Leisure Centre<\/a>, play tennis or enjoy a round of golf<\/a>. For adrenaline-junkies, head to nearby GoApe<\/a> at Leeds Castle with treetop walkways, zip wires and segways on offer. There is plenty to keep the whole family entertained when living in Maidstone and history fans, theatre aficionados and festival goers are all well catered for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many of the town\u2019s parks hold exciting summer events and festivals, including Whatman Park<\/a>, which has a magnificent open-air stage and hosts the popular Proms in the Park<\/a>, film nights and Shakespearean plays. If you love music, the Social Festival held at the Kent County Showground has dance music acts as well as funfair rides and market stalls; the Maidstone Fringe Festival<\/a> celebrates local music, with live acts, dance and street food every May Day bank holiday in the town centre; and the Hazlitt Theatre<\/a> hosts comedy performances, music acts and theatrical performances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Leeds Castle<\/a>, known as \u201cthe loveliest castle in the world\u201d, makes for a great family day out. It is 900 years old and offers a fascinating insight into days gone by, with castle rooms to visit, exhibitions and events, an exhilarating maze and grotto, and GoApe in the woodland grounds. Other historical attractions include Maidstone Museum<\/a> and Maidstone Carriage Museum<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further information on what Maidstone has to offer can be found at Visit Maidstone<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maidstone residents enjoy a good quality of life, with excellent local transport connections and plenty of places to shop and socialise. There are many pleasant neighbouring villages towards the countryside that are popular with retirees, retirement villages and sheltered housing options as well as families and young professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The town centre sees its share of rowdy nightlife on occasion, but the Safer Maidstone Partnership<\/a> is a multi-agency partnership which has been introduced to create a safer environment by reducing crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour in the area. <\/p>\n\n\n\nSchools<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nLeisure and amenities <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s on?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Safety & Crime<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Thinking of moving to <\/strong>Maidstone?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n