Maidstone is a picturesque historic town in the green countryside of Kent. Its center has nice, historic buildings, and the river Medwey that flows through it is perfect for boat trips.
Although Maidstone did not receive city privileges until the 16th century, a trading settlement existed here already in Norman times. In the 14th century, the local archbishop built his palace here. Today, only the stables, which house the Carriage Museum, remain.
The city offers the opportunity to visit interesting museums. The most important of them is the Maidstone Museum and Art Gallery, where you can see, among others, Egyptian mummies, antiquities from ancient Greece and Rome, as well as a large collection of paintings.
On the river Medwey is the Kent Life open-air museum, which shows what life was like for the countrymen in the past centuries. In the museum, you can not only see houses, workshops and farms, but also see the staged old field and house works as well as the activities of craftsmen.
Maidstone's biggest attraction is Leeds Castle on its outskirts. Its origins date back to the 12th century, and its present appearance is due to the care of two kings, Edward I and Henry VIII, who made their wives' residences here. The castle presents collections of art, arts and crafts and antique furniture.
Maidstone town center is tranquil and picturesque. They are made up of tenement houses mainly from the 18th and 19th centuries. Many of them have pubs and small shops. Popular recreational areas are located on the River Medwey. There are walking paths, picnic areas, and you can go boating and canoeing on the river.
