LEEDS CASTLE
MOTE PARK
For another unusual glimpse of the past through Maidstone ’ s historic buildings , make your way to the stables of the former Archbishop ’ s Palace in Mill Street . Here you will find the Maidstone Carriage Museum , offering an insight into the fascinating history of transport and home to a unique collection of horse-drawn vehicles and transport curiosities . More than 60 vehicles are on display , ranging from grand carriages such as Queen Victoria ’ s State Landau , to antique sedan chairs and Victorian ‘ growlers ’. The Carriage Museum collection was the gift of Sir Garrard Tyrwhitt-Drake , 12-time Mayor of Maidstone , who began collecting carriages when he realised that the horse-drawn vehicles of his childhood were being forced off the road by the motor car . Thanks to his energy and enthusiasm , Maidstone Carriage Museum opened in 1946 and was the first of its kind in Britain and is still viewed as one of the finest in Europe .
Not only does Maidstone have an abundance of historical sites and museums to explore , there is also a plethora of country parks and outdoor activities to delight in at this beautiful time of year . The perfect place for appreciating such autumnal scenes is Mote
Park , which since medieval times has been the site of glorious parkland . With a host of revered former owners , including the royal family , the park is now looked after by the council and an amazing team of volunteers . For almost 900 years , Mote Park has seen visitors pursue leisure activities within its grounds , and this will not be stopping anytime soon . Spanning over 450 acres , Mote Park is now a freely accessible space for the public to enjoy and is an ideal location for the whole family . Not only is Mote Park great for walking and cycling , with lots of paths and trails to follow including a BMX track , there is also the chance to segway , take on nine holes of dinosaurthemed adventure golf , climb high on the 32ft ‘ Sky Trail ’, or the 32ft climbing wall , or delight in the children ’ s adventure park . Keen fishermen can apply for a daily permit to fish in the park too , and the café is the ideal antidote for those needing refreshments after all the fun .
Other historical marvels and outdoor activities can be found in the charming villages and rolling countryside that surrounds the town . This includes ‘ the loveliest castle in the world ’, Leeds Castle . It is said that visitors never forget their first breathtaking vision of Leeds Castle rising majestically from the moat . From its riveting history serving six of England ’ s medieval queens , to its elaborate transformation into an elegant 20th-century retreat by Anglo-American heiress Lady Baillie , Leeds Castle ’ s rich heritage has secured its place as one of the most visited historic attractions in Britain . 2022 saw Leeds Castle embark on a new adventure , new thematic displays and the introduction of visitors to one of the most sophisticated yet enigmatic female owners of the castle , returning to the glamorous 1930s . Today , become one of Lady Baillie ’ s guests and glide into a Gatsby-esque 1930 ’ s house party as her staff prepare for the weekend ahead , where music , dancing and dangerous liaisons were the order of the day . Revel in the gossip and cocktails , high stakes gambling and the sparkling mix of Hollywood stars , society ’ s finest and leading politicians all of whom partied within the castle ’ s walls . Picturesque in all seasons , including a golden autumn such as this , discover over 500 acres of stunning parklands and manicured gardens . Let children ’ s imaginations run wild as they scale the turrets across the playgrounds and watch in awe as majestic birds of prey swoop overhead and beautiful swans swim the moat .
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