OUT- DOORSY SPOTS
GUIDE
CULTURAL HOTSPOTS
HAZLITT THEATRE Attracting local and national performers, musicians, tributes, dance schools and amateur dramatics to its stage, the Hazlitt Theatre has been treasured by the local community since 1955. With over 350 showcases a year to choose from, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
MAIDSTONE CARRIAGE MUSEUM Housed in the 14th-century stables of the medieval Archbishop’ s Palace used by the Archbishop of Canterbury when travelling through the county, this popular town museum offers visitors an enthralling insight into the history of transport through a special
MUST-SHOP STORES & MARKETS
FREMLIN WALK Buzzing outdoor shopping centre perfectly positioned only a short distance from Maidstone’ s main transport links that’ s made up of over 40 eateries and shops, including top high-street brands.
MAIDSTONE MARKET Open every Tuesday and Saturday, with a Local Producers and Craft Market taking place on the second Saturday of the month, Lockmeadow’ s markets are a glorious display of Kentish produce, bakery goods, street food eats, flowers, homewares and more.
DIVINE DINING
GOLDEN BOOT As the longest-running, family owned, independent shoe shop in the country, which has been lovingly built by seven generations of shoemakers, merchants and traders since its founding in 1790, the Golden Boot stands proudly within the town centre and stocks a meticulously tailored collection of high-quality footwear for all occasions.
CULPEPER’ S RESTAURANT Holder of two AA Rosettes, Chilston Park Hotel’ s onsite restaurant Culpeper’ s serves exquisite modern British dishes showcasing the creativity of head chef Ali Altuntas and taking inspiration from the county’ s abundance of seasonal delights. Accompanied by an extensive wine list and the opulent surroundings of the venue’ s original dining room, a meal here is nothing short of divine.
FRÉDÉRIC BISTRO Charming French cafébistro that captures the hearts of its diners with unfussy French dishes that are always carefully prepared and packed with fresh ingredients. With an adjacent wine shop, diners are promised the finest wine pairings to perfectly complement their chosen dishes.
LA TABERNA Family-run Spanish restaurant and bar that serves up a plethora of tasty tapas. A fusion of Spain’ s distinctive flavours and warming way of life, La Taberna are passionate about creating an inviting atmosphere for diners to enjoy delicious food and great wine.
Culpeper’ s( top left), Frederic Bistro( bottom left)
collection of horse-drawn vehicles and transport curiosities- with more than 60 vehicles on display including Queen Victoria’ s State Landau.
LEEDS CASTLE Magnificent Leeds Castle is marvelled at by hundreds of visitors every year. Steeped in over 900 years of history and with former residents including medieval queens and the heroic Anglo-American heiress Lady Baille, who is responsible for the glamorous restoration that’ s made this historic jewel what it is today, Leeds Castle proudly displays its past through a variety of on-site attractions, special events and educational activities.
OUT- DOORSY SPOTS
MOTE PARK With rolling grassland, shaded woodlands and a 30-acre lake, this Green Flag-awarded greenspace stretches across 450 acres and is the perfect spot to embrace the great outdoors, take part in an active adventure or admire an array of wildlife. Alongside paths for walking and cycling, the park also features outdoor adventure facilities, a watersports centre and a model railway and is a popular venue for some of Maidstone’ s most anticipated events and festivals.
STONEACRE A transporting 15th-century, halftimbered yeoman’ s house surrounded by blossoming gardens, orchards and woodlands. Colourful planting takes centre stage towards the front of the house, with the rear garden embracing natural grasses. Inside, a grand Great Hall and beautiful collections of furniture, wood and metal work are open to the public for viewing.
COBTREE MANOR PARK Located on the site of a former zoo and particularly striking this time of year as spring’ s daffodils and cherry blossom make their first appearance, Cobtree Manor Park features a zoo-themed play area, plenty of picnic spots, a sculpture trail, café and beautiful views across the North Downs.
Leeds Castle( top right), Cobtree Manor Park( bottom right)
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