


Maidstone, Kent, England

Museum of Kent Life

Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery
Maidstone
Recorded in the Domesday Survey as land held by the Archbishop of Canterbury at ‘Meddestane’ – Maidstone, the County Town of Kent, has a rich and diverse history. Situated almost halfway between London and Dover, the town was on the main route for pilgrimages, and has been a bustling trade centre for centuries. Despite many recent changes, a sense of the old Maidstone can still be captured when walking through the town.
The Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art Gallery in the town centre offers something to fascinate everyone. Collections include local history, archaeology, ceramics, Egyptian, medieval, costume and natural history. Don’t miss the new Earth Heritage Gallery, where you will find the bones of the Iguanodon – Maidstone’s oldest resident! Nearby is the Tyrwhitt-Drake Museum of Carriages. Situated in the medieval stables of the Archbishops’ Palace, this wonderful collection of vehicles from royal state carriages to horse-drawn sledges offers an intriguing visit.
Maidsone Millennium River Park is a new 10km riverside walk which opens up access to the River Medway through the historic town centre and out into the surrounding countryside. Just along the river at Allington, the Museum of Kent Life displays Kentish agricultural heritage and traditional rural buildings, including Britain’s last working Oast House.
Maidstone, at the heart of the Garden of England, is surrounded by picturesque countryside and villages with a range of delightful accommodation. Ideal to enjoy a refreshing and relaxing short break or as a base to explore and tour the whole county.
More information?
Contact:
For more information:
Maidstone Visitor
Information Centre
Town Hall
High Street
Maidstone
Kent ME14 1TF
Web: www.tour-maidstone.com
Email: tourism@maidstone.gov.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1622 602169
Fax: +44 (0)1622 602519
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