Maidstone Local Area Guide
7 October 2025
Maidstone is a historic riverside town, home to great shopping facilities, peaceful parks, scenic cycling routes and an excellent choice of places to eat and entertainment venues. The town is also home to attractions such as Leeds Castle and Mote Park.
If you’re interested in calling this picturesque town your new home, then our latest Shared Ownership development could be the perfect answer: Millwright Place. This exciting new community of 2-bedroom apartments and 2-, 3- & 4-bedroom houses is waiting for you. You can register your interest now to secure a beautiful new Shared Ownership home once it launches.
To help you get an idea of what life in Millwright Place could look like, we’ve compiled this Maidstone area guide covering everything you’ll need to know. From the best restaurants in Maidstone to exciting things you can see and do, let’s explore the “Garden of England”.
Things to do in Maidstone

There are plenty of things to do in Maidstone, and no visit would be complete without a scenic stroll along the River Medway. This rich cultural hub of maritime and military history has been in use for thousands of years, and important defence sites like Upnor Castle should be visited to really soak up the sense of history the area has to offer.
Sports enthusiasts can enjoy venues like the Gallagher Stadium, the 4,200-capacity venue that’s home to Maidstone United and has been open since 2012. Golf lovers can practice their swing at the nearby Tudor Park Hotel and Country Club, and if you’re looking for fun things to do with the kids in Maidstone, Mote Park Outdoor Adventure offers minigolf, bouldering, and an exciting sky trail for kids and adults.
Best restaurants in Maidstone

From fine dining restaurants to traditional country pubs, Maidstone offers an array of places to eat to cater for all tastes and budgets. The area also has plenty of dog-friendly pubs and restaurants, making it the perfect place for your four-legged friends. Below are some of the top places to eat in Maidstone town centre and the surrounding area:
- The Herbalist – British
- Giggling Squid – Thai
- The Wishful Thinker – British
- Indulgence – International, British
- The Yew Tree – British
- Bowleys Restaurant – British
- Frederic Café Bistro – French
- La Taberna – Mediterranean
- Funky Feast – Mediterranean
- Jhal Chilli Indian Cuisine – Indian
- Notorious BRG Maidstone – American
- Miller and Carter – Steakhouse
Shopping and entertainment

Whether you want big-name brands to help furnish your new Shared Ownership home, or independent boutiques to find the perfect gift, Maidstone offers a mix of shops and shopping centres to suit every need, including Fremlin Walk and The Mall.
The Royal Star Arcade boasts a wide variety of independent shops and the Royal Star Artisan Market on the first Saturday of every month features many artisanal products from floristry to food and drink and much more.
Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre offers an Odeon Cinema, Hollywood Bowl, Gravity trampoline park, VR world, plus a range of restaurants.
Maidstone Market occurs every Tuesday and Saturday from 7:30am – 1:00pm, offering a variety of stalls ranging from fruit & veg, fresh fish, flowers, local produce and more.
Education

There is a wide range of schools in Maidstone, catering to children of all ages within the local area. From early years settings to primary and secondary schools, every child can benefit from high-quality education.
- Buttons ABC Pre-school – 0.5 miles | Ofsted: Good
- Little Fawns Pre-school – 1.2 miles | Ofsted: Good
- Smarties Nursery – 1.2 miles | Ofsted: Good
- Archbishop Courtenay Primary School – 0.5 miles | Ofsted: Good
- South Borough Primary School – 1.2 miles | Ofsted: Good
- Park Way Primary School – 1.4 miles | Ofsted: Good
- St Michael’s Infant and Junior School – 1.8 miles | Ofsted: Good
- Maidstone Grammar School – 1.2 miles | Ofsted: Good
- Five Acre Wood School – 1.8 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding
- The Maplesden Noakes School – 2 miles | Ofsted: Good
- Oakwood Park Grammar School – 2.3 miles | Ofsted: Good
- Cornwallis Academy – 2.9 miles | Ofsted: Good
Outdoor space

Living at Millwright Place means nature is always close at hand, and if you’re looking for outdoorsy things to do in Maidstone, there’s certainly no shortage. From peaceful riverside walks to open meadows and weekend adventures, the area offers a perfect setting for a well-balanced, outdoor lifestyle.
Just minutes away from your new Shared Ownership home, Crisbook Meadow and Ponds provides wildflower meadows, natural springs and shady paths ideal for quiet strolls and spotting local wildlife.
Nearby, Collis Millennium Green offers a community-kept space rich in native plants, perfect for families and nature lovers. Hayle Nature Reserve is a hidden gem with winding trails and ancient trees, offering a serene escape from daily life. For more active days, South Park features play areas, sports facilities, and space to unwind.
A short drive away, Mote Park’s 450 acres of lakes, woodland, and recreational facilities make it a favourite for picnics, jogs, or pedalo rides. The scenic River Medway winds through Maidstone River Park, connecting Tovil to the town with walking and cycling trails. And for woodland walks and seasonal wildlife, Bearsted Woodland Trust is the perfect spot.
Local transport links near your new home

Whether you’re planning a day exploring Maidstone’s vibrant town centre or heading out for a longer trip, you’re perfectly placed.
Maidstone offers excellent train services, making travel to London, Ashford, or the coast simple and direct, and our Millwright Place development is a short 10-minute drive from Maidstone West train station, from which you can reach central London in around an hour.
The town is well served by major roads, including the M20, which connects easily to the M25 and beyond. Millwright Place is c.40 miles from London Gatwick Airport.
Call Maidstone your new home
From delicious food to historical must-visit sites, Maidstone has it all. If you’re interested in calling this charming town your new home, register your interest for our Millwright Place development today.
For any questions that you may have, reach out to our friendly team, who will be happy to explain the process to you.