Welcome to and the heart of the Garden of Bringing a Group to Maidstone How we can help you

Maidstone is the perfect destination for any group visit, whatever their age or interests, whether • Booking accommodation - our buying power enables us to negotiate the most competitive rates on it be a day visit, short break or a longer stay. Maidstone is great for sightseeing excursions your behalf wherever you come from in the UK or Europe, and is a popular destination for overseas visitors. • Venues for refreshments/rest stops - our fabulous range of restaurants, bars and cafes can accommodate those wanting light refreshments to banquets. Special dinners and events can be Special Interest Groups particularly enjoy our castles, gardens and historical tours, while sports arranged at a number of attractions clubs and societies of all kinds can enjoy a mass of activities. • Coach Parking information - advice on drop-off points and where to park Senior citizens will have fun trying new experiences or honing and improving existing skills. • Itineraries - we are really good at this! With our unrivalled knowledge of Maidstone and the Heart of area we can help you plan the perfect itinerary For Schools For Business • Attraction information - opening times, facilities, etc. We can also sometimes get exclusive visits for Maidstone is great for school groups, with the For business travellers or those looking for your group outside normal opening hours. Some venues only open for groups, giving you a unique strong educational aspects of our Museums and conferencing, Maidstone is a fantastic location. experience the opportunity to discover some fascinating It is close to the Channel Tunnel and Europe, • Events - we can help with up-to-date information on ‘What’s On’ including exhibitions and festivals countryside, along with the chance to see with high speed rail links to Ebbsfleet and agricultural practices first hand and perhaps just 20 minutes from the M25 and the road • Tours - exclusive tailor made walking tours of the town with one of our professional guides. A great develop some life skills. network. Visit www.conferencemaidstone.com way to explore Maidstone’s hidden gems. for further details EVENTS If you would like further details or advice on You may be organising a trip to coincide with a planning your visit, contact: local event and you may wish to stay overnight or The Marketing Team find out about other things to do and see whilst on your trip. Our fully interactive website www. Maidstone Culture & Leisure visitmaidstone.com is the perfect place to look! Maidstone Borough Council Tailored itineraries & Special events Unusual experiences We also produce a small leaflet about our events, King Street which we are happy to send out to you upon Whether you are travelling for business or Maidstone offers some unusual photographic request. Maidstone pleasure, itineraries or special events can experiences, such as the Wildlife Heritage be organised to suit your group. Historic and Foundation and AeroLegends where you can fly Kent heritage tours are popular not only in Maidstone, alongside historic Spitfires. ME15 6JQ and Kent is probably one of the best places in Tel: 01622 602169 the world. The gardens here are first class, and there are some [email protected] exciting sporting www.visitmaidstone.com events and attractions too, including Brands Hatch and Aerodrome.

Into the evening The action doesn’t stop when the sun goes down as Maidstone has a lively evening economy with bars, nightclubs, restaurants, a theatre and music for all tastes. Attractions

LEEDS CASTLE MAIDSTONE MUSEUMS ARCHBISHOPS’ PALACE LASHENDEN AIR WARFARE Leeds, nr Maidstone, St Faith’s Street, Maidstone, Mill Street, Maidstone, MUSEUM ME17 1PL ME14 1LH ME15 6YE Headcorn Aerodrome, TN27 9HX 01622 767865 01622 602838 01622 701926 01622 890226 [email protected] www.maidstonemuseum.org [email protected] www.leeds-castle.com This important heritage site, www.lashendenairwarfare first mentioned in the Domesday museum.co.uk Book as land held by the Archbishop of at ‘Meddestane’ was redeveloped Aviation exhibits from 1911 to the present day, and wartime Once described as ‘the loveliest castle in the world’. Easily Maidstone Museum is housed in a charming Elizabethan as a Palace in 1384. It was one of several medieval palaces memorabilia including a V1 piloted flying bomb. accessible and surrounded by 500 acres of parkland and Manor House in the centre of Maidstone. Each gallery will serving the Archbishops travelling between Canterbury and Open gardens. Attractions include the maze and grotto, unique dog fascinate and surprise with a wealth of objects to see and London. It is now Maidstone’s Register Office and not open to Easter - Oct (weekends & bank holidays): 10:30 - 18:00 collar museum, a temporary exhibition space with regular enjoy. The Natural History Gallery, Japanese Gallery and the public. However, it is possible to walk around the outside Nov - Easter Sunday: 10:30 - 15:30 new exhibits and an interpretation centre with an excellent costume gallery remain very popular and the local exhibits and to visit the Infirmerers’ Garden, which is a little gem. Min number: 10 Max number: 56 video of the castle. Seasonal events throughout the year. celebrate Maidstone’s uniqueness. Travelling exhibitions Open FREE entry Hangar tour £2 Land train runs between the entrance and the castle and can generate new and interesting things to do and see all year, Garden and grounds 24 hour access take wheelchairs. and the café is great for refreshments during your tour. Facilities Open daily Open Facilities Café No Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00 Apr - Sept: 10:30 - 18:00 (last admission 16:30) Café No Disabled facilities Yes Oct - Mar: 10:30 - 17:00 (last admission 15:00) Sunday (Apr - Oct only): 12:00 - 16:00 Average length of visit: 5hrs Min number: 10 Max number: 10 coaches Disabled facilities Yes Ground floor access Yes Min number: 15 Max number: Unlimited Ground floor access Yes Disabled parking Yes Adult prices from £15.25. Concessions available. Disabled parking Yes Disabled toilets No Facilities Facilities Disabled toilets Yes TEAPOT ISLAND Restaurant Yes Café Yes , nr Maidstone, ME18 6HG ALL SAINTS CHURCH 01622 814541 Café Yes Disabled facilities Yes, some restrictions Mill Street, Maidstone, www.teapotisland.com Disabled facilities Yes Ground floor access Yes, some restrictions ME15 6YE A collection of over 3,500 teapots Ground floor access Yes Other floor access Yes, some restrictions 01622 843298 each with its own unique history. www.maidstoneallsaints.co.uk Other floor access Yes, some restrictions Disabled toilets Yes Creative pottery on site. Pottery available for children to paint. Disabled parking Yes This historic church was Open Disabled toilets Yes rebuilt in the 14th Century Summer Season, Monday - Friday: 10:00 - 16:00 by Archbishop Courtenay to become one of the grandest MAIDSTONE CARRIAGE MUSEUM Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays: 9:00 - 17:00 perpendicular churches in England. A memorial to local Winter season: please telephone Mill Street, Maidstone, ME15 6YE Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone man Lawrence Washington shows the family coat of arms, 01622 602838 0622 763936 which inspired the ‘Stars & Stripes’. Fascinating building with Facilities [email protected] [email protected] musket shots in doors and sword slashes in the stone - a Café Yes www.maidstonemuseum.org www.kentlife.org.uk truly authentic building. Guided tours can be arranged. Disabled facilities Yes Open Probably the largest collection May - Sept: Mon - Thurs: 10:00 - 16:00 Sat: 10:30 - 12:30 Ground floor access Yes, some restrictions of horse-drawn vehicles in Disabled parking Yes Facilities the country, including outstanding examples of State, This is Kent’s premier farm attraction which portrays rural Disabled toilets Yes commercial and private carriages, offering a fascinating life in Kent over the past 100 years. With 28 acres of fun Café No insight into life in a bygone era. Housed in the 14th century including educational and family activities, indoor and Disabled facilities No ANNO DISTILLERY Archbishops’ Stables. Guided tours by prior arrangement. Pattenden Lane, Marden, outdoor play areas, traditional farm breeds, discovery trails Ground floor access Yes Open and a hands-on cuddle corner. Lots of excellent events year TN12 9QJ May - September round. Disabled parking No 01622 833278 Friday & Saturday: 10:00 - 16:00 Open daily Disabled toilets No www.annodistillers.co.uk Sunday: 12:00 - 16:00 From 10am, closing times vary according to season Small artisanal spirits producer Min number: 3 Max number: 1 coach blending natural ingredients into Min number: 15 Max number: 10 coaches THE MAIDSTONE DISTILLERY Adults £2, Concessions £1, Family ticket £5 premium spirits. Guided tours www.themaidstonedistillery.com Out of season tours can be organised and tastings can be arranged. Facilities Facilities Opening Summer 2019. Enjoy Facilities Café No Café Yes tours and tastings, with a big Café No Disabled facilities No Disabled facilities Yes emphasis on Maidstone’s gin Disabled facilities Yes producing history. Ground floor access Yes Ground floor access Yes Ground floor access Yes, some restrictions Disabled parking No Other floor access Yes, some restrictions Facilities Disabled parking Yes Disabled toilets No Disabled parking Yes Disabled facilities Yes Disabled toilets Yes Disabled toilets Yes Disabled toilets Yes Vineyards & Gardens Wild & Beautiful Places

HUSH HEATH ESTATE BIDDENDEN VINEYARD Five Oak Lane, Snoad Lane, Gribble Bridge Lane, , TN12 0HT Biddenden, TN27 8DF 01622 832794 01580 291726 [email protected] [email protected] www.hushheath.com www.biddendenvineyards.com

Hush Heath Estate produces England’s most exclusive Biddenden Vineyards is Kent’s oldest commercial vineyard, pink fizz - Balfour Brut Rose, made from the three classic established by the Barnes family in 1969. The Vineyard Champagne grape varieties - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and produces award-winning still and sparkling English wines, Pinot Meunier. The estates apples, handpicked for maximum Kentish ciders and farm pressed juices. ripeness, are turned into a range of still and sparkling ciders Open daily - Jake’s Orchard. Experience perfectly manicured vineyards, Monday - Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00 orchards and woodland, a new state of the art winery, great Sunday and Bank Holidays (except Jan/Feb, Christmas Eve people, world class awards and recognition. Come along and New Years’ Day): 11am - 17:00 to the winery, taste the wines and ciders, and take a walk Admission and tasting FREE through the estate following the vineyard trail. FREE guided tours run on specific dates Guided tours of the vineyard and winery are available, Evening tours can be arranged KENT WILDLIFE TRUST VISITOR KENT DOWNS AREA OF however they must be pre-booked in advance. Min number: 15 Max number: 2 coaches CENTRE OUTSTANDING NATURAL Min number: 4 Max number: 6+ coaches Tyland Barn, Sandling, BEAUTY Facilities Facilities Maidstone, ME14 3BD 01303 815170 01622 662012 [email protected] Disabled facilities Minimal restrictions Cafe Yes [email protected] www.kentdowns.org.uk Ground floor access Yes Disabled facilities Yes, some restrictions www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk Disabled toilets Yes Ground floor access Yes Disabled toilets Yes A wonderfully restored 17th Century barn, headquarters of These rare chalk Downland hills dotted with ancient beech the Kent Wildlife Trust. The Visitor Centre attractions include woodland, carpeted with grassland rich in wild flowers and IDEN CROFT HERB GARDEN STONEACRE wildlife displays, educational centre and a nature park. Full native orchids offer panoramic views over the fields and Frittenden Road, Staplehurst, , Nr Maidstone wheelchair access. Gift shop. medieval farmhouses of the Kentish . Walkers can TN12 0DH ME15 8RS Open daily (except 23 Dec to late Jan): follow well-established trails to appreciate the views of this 01580 891432 01622 863247 Monday - Friday: 10:00 - 17:00 unique landscape, notably the North Downs Way National www.uk-herbs.com [email protected] Weekends and bank holidays: 11:00 - 16:00 Trail. Several historic country along the Pilgrims’ Way www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ Min number: 1 Max number: 2 coaches cater for families and groups of thirsty walkers alike. stoneacre Open all the time Facilities Enjoy these Herb Gardens and a 15th Century Walled Garden. Owned by the National Trust, this idyllic half-timbered Cafe Yes The National Oreganum and Mentha collections, aromatic 15th Century Yeoman’s house features a central hall and is Disabled facilities Yes MAIDSTONE MILLENNIUM wild flowers, and bee/butterfly plants are just some of the furnished in period style. The romantic cottage garden has a RIVER PARK Ground floor access Yes attractions. Tours and talks by prior arrangement. large collection of unusual plants. No WC. (Visitor Open Open Disabled parking Yes Information Centre) Mar - Sept Friday - Tuesday: 11:00 - 17:00 mid Mar - early Oct Disabled toilets Yes 01622 602169 Small groups only. Fewer than 10 people, no need to book Saturdays only: 11:00 - 17:30 Groups of 15-20 must be pre-booked Small coaches only

Facilities Facilities No visit to Maidstone is complete without a walk along the Cafe Yes Disabled facilities No tranquil banks of the River Medway. The Medway Millennium River Park runs for 10km from rural to Allington Disabled facilities Yes Ground floor access Yes Lock, with easily accessible paths and footbridges linking Ground floor access Yes, steps in garden Disabled parking Yes the town centre to its surrounding countryside. Walking in Disabled toilets Yes Disabled toilets No one direction and catching the river boat home is an ideal choice. Walking on to Yalding is also possible, and the train can be caught back to Maidstone. Other wonderful gardens in Kent Open all the time Some large, some small, but all interesting to visit: Groombridge Place and Leeds Castle; Infirmerers’ Garden at Gardens; ; Archbishops’ Palace; Hever Castle; Sissinghurst Beech Court Gardens; Castle; Penshurst Place; Lullingstone Pashley Manor Gardens Castle World Garden; Godinton Manor; and Great Dixter River Boat Trips Guided Historic Walks

KENTISH LADY ALLINGTON BELLE DAY BOAT Undercliffe Boathouse, HIRE Bishops Way, Maidstone Fords Wharf Marine, Allington 01622 753740 ME16 0BP [email protected] 01622 661064 www.kentishlady.co.uk [email protected] www.allingtonbelle.co.uk

Take in the idyllic scenery of the Maidstone Millennium River Self-drive river boats available for small groups of up to 10 Park the easy way - on board the totally enclosed, centrally people. Relax and unwind at a different pace of life on the heated pleasure boat. The Kentish Lady offers a unique tranquil waters of the River Medway. Travel through East experience of the River Medway with a 3hr cruise. Farleigh lock and beyond, there are plenty of places to stop On Tuesdays each week, combine your trip with a visit to and picnic and several places to stop for lunch or just watch ALLINGTON CASTLE the home of Sir Robert Worcester. This the world go by. CIRCLING THE SQUARE TOURS FOOTSTEPS UK exclusive trip involves a tour around the castle grounds Open 07913 904997 Castle Road, Maidstone and a look at the courtyard and Great Hall to find out more May - September circlingthesquaretours@ 01622 754451 about it’s fascinating history. Max number: 10 hotmail.co.uk [email protected] The Kentish Lady also offers the perfect setting for a private party. Why not combine a river boat trip with a visit to Facilities Kent Life for a real day out in the country? Good access for Disabled facilities Yes wheelchairs. Disabled parking No, but some nearby Open Circling the Square Tours offer tours of Maidstone and the Footsteps UK offers a varied programme of personal guided School holidays and weekends: Regular one hour round trips Disabled toilets Yes surrounding area. Peter Batty is able to provide tailor made tours of Maidstone, with multi-lingual professional guides. from Maidstone Town Centre to Allington. tours for group visitors on a variety of themes. He is able to Discover Maidstone’s hidden secrets and unveil its colourful Easter - October: 100 seats undercover. join your coach on arrival in Maidstone or prior to that on history of mad priests, rebels and Civil War battles. Boat available for private hire request. Presentations to groups also a speciality. Group rates on request. Max number: 100 See boxes below for suggested themes. Tours can be taken Facilities as they are, or adapted for specific interests. Detailed information is available from Peter. Disabled facilities Yes Disabled parking No, but some nearby Disabled toilets Yes The Garden of England in Blossom Tour Kent - Royalty, Revolt and Rebellion Inspirational Writers of the Region The tour starts at Maidstone Museum The tour starts from Maidstone This tour takes in some of the famous to set the scene, then goes on to Kent Museum enabling discovery of the writers from Kent, including Dickens, Life for a hands-on experience in the famous figures in history which have Hazlitt, Wyatt and Kipling, as well as discovery of hop gardens, oasts and shaped Britain today. This is followed many who travelled to and through orchards. Then out to Yalding area to by a walking tour of this historic town, Kent, such as Defoe, Pepys, Cobbett and discover the orchards themselves and where inspirational ideas and battles Orwell. finishing at TeaPot Island, which is a for change took place. This can be unique and quirky collection of this followed by a visit to Leeds Castle. traditional vessel for brewing tea.

A Tour on the Wine Side Tea, Talk and Walk Tours Wine has been grown in England for These start at Maidstone Museum centuries and now it is producing and allow visitors to discover all that some high quality products, which are is interesting and exceptional in the internationally recognised. Visits to Museum and Maidstone town centre. Sissinghurst and Biddenden Vineyards This is normally a 2-3hr tour, making and a visit to Maidstone Museum an excellent half day. Make it a full day to discover the traditions of food by adding - Allington Belle, Aylesford production in Kent. Priory, Leeds Castle, , Kent Life, Aylesford Village Shopping in Maidstone Night Time Maidstone

Maidstone boasts one of the largest selections of independent retailers in the country, so exploring the amazing choice is great fun. FREMLIN WALK 62 Earl Street House of Fraser Retail Maidstone, ME14 1PS 01622 356584 Shopping Experience [email protected] Maidstone is one of the www.fremlinwalk.co.uk House of Fraser welcomes groups of shoppers for a special day out. You will be met on arrival with a best places to go for an glass of Prosecco and a goody bag. evening out in Kent. With Located in the heart of Maidstone’s vibrant town centre, A personal shopper can help you explore the store Fremlin Walk boasts over 50 top high street stores, as well as a number of coffee shops. A coach drop-off point in St and assist you in finding things you like, and they an extensive mixture of Faith’s Street, outside the Museum, offers easy access for offer space in their shopping suite. Make-overs group visitors. By prior arrangement, free coach parking and beauty treatments are available and two-for- bars, restaurants, clubs, can be organised with Fremlin Walk shopping centre and one vouchers for the cafe. vouchers or special offers for stores within the complex can theatre and cinema you’re often be available. The shopping experience can be tailored to meet HAZLITT THEATRE Open your needs. Earl Street, Maidstone, sure to find fun things to Normal shop opening hours ME14 1PL Contact Jayne Jones do as the sun goes down. Facilities for details: 01622 758611 hazlitt.boxoffice@ Cafe Yes [email protected] parkwoodtheatres.co.uk Disabled facilities Yes 01622 697700 www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk Disabled parking Yes LOCKMEADOW AREA Disabled toilets Yes The Hazlitt Theatre has some brilliant productions, from drama and comedy nights to great music. The Theatre Situated next to the river, Lockmeadow has a youthful ROYAL STAR ARCADE THE MALL - CHEQUERS Gallery exhibits quality work by both local and well-known feel and is full of bright lights High Street CENTRE artists. and big names. It contains an Maidstone, ME14 1JL Pad’s Hill, Maidstone, ME15 6AT Dancing also takes place at the Hazlitt Theatre with Ceroc Odeon multiplex cinema, clubs, 01622 690395 01622 691130 every Thursday evening with lessons for beginners from bars, and restaurants. There is www.royalstararcade.com [email protected] 8pm and advanced from 9pm. Tea Dances take place two also a Hollywood Bowl for ten- www.themall.co.uk/maidstone Thursday afternoons each month, and it is best to check the website for dates. Special arrangements can be made for all pin bowling and a Gravity trampoline park, both of which are types of dance events, should your group wish to dance. great fun for the family. A delightful shopping centre over 2 levels, with access from Right in the heart of town, The Mall offers 3 floors of exciting the High Street. Discover a maze of beautiful shops in an high street shops, with a good selection of independent HIGH STREET & EARL STREET historic and elegant setting that make this indoor shopping retailers to make your shopping experience that little bit In the centre of town, these centre a treat. different. Find something unusual for that special gift, or offer a number of great Open relax with a cup of coffee or freshly squeezed juice. All of evening locations for more Monday - Saturday: 9:00 - 17:30 this under one glass ceiling, with escalators to carry you sophisticated evening Sunday: 11:00 - 16:00 between floors. Coach drop-off and pick-up can be organised entertainment. Dancing, (Individual shop opening times may differ) in the bus depot directly below the shopping centre. bars, restaurants and a lively Open pavement café scene. Normal shop opening hours Facilities Facilities Cafe Yes Disabled facilities Yes LIVE MUSIC VENUES There are a variety of venues Disabled facilities Yes Disabled parking Yes offering live music around the Disabled toilets Yes Disabled toilets Yes town. You could try Rafters in the High Street or Pizza Express. Experiences Experiences

THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY GO APE Headcorn Road, Smarden, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, TN27 8PJ ME17 1PL 01233 771915 0845 094 9573 [email protected] www.goape.co.uk/days-out/ www.whf.org.uk leeds-castle

From the biggest to the smallest, The Big Cat Sanctuary Go Ape is the UK’s number one tree-top adventure. Take works to save the Big Cats of the World from extinction. The to the trees and speed down zip slides. They are part of an main breeding programmes are for the Amur leopard, Amur exciting course of rope bridges, Tarzan swings and crossings tiger, Sumatran tiger and the Snow leopard. The ultimate all set high above the forest floor. Lush green forest and a aim is to safely reintroduce these Big Cats to their natural healthy dollop of breath-taking scenery. Brilliant fun. Go Ape habitat, free from danger of poaching and other hazards. can also be found at Bedgebury Forest, nr Tunbridge Wells, The Sanctuary is not open to the public and you must book in Kent TN17 2SL. advance. Bookable experiences include: Big Cat Encounter, Facilities Ranger for the Day and Photographic Workshops. Disabled facilities Yes Facilities ADVENTURE ZONE, BUCKMORE PARK KARTING Disabled parking Yes Mote Park, Maidstone CIRCUIT Disabled facilities Yes Disabled toilets Yes ME15 7RN Maidstone Road, Chatham, Ground floor access Yes A new Adventure Zone is opening in ME5 9QG Disabled parking Yes Mote Park in early 2019. 01634 201562 [email protected] Disabled toilets Yes It will feature a high ropes course, a www.buckmore.co.uk climbing wall and crazy golf. Check out visitmaidstone.com for updates on opening times and This is the kart circuit where British F1 drivers Lewis charges. Hamilton and Jenson Button learned their craft. Hire carts, Facilities practice and compete, from children to adults. Explore your skills and have fun. See website for dates, times and prices. AERO LEGENDS UK ELECTRIC BIKE TOURS Disabled parking Yes, in car park Open all year Headcorn Aerodrome, Bloomsbury Retreat, Disabled toilets Yes Headcorn, TN27 9HX Sissinghurst Road, Biddenden Facilities 01622 812830 TN27 8DQ Disabled facilities Yes [email protected] 07734 108393 www.aerolegends.co.uk www.ukelectricbiketours.co.uk Disabled parking Yes www.goactionstations.co.uk Disabled toilets Yes

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of flight experiences Electric bikes are a great way to explore the Kent MOTE PARK WATERSPORTS SEGWAY TOURS with vintage world war two aircraft. Fly with or alongside countryside. You ride it the same way as a pedal bike, but CENTRE Leeds Castle, Maidstone, legendary aircraft like the Spitfire and Tiger Moth over Kent’s when you pedal, the motor kicks in to assist you - great for Mote Park, Maidstone ME17 1PL Battle of Britain landscape and coastline. Aero Legends has any hills. UK Electric Bike Tours offer a range of scheduled 07595 539555 0845 619 0007 also recently launched a new brand called ‘Action Stations!’ tours or self-guided electric bike hire. Visit many of Kent’s info@moteparkwatersports [email protected] offering exciting new group experiences, some of which have great attractions including historic castles, churches, pretty centre.com www.segwaytours.co.uk not previously been available to the public. Options include market towns and some of Kent’s cycle trails. A popular www.moteparkwatersports a flight in a Spitfire or the D-Day Airborne Experience. This trip is around the Kent Weald visiting hop farms or award- centre.com is a unique 3.5 day adventure including full training with the winning vineyards Mote Park was voted the third best park in the UK in the Tour history whilst riding the future! Easily mastered in Parachute School, a drop from the C-47 Dakota onto a drop national Green Flag awards 2015, and the watersports a matter of minutes, the Segway is the iconic personal zone in Normandy and a visit to key battlefields in historic centre is located on the 30 acre lake. Hire a classic rowing transporter as seen on TV and films. Two tours to choose vehicles from the time. boat or take a less traditional swan pedalo to explore the from. 35 minute scenic tour or a 1hr adventure tour. Experiences can be purchased as ‘open tickets’ and group lake. You can also enjoy the sailing boats, canoes, kayaks or Prices start from £20 bookings are available. even paddle-boarding. Surfing, scuba diving, power boating, Min number: 1 Max number: 12 Facilities Facilities swimming and windsurfing are also available. This is great Facilities Disabled facilities Yes Disabled parking Yes for families and groups and is suitable for all ages, including mixed age groups. Please make bookings for groups in Disabled facilities Yes Ground floor access Yes Disabled toilets Yes advance. Disabled parking Yes Disabled parking Yes Facilities Disabled toilets Yes Disabled toilets Yes Disabled facilities Yes, depending on activity Disabled parking Yes, but some distance Disabled toilets Yes, in car park Tailor made attractions Hotels for groups

The Black Horse Inn Chilston Park Hotel Weald of Kent Golf EAST MALLING Pilgrims Way, , Lenham, Course & Hotel RESEARCH STATION & Thurnham ME17 2BE Maidstone Road, BRADBOURNE HOUSE Maidstone, ME14 3LD 0845 072 7426 Headcorn, TN27 9PT New Road, East Malling, 01622 737185 www.handpicked 01622 890866 ME19 6BJ www.wellieboot.net hotels.co.uk www.weald-of-kent. 01732 843833 30 bedrooms 53 bedrooms co.uk www.emr.ac.uk Why not treat your 19 bedrooms Hilton Maidstone Mercure Great Danes Oakwood House A visit here is really only available for groups or on group to a hands-on Road, Hotel, Ashford Road, Oakwood Road, organised tours with a guide. Tours can include how fruit Maidstone, , Maidstone, development has changed since the 1920’s, how grafting experience at one of our ME14 5AA ME17 1RE ME16 8AE root stock was started here and so many more techniques 01622 734322 0844 815 9045 01622 620720 which are now feeding the world. This is a world-class fantastic venues? www.hilton.co.uk www.mercure www.oakwoodhouse research facility and works incredibly well with a garden 146 bedrooms maidstone.co.uk hotel.co.uk tour. They also run workshops which can potentially be put Whether you’re interested 126 bedrooms 40 bedrooms on for your group to have a hands-on experience. Often useful for gardeners. in gardening or arts and Tudor Park Marriott Village Hotel Leeds Castle Tours of Bradbourne House are also available. This dates Hotel & Country Club Castle View, Forstal Maiden’s Tower from the 15th - 16th Century and is a marvellous historic crafts, we have something Ashford Road, Road, Sandling Leeds Castle, house not open to the public. Bearsted, ME14 4NQ Maidstone, ME14 3AQ Maidstone, ME17 1PL Min number: 10 Max number: 100 for everyone! 01622 734334 0844 980 8044 01622 767823 Coach parking: plenty of space www.marriott.co.uk www.village-hotels. www.leeds-castle. 120 bedrooms co.uk com Facilities 122 bedrooms 8-10 small groups Restaurant Yes Disabled facilities Yes Ground floor access Yes Disabled toilets Yes Group catering

AYLESFORD POTTERY THIS ART OF MINE Bull Inn Frederic Bistro Grange Moor Hotel Hilton Hotel Mercure Great Kent Life The Friars, Aylesford, ME20 7BX Little Budds Farm, Coldblow Market Buildings 4 St Michaels Road Bearsted Road Danes Hotel Lock Lane 01622 790796 Lane, Thurnham, ME14 3LR Maidstone Maidstone Maidstone Maidstone Hollingbourne Sandling www.aylesfordpottery.co.uk 01622 735312 / 07792 541149 01622 752888 01622 297414 01622 677623 01622 734322 01622 631163 01622 763936 [email protected] www.thisartofmine.co.uk Oakwood House Pizza Express Sir Thomas Wyatt Cafe Rouge Zizzi Italian Weald of Kent Road 32 Earl Street Beefeater 44 Earl Street Restaurant Golf Club Maidstone Maidstone London Road Maidstone 46-50 Earl Street Maidstone Road At Aylesford Pottery, Alan Parris and Mark Byles are Fabulous Arts and Craft workshops set in the countryside. 01622 626600 01622 683548 Maidstone 01622 769928 Maidstone Headcorn producing fine pottery to suit all tastes. Everything is created Courses include silvery clay jewellery, enamelling and 01622 752515 01622 675248 01622 891671 by hand, combining traditional methods with the occasional other crafts. Many seasonal events and different types of modern twist at their Kent showroom, based at the historic crafts, such as rug making, weaving, painting, ceramics and Black Horse Inn Bull Inn Chequers Inn Cobtree Golf Club The Cock Inn The Friars Aylesford Priory, where you are welcome to come and see frequent specialist areas. See website for times and courses. Pilgrims Way Linton Hill 63 High Street Chatham Road Heath Road Aylesford them at work. Open all year Thurnham Linton Aylesford Boughton Maidstone Group visits for up to 12 people need to be booked in Tuesday: 19:00 - 21:00; Thursday: 10:00 - 13:00 Maidstone Maidstone Maidstone Maidstone Monchelsea 01622 717272 advance to ensure the potters are available to put on a Last Saturday & Sunday of each month: 10:00 - 17:00 01622 737185 01622 743612 01622 717286 01622 753276 01622 743166 demonstration for visitors. This is FREE. Prices from £6 per head. Workshops are available to have a go at making something, Groups welcome but need to book in advance Leeds Castle Tudor Park Marriott Park Gate Inn Inn The Hawkenbury White Horse Inn which can be booked in the teaching studio and normal Min number: 1 Max number: 20 - 25 Leeds Hotel & Country Club Ashford Road Ringlestone Hawkenbury Road Bearsted Green workshop prices would apply. There is a small additional Coaches welcome but narrow lanes Maidstone Ashford Road Hollingbourne Nr Staplehurst Bearsted charge for firing/glazing which takes up to 6 weeks, so 01622 765400 Bearsted 01622 880985 01622 859900 01580 890567 01622 738365 someone would need to collect the items later. 01622 734334 Min number: 1 Max number: 20 - 25 Coach parking at The Friars Facilities Facilities Disabled facilities Yes, but a bit of a walk Disabled facilities Yes Ground floor access Yes Ground floor access Yes Getting here and getting around

MAIDSTONE VISITOR By Road INFORMATION CENTRE From London, major airports and the rest of the UK via the M25 and M26/M20 motorways. Maidstone Museum Maidstone is accessed from junctions 5, 6, 7 and 8 of the M20. St Faith’s Street From Dover, Ashford and the Channel Tunnel via the . Maidstone is accessed from Maidstone junctions 5,6,7 and 8. ME14 1LH By Rail Maidstone Town Centre is easily accessible 01622 602169 through its main railway station: Maidstone East: [email protected] London / Ashford services Hourly direct services from London Victoria www.visitmaidstone.com Station. When arriving at Maidstone East, turn right at the station exit into Week Street and you are in the Town Centre. Coach Parking

Coaches can drop off in the bus lane in St Faith’s You are Street, right outside the Visitor Information Centre here at Maidstone Museum. Coaches can also drop off in the Bus Station at The Mall, Chequers shopping centre by prior arrangement. Contact The Mall on 01622 691130. Coach parking is available at the Road Coach Park (ME14 5DX). Fremlin Walk shopping centre also offers free coach parking, but this must be booked in advance. Email elizabeth. [email protected] or call 01622 356584 to arrange. Free coach parking facilities are available at Kent Life, Leeds Castle and other countryside attractions.

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