About
Maidstone is the county town of Kent, set in the south-east of England on the River Medway. It is a working town as well as a place to visit, with the commercial life of the county centred here, and the river runs through it as a constant presence.
What to see
The town's best-known landmark is the medieval Archbishop's Palace, a building that recalls the long links between Maidstone and the church in Kent. Its walls and setting give a clear sense of the town's older past, and it makes a natural starting point for a walk through the centre.
Around the town
Because Maidstone sits on the Medway, a stroll along the riverside offers a calmer contrast to the streets of shops and offices. It is an easy place to combine a few hours of sightseeing with a meal or a browse, and the wider county of Kent lies close by for those who want to plan a longer trip.
- Best for: visitors interested in medieval architecture and county history
- Setting: a commercial town on the River Medway
- Good to know: the palace and the riverside are the main focus of a visit
Maidstone suits a day trip or a short stop on a journey through Kent. Visitors who enjoy seeing how an English county town works, alongside its older buildings, will find it a rewarding place to spend time.
