Aylesford on the River Medway

Maidstone

Lying 32 miles south-east of London, Maidstone is the county town of Kent and within the borough of Maidstone and according to the census of 2001 has a population of 75,000 people. Running through the centre of the town is the River Medway linking Maidstone to Rochester and the Thames Estuary

Historically, the River Medway was responsible for Maidstone’s growth and expansion because of its capability to carry much of the town’s trade. Maidstone had many small breweries at the end of the last century and the river was useful for transport and water for the beer production. In 1899 the Style & Winch Brewery were housed in the Medway Brewery on the banks of the Medway and in the mid 1950′s was Kent’s second largest brewery with over 600 public houses. It merged with Courage Barclay in 1956, closed down in 1971 and was demolished in 1976. Sadly, the hop-fields of Kent have diminished over the years as lager beer has become more popular and German hops are bought in.

Situated on 500 acres and occupying three islands surrounded by an artificial lake, Leeds Castle is purported to be one of the most beautiful buildings in England. The Barbican is the nearest island to the shore of the lake and can be accessed by three different causeways each of which at one time were defended by a gatehouse complete with portcullis and drawbridge. Connected to the Barbican by way of a small bridge is the largest of the islands, once defended by a gatehouse and 15 foot high walls. The Gloriette, a residential D shaped tower was built on the smallest of the islands by King Edward I in 1280 in honour of his wife Queen Eleanor. Connected by a bridge to the other two islands it now contains the oldest section of the castle which consists of a two storey structure.

The castle and its grounds are now an important leisure destination where visitors are transported through 900 years of history with its diverse combination of period architecture, opulent interiors and family heirlooms. As well as black swans, peacocks and birds of prey, the grounds also house internationally renowned aviaries offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of modern conservation and captive breeding programmes. Leeds Castle isn’t just a museum, it is now a place where special events such as conferences, banquets and weddings are held, bringing the grounds to life once more.

Opened in 2001 the Maidstone Millennium River Park, located along the bank of the River Medway was created by the people of Maidstone with support from the Millennium Commission. The park includes 10km of easily accessible paths and considered unique with its mix of both rural character and urban ambience pervading through the town centre. Whatman Park, a brand new recreational area, boasts a variety of special features including treetop walks, nature trail, adventure playground, skateboard park and Riverstage arena for outside entertainment. River boat trips are also available.

Latter years have seen Maidstone progress into an exciting and vibrant town with its vast diversity of hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Not just a thriving town centre but one that is surrounded by glorious Kentish countryside, Maidstone boasts the perfect mix of history, culture, leisure and entertainment.