castle
Leeds Castle
A castle on islands in a lake formed by the River Len in Kent, often called the loveliest castle in the world.
8 km · about 15 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomEngland
Maidstone
England, United Kingdom · Europe
About Maidstone
Maidstone works well as a base: 10 minutes from Aylesford, 8km from Leeds Castle.
Maidstone is in England, United Kingdom, with about 110,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Aylesford, about 5 km away.
Maidstone is the largest town in the county of Kent in South East England, of which it is also the county town. Maidstone is historically important and lies 32 miles (51 km) east-south-east of London. The River Medway runs through the centre of the town, linking it with Rochester and the Thames Estuary. Historically,Read more
the river carried much of the town's trade as the centre of the agricultural county of Kent, which is known as the Garden of England. There is evidence of settlement in the area dating back before the Stone Age. The town, part of the borough of Maidstone, had an approximate population of 100,000 in 2019. Since World War II, the town's economy has shifted from heavy industry towards light industry and services.
Where to Stay in Maidstone
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Maidstone?
Within an hour or so of Maidstone: Leeds Castle (8 km), Brands Hatch Circuit (20 km), Bodiam Castle (29 km), Hever Castle (29 km).
Are there any good drives near Maidstone?
The nearest famous roads are Crystal Palace Circuit and Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Where is Maidstone?
Maidstone is in England, United Kingdom, about 5 km from Aylesford.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 107,627
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- England
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 51.2667, 0.5167
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Maidstone
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
racetrack
Brands Hatch Circuit
Legendary undulating British racing circuit in Kent hosting major motorsport events and offering car racing experiences.
20 km · about 25 min drive
castle
Bodiam Castle
A 14th-century moated castle in East Sussex, renowned for its picturesque setting and well-preserved exterior.
29 km · about 35 min drive
castle
Hever Castle
Romantic 13th-century double-moated castle that was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, set within award-winning gardens and a 38-acre lake.
29 km · about 35 min drive
film location
Bodiam Castle (Monty Python and the Holy Grail)
The moated East Sussex castle used in Monty Python and the Holy Grail and many period productions.
29 km · about 35 min drive
cafe
Johnsons Cafe
A well-known biker cafe on the A127 in Essex, serving as a gathering point for London and Essex riders for generations.
34 km · about 40 min drive
photogenic
Mermaid Street, Rye
Cobbled hill of half-timbered houses in the ancient Cinque Port of Rye, crowned by the 15th-century Mermaid Inn with its smuggling-era cellars. Houses carry names like 'The House with Two Front Doors'.
38 km · about 45 min drive
landmark
Rye
A hilltop town of cobbled streets and timber-framed houses, once a Cinque Port and now stranded two miles inland.
38 km · about 45 min drive
Driving roads near Maidstone
- 44 kmCrystal Palace CircuitA parkland racing circuit in south London that ran until 1972 and still hosts occasional sprint events. Sections of the old track survive as park roads and footpaths, complete with original kerbing among the Victorian terraces.
- 48 kmChannel Tunnel (Eurotunnel)50 km tunnel under the English Channel - drive your car on the train
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
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