Our County Town features historic buildings, great shopping options and of course that great Kent river, the Medway, meanders through it. But what do those in the know love about living here? We find out…
NICK AND LINDA KENNEDY, The Kentish Lady
After long careers in the printing and retail industries respectively, Nick and Linda took over The Kentish Lady, offering river cruises on the Medway, in 2014. Both born and bred in Kent, they’ve lived in Maidstone for the past ten years.
The Kennedys’ local life
The town has everything we need, the commute to work couldn’t be easier and we have our family all around us here - something that proved extremely valuable when we first set out on the journey of taking The Kentish Lady forward as a business.
Heritage Farm for a day out
Kent Life Heritage Farm at Sandling is close to the town and ideal for a family excursion – not only can you see the vintage village, full of old Kent buildings, you can get close to the farm animals here too. Children especially seem to love it.
Along the river
Obviously in our line of work we can’t get enough of the water! A meander along the 10.5km Medway Towpath from Aylesford to Baring takes in historic sights including Allington Castle and the Archbishop’s Palace, with The Little Old Toll House at Allington and The Old Boat Cafe near the town centre for refreshment stops, as well as our own kiosk for delicious Kellys Ice creams and other treats.
Dinner out
We’ve got plenty of chain restaurants in town, but the independent Fredric bistro in Market Buildings on Earl St, is somewhere a bit special – open for breakfast, lunch and dinner it serves traditional French food plus great wines and cocktails, and has an intimate feel to it.
Lockmeadow low-down
The site here actually dates from 1892, when it hosted livestock fairs. Today it’s a one-stop shop with gym, cinema, bowling alley and lots of places offering street food. Great for entertainment and a bite to eat.
OJ TIDBALL, Heart of Kent Hospice
Deputy Patient Services Director at Heart of Kent Hospice, OJ lives in the town with his wife and four children, aged seven to 18.
OJ’s local life
‘With a large, busy family it’s all about making the most of our time and resources – and Maidstone has so much to offer that’s free for everyone to enjoy’
Jewel in the crown
Beautiful, enormous Mote Park, with its wealth of mature trees and 30-acre lake, is brilliant to explore. There’s always loads going on - my eldest son works at the Outdoor Adventure Centre here - with special events such as tribute-act concerts and The Foodies Festival held throughout the year, and the new café’s great too.
Maidstone Museum
Based in Faith Street in a old manor house dating from Elizabethan times, there are some really interesting, imaginative exhibitions to be discovered here, plus collections covering everything from ancient Egypt to local history.
Footie fun
The home of Maidstone United, Gallagher Stadium in James Whatman Way supports football at whatever level you play at and whatever age you are – one of my sons plays 5-a-side here and loves it.
A cut above
The Hairy Bear barbers in Union Street is somewhere I really rate because Martin, the main dude there, has a real gift for getting nervous children to relax into the experience – I’ve seen it for myself and it’s very impressive.
TRACY BURKE, Hazlitt Theatre
Marketing Manager of Maidstone’s Hazlitt Theatre since 2022, arts professional Tracy moved to the town in 2018 with her husband and young son, originally commuting to London for work.
Tracy’s local life: ‘For families, the fact that there seems to be a nursery or school round every corner is very useful, and as a woman of East and South East Asian heritage, it’s really important to me to see plenty of diversity where I live, which Maidstone has. And don’t get me started on our wonderful theatre, with all that it plays host to – plus the Hazlitt Institute for the performing arts, which my son also attends - they both reflect the vibrancy of the town!’
Friendly farm
Take the riverside walk towards East Farleigh and nearby you’ll find Little Fant Farm. Independently owned and run by lovely Sonya, there’s a café, bakery and shop here, plus a Little Farmer Club, where small children can meet the animals, play in the mud kitchen and help groom the Shetland ponies.
Treat yourself
Just over the road from the theatre The Ivy Coffee House is another independent, female-owned local business where Cora and her team serve home-baked cakes for a treat, plus salads, wraps and soup. My favourite, though, is a good chai latte - hot or iced.
Eeyore and more
Homewood Orchard Nursery on East Farleigh Lane stocks a good selection of all sorts of seasonal plants – great for our small garden. Be sure to say hello to the resident donkeys!
Foodie favourite
I love both cooking traditional dishes and experimenting with new ingredients. The Asian Grocery on Pudding Lane always has what I need, with plenty to inspire me. I always have to treat myself to the milk and boba mochi.
ELLE CLOKE, We Do Social Media
Director of We Do Social Media, a social media management and training company based in Maidstone, Elle has lived in the town all her life.
Elle’s local life: ‘I wouldn’t want to move, simply because I’ve got family and friends all round and there’s plenty to do here. And Maidstone is great for small businesses – I’ve felt really supported by the local professional community, especially my BNI group.’
Paddleboard paradise
Being on the water always feels like an adventure, and I regularly head out on the Medway with SUP[Stand Up Paddleboarding] With Us. They’re a really friendly team and they offer everything from basic training to paddleboard yoga supwithus.org.uk
Time for tea
The Boho Teahouse in Maidstone’s Mall not only satisfies my craving for a great cup of tea but I’ll always find interesting gifts there – lovely soy candles and handmade ceramics, for instance.
Healthy outlook
Friendly and supportive, The Health Hut Nutrition Club meets in St Faith’s St and has been great for me: they’re all about a healthy lifestyle approach to food, whether you’re looking to gain it, lose it or maintain it.
Feel Good Fridays
Organised by my mum Linda, Feel Good Fridays are open to all – a chance for a whole range of people to meet up in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with great music at Maidstone venues such as the Edenwood Place and Thai Orchid – details on Facebook.
