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15 Best Things to Do in Maidstone (Kent, England)

Kent’s historic trading centre had a handy position on the navigable River Medway, which joins the Thames Estuary not far north at Chatham.

Even now, Maidstone is in a great location to see the best of Kent, known as the Garden of England.

Resting in this verdant landscape are monuments like Leeds Castle, which floats on two lake islands, and Stoneacre, a half-timbered 15th-century farmhouse.

Maidstone has one of the best town museums anywhere, set in a Tudor mansion and rich with ceramics, tapestries, Japanese finery and Anglo-Saxon artefacts.

Mote Park is a generous sweep of greenery bang in the middle of Maidstone, while Kent Life is an open-air introduction to the county’s old-time trades like hop farming.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Maidstone :

1. Maidstone Museum and Art Gallery

Maidstone Museum And Art Gallery

An exciting jumble with a first-rate setting, the Maidstone Museum is in the former Chillington Manor, an Elizabethan house completed in 1577. There’s older and newer architecture here, from earlier in the Tudor period and a large western extension from the start of the 18th century.

The house belonged to one Thomas Charles, kick-started the museum when he donated his art and antiquities in the 19th century.

The Maidstone Museum has the strongest mixed collections in Kent, winning acclaim for its ethnography, decorative art, Anglo-Saxon artefacts and Japanese art.

There are 750 Edo-period woodblock prints by the likes of Hokusai, sculptures by John Thomas (famed for his work at the Palace of Westminster), a chair that belonged to Napoleon, a 2,700-year-old Egyptian Mummy and nationally important palaeontology collections.

2. Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle

Stranded on two islands, Leeds Castle is like something from a fantasy movie.

As we see it today, the building is a stately home with a Romantic Tudor Revival style from 1823, incorporating older elements like a Medieval keep and great hall.

In the 16th century Henry VIII reconstructed the castle as a home for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon.

She is one of six queens to have lived at Leeds Castle, while Elizabeth I was imprisoned here for a time before her coronation.

In the 17th century it was passed to the Fairfax Family, descended from Thomas Fairfax, the Parliamentary commander-in-chief in the English Civil War.

You can see the doublet worn by Fairfax at the Battle of Maidstone in 1648, as well as cuirassier armour from the conflict.

The castle has 500 acres of grounds, including a vineyard first recorded in the 11th-century Domesday Book and a maze concealing a secret grotto.

3. Mote Park

Mote Park

Up there with England’s most prized urban parks, the Green Flag-winning Mote Park is 440 acres of woodland and lawns around a lake, right next-door to the town centre.

From Medieval times this space was a manor with a deer park, and the lakeside mansion, Mote House, is now used as a retirement home.

For visitors there’s acres of woodland and meadows to walk in, while the lake has a watersports centre, renting out dinghies, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards in summer.

For activities on land there’s pitch and putt, a miniature railway, a leisure centre, an open-air gym, while you can bring a picnic and watch Mote Cricket Club playing in summer.

4. Stoneacre

Stoneacre

A National Trust property just on the other side of Mote Park, Stoneacre is a fairytale 15th-century yeoman farmer’s house.

This half-timbered building is a private home, but you can go in on Saturdays during spring and summer.

Most of the original house is still standing and you’ll get to admire the hall and parlour, heading up to the solar on the first floor.

Stoneacre is replete with 17th-century decorative metalwork, glass, soft furnishing and furniture.

In the 1920s it was home to Aymer Vallance who was involved in the Arts and Crafts movement and designed the stained glass that adorns most rooms.

5. Cobtree Manor Park

Cobtree Manor Park

This 50-acre park is the site of the old Maidstone Zoo, which was once Kent’s top visitor attraction and shut down in 1959. The visitor centre tells the story of the zoo and its owner, the twelve-time Mayor of Maidstone Sir Garrard Tyrwhitt-Drake.

As a nod to the former occupant the fantastic children’s play area is designed like a zoo, and you can amble along the sculpture trail, stop for a meal or light refreshment at the cafe or take a picnic in the park’s verdant meadows.

Right alongside the park is the public pay & play golf course of the same name, with 18 holes, while if you’re a hiker you can get onto the North Downs Way National Trail from the park.

6. Kent Life

Kent Life

Sir Garrard Tyrwhitt-Drake bequeathed Cobtree Manor Park to the town when he passed away in the 1960s, and included in the estate was Sandling Farm, just to the south.

In the 1980s the farm became an open-air museum showcasing Kentish rural life and its hop, fruit and livestock agriculture.

A variety of threatened building have been relocated to the farm, like a village hall, a chapel, blacksmith’s forge, weatherboard farmhouse and hopper huts.

One of the original farm buildings has a traditional Kentish oast, a rotating contraption in roofs for drying hops.

Kent Life is also a working farm and has goats, horses, sheep, cows and many more animals for children to see, while the historic buildings house exhibitions on periods from Kentish life like Victorian times, the Second World War and the 1950s.

7. All Saints Church

All Saints Church

Begun at the end of the 14th century by the Archbishop of Canterbury William Courtenay, All Saints Church is Maidstone’s parish church and is regarded as the best piece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture in the county.

Courtenay died early in the construction and his successor Thomas Arundel oversaw the remainder of the work.

Take a look around to admire the bays and clerestory in the nave, and the east and west windows.

The choir stalls have Medieval misericords (fold-down seats) with typically bizarre carvings, while you should also be sure to see the 17th-century font and the 15th-century memorial in the chapel on the south side of the nave.

8. Teston Bridge Country Park

Teston Bridge Country Park

You can escape to the pastoral Kent countryside, heading west to this 32-acre country park next to the Medway.

The park is named for the fine 14th-century Teston Bridge, made from Kentish ragstone and is set not far from Teston Lock, dating back to the 1740s and last rebuilt in 1911. People come to fish at Teston Bridge, as this part of the river has big stocks of bream, pike, roach, barbel, perch, roach and chubb.

The environment is mostly riverside meadow, which is grazed by cattle and brilliant with wildflowers in June.

9. Whatman Park

Whatman Park

Half an hour from the town centre, Whatman Park is on the west bank of the River Medway and was landscaped and planted with more than 1,500 trees some 20 years ago as part of the broader Millennium River Park.

Over 18 acres you can saunter through woodland and wildflower meadows and climb the tree-top walk, while younger family members can make the most of the skate park and adventure play area.

Whatman Park has a wharf, and the Kentish Lady, which we’ll talk about below, makes stops by request.

The Rivertstage Arena is used for outdoor events like the Proms in the Park, a day of concerts at the end of May.

10. Go Ape at Leeds Castle

Go Ape At Leeds Castle

The parkland around Leeds Castle has a high ropes adventure course suspended above the forest floor.

For families with children up to the age of 10 there’s “Tree Top Junior”, which has a log bridge, stepping stones and two 60-metre zip wires.

Older kids and grownups can take on the main “Tree Top Adventure” course, which is lifted to a maximum 13 metres and has a Tibetan bridge, jungle crossing, Tarzan swing and an epic 250-metre zip-line.

That course has awe-inspiring views of the castle and will require up to three hours to complete.

11. Kent Owl Academy

Kent Owl Academy

A new arrival at Kent Life, the Kent Owl Academy offers owl experience days for people of all ages.

You’ll get to handle, touch and feed these wonderful birds of prey, and pick up all sorts of interesting information about their individual personalities, hunting habits and diet from the attraction’s keepers.

The barn owl here will fly from your hand, and you’ll also get to meet and feed the academy’s tawny frogmouth and family or meerkats.

The academy caters to children and people with learning difficulties.

12. Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats

Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats

Operated by the UK’s only goat charity, Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats looks after more than 100 goats of all breeds and sizes.

The sanctuary takes in goats from across Greater London and the Home Counties, and many are brought by the RSPCA or even the police.

Here they are given proper enclosures and shelter and a healthy diet, in a beautiful setting in ancient parkland.

The sanctuary opens every Sunday, and you can buy animal feed to befriend these creatures.

On Saturdays you can take part in a “Walking with Goats” experience while the sanctuary also provides “Goat Keeper for the Morning”, when you’ll get a crash course in animal husbandry.

13. Water Activities

River Medway

In warm weather the River Medway, navigable and fitted with historic locks, is primed for some adventure on the water.

Companies like Elvey’s Canoes and River Medway Canoes hire out canoes, kayaks and safety gear for self-guided journeys along this waterway, between Penshurst near Tonbridge and Allington, on the northwestern outskirts of Maidstone.

River Medway Canoes also organised one-day trips between Tonbridge Castle and Yalding, and from Yalding to Allington, in the company of a British Canoe Union instructor as you navigate some of the prettiest countryside in Kent.

14. River Trips (Kentish Lady)

Kentish Lady

A more relaxing way to appreciate the scenery is on the Kentish Lady, Maidstone’s own tour boat which departs for round-trips to Allington Lock on summer weekends.

On the hour-long tour there’s guided commentary, filling you in on the story or riverside sights like Allington Castle, where Henry VIII would meet with Anne Boleyn, the oldest pub in Maidstone (1636) and the 15th-century Corpus Christi Hall.

The company also provides three-hour trips on summer weekdays, heading upriver into rural Kent, sighting birds like kingfishers and herons, and providing lunch on board.

15. Kent Garden Show

Kent Garden Show

Taking place immediately after the Chelsea Flower Show, at the end of May, the Kent Garden Show is a major event, with more than 300 exhibitors.

Here at the Kent County Showground you’ll get to see some of the medal winners from the Chelsea Flower Show at the floral marquees, and to go with this are rides for kids, a craft pavilion, food hall and brass band.

The trade exhibition is enormous with over 60 nurseries in attendance and dozens of companies displaying and selling gardening-related products like tools, sheds, ornaments, water features and sculptures.

15 Best Things to Do in Maidstone (Kent, England):

  • Maidstone Museum and Art Gallery
  • Leeds Castle
  • Cobtree Manor Park
  • All Saints Church
  • Teston Bridge Country Park
  • Whatman Park
  • Go Ape at Leeds Castle
  • Kent Owl Academy
  • Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats
  • Water Activities
  • River Trips (Kentish Lady)
  • Kent Garden Show

travel to maidstone

Maidstone travel guide

Maidstone tourism | maidstone guide, you're going to love maidstone.

With a population of 90,894, Maidstone is a must-see destination in England, United Kingdom. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Maidstone has to offer.

travel to maidstone

Where to Eat in Maidstone

If you’re looking for affordable options, The Dirty Habit (The Pilgrims Way) and The Tickled Trout (Lower Road West Farleigh) are great picks. For delicious green meals, Madisons (28/32 Gabriels Hill) and Percival’s Rest (West St, Harrietsham) are recommended spots to get vegetarian or vegan food in Maidstone.

When to visit Maidstone

How to get to maidstone.

Although Maidstone doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to London Gatwick Airport (LGW), which is located 50 km from Maidstone. The shortest flight to Maidstone from the United States departs from Boston and takes around 12h 25m.

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Maidstone, followed by Train. The train journey from Maidstone to Nottingham takes 1h 38m and costs around $29 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Doncaster, expect to pay about $29 for a 1h 53m trip. Located 8 km from the city center, Maidstone Hollingbourne is the busiest station in Maidstone. Another popular train station is Maidstone Wateringbury, located 7 km from the center.

Another option to get to Maidstone is to pick up a car rental from London, which is about 51 km from Maidstone. You’ll find branches of GREEN MOTION and Europcar, among others, in London.

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Maidstone, including National Express, Megabus and FlixBus. From Bristol, the bus ride to Maidstone takes 217 km and will cost you around $4. From Nottingham, the ticket costs about $10 for a journey of 225 km. Maidstone’s bus station is located 7 km from the city center.

Airports near Maidstone

Airlines serving maidstone, where to stay in popular areas of maidstone, most booked hotels in maidstone, renting a car in maidstone.

Renting a car in Maidstone costs $25 per day, on average, or $75 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $7.00 per gallon in Maidstone (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $84.04 and $112.05. The most frequently booked car type in Maidstone is Full-size (Ford Transit or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Peugeot 208 or similar) are, on average, 70% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

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  • 1 Understand
  • 2.2.1 Town Centre Car parking
  • 2.2.2 Town Centre Coach parking
  • 2.4 By train
  • 3.2 By taxi
  • 3.3 By Coach

travel to maidstone

Maidstone is the county town in Mid- Kent , in the South East of England on the River Medway.

Understand [ edit ]

Straddling the river Medway, Maidstone is the economic, administrative and agricultural centre of Kent. For many years the major employment in the town was provided by the agricultural markets, insurance brokers and the toffee factory to the south of the river. Nowadays, however, many residents use Maidstone as a base to commute into London , or are employed within the retail, administrative or service sectors within the town.

Get in [ edit ]

By air [ edit ].

The nearest major airport is London Gatwick Airport ( LGW  IATA ), which is 42mi/67km away.

By car [ edit ]

Maidstone sits south of M20, which (with the A20) connects with London, Ashford & Folkestone. The A26 runs west to Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells & Brighton, and the A229 heads north to Chatham, and south to Hastings.

Town Centre Car parking [ edit ]

Recommended that you park in The Chequers Centre car park (east end of Town Centre, enter from Padsole Lane or King St).

Town Centre Coach parking [ edit ]

At A249 Sittingbourne Rd.

By bus [ edit ]

Local buses are operated by Arriva Kent and Surrey , Nu-Venture and ASD Coaches

Buy your ticket from the driver when you board the bus.

Maidstone Park & Ride operates Mondays to Sundays. See the Kent County Council Park & Ride website .

By train [ edit ]

travel to maidstone

Trains run every 30 min from London Victoria, taking a hour to Maidstone East and continuing to Bromley South and Ashford International (another 30 min). (Eurostar no longer stops at Ashford or Ebbsfleet, so from the Continent you have to ride to Victoria then come out again.)

51.2775 0.5202 1 Maidstone East is central in town. It has a ticket office and machines, a waiting room, toilets and shops. There is step-free access to all platforms.

Trains run hourly from Strood , taking 25 min via New Hythe to Maidstone Barracks and Maidstone West, and continuing to Paddock Wood (for Tonbridge, Ashford International, Folkestone and Dover).

51.2772 0.514 2 Maidstone Barracks is just an unstaffed platform halt, with ticket machines but no other facilities. Access to both platforms is via steps.

51.2707 0.5159 3 Maidstone West has a ticket office open M-Sa for the morning rush into London, and the waiting room and toilets are only accessible then. There is step free access to platform 2 for trains towards Paddock Wood. Reaching platform 1 step-free involves staff assistance to use the level crossing, only available in rush hour.

Get around [ edit ]

Map

Various bus companies provide local bus services in and around Maidstone.

  • Arriva provide most services
  • Nu-venture provide more countryside services
  • Stagecoach provides services to Ashford

Paper timetables can be obtained at the Visitor Information Centre at the Town Hall in the High St. or online .

By taxi [ edit ]

If there is a large group of you, then it may be easier and cheaper to get a taxi from one of the local taxi companies, as Maidstone's bus service is not the cheapest!

  • Streamline Maidstone [dead link] : +44 1622 750000 iPhone App or Textbooker available
  • Cavalier Taxis: +44 1622 754000 (24 Hour)

By Coach [ edit ]

  • Scotland & Bates

See [ edit ]

travel to maidstone

Maidstone Carriage Museum ( The Tyrwhitt Drake Collection ), Mill Street, ME15 6YE . Open summer only (closed in Mid-May) .  

All Saints Church , Mill Street, ME15 6YE . May to Sep: M-Th 10AM-4PM, Sa 10:30AM-12:30PM . Fine church rebuilt in the 14th century. The Archbishop's Palace next door is worth a look from the outside - it is now the registry office.  

Do [ edit ]

  • Football: Maidstone United play soccer in National League South, the sixth tier. They're a phoenix club formed after the original club went bust in 1992. In 2024 they shocked Ipswich, a first tier side, by knocking them out in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Their home ground Gallagher Stadium (capacity 4200) is 200 yards north of Maidstone East railway station.
  • Kent Flower Show [formerly dead link] - In July, one of the largest agricultural festivals in Britain
  • 51.30011 0.59062 2 Kent County Show , Detling Hill, ME14 3JE . in July, the large county show at the Kent Showground in Detling. ( updated Jan 2022 )

Buy [ edit ]

travel to maidstone

51.273014 0.525274 1 The Mall ( Chequers centre ), King Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 6AT , ☏ +44 1622 691130 , [email protected] . M-Sa 9AM-5:30PM, Su 10:30AM-4:30PM . The Mall is a large shopping centre in Maidstone containing a variety of shops.  

Eat [ edit ]

51.27345 0.58172 1 The Oak on the Green , Bearsted Green, Bearsted, ME14 4EJ , ☏ +44 1622 737976 . A restaurant and pub next to a large cricket green in a small village just outside of Maidstone called Bearsted. The staff are friendly and helpful. At times, like most successful venues, it can be a tad busy and service can be a little slow. The food is primarily Mexican-based. The fajitas are fantastic, and come in either steak, chicken or mixed. Vegetarian options are available. Other recommendations are stuffed jalapeño peppers and fajitas (normally shared by two people). Prices start at £12, beer about £3 .  

51.269776 0.519112 2 Lockmeadow , Barker Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8SF , ☏ +44 1622 764410 , [email protected] . Daily 6AM-midnight . Lockmeadow is an entertainment centre in Maidstone town centre. It contains bars, restaurants nightclubs and a cinema.  

Drink [ edit ]

travel to maidstone

51.2805 0.50625 2 Pippin , 78 London Rd, ME16 0DR , ☏ +44 1622 750 747 . Large Green King Pub ( updated Jan 2022 )

Sleep [ edit ]

51.272677 0.516694 1 Travelodge Hotel - Maidstone Central , St Peter's St, , ☏ +44 871 984 6034 .  

51.291312 0.589475 2 The Black Horse Inn , Pilgrims Way, Thurnham , ☏ +44 1622 737185 .  

51.266534 0.587224 3 Tudor Park Marriott Hotel and Country Club , Ashford Rd , ☏ +44 1622 734334 .  

51.292 0.592 4 Thurnham Keep , Castle Hill, Thurnham ME14 3LE , ☏ +44 1622 734149 . Plush little B&B in Edwardian villa built from the ruins of Thurnham Castle. Open Mar-Oct, no children under 10 or dogs. B&B double £150 . ( updated Jul 2020 )

Go next [ edit ]

travel to maidstone

Other places of interest in the Maidstone area

  • Tonbridge and Hop Farm Country Park
  • Sittingbourne

travel to maidstone

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Maidstone

Take a train to Maidstone to find undiscovered gems. Tea-lovers shouldn't miss Teapot Island

Trains to maidstone .

Maidstone has lots of hidden gems. Whether you like park life, are partial to a pot of tea or want to see a heritage farm in action, there’s plenty to see and do. Travel to Maidstone for fun days out for all the family. 

Getting here: Trains to Maidstone from Victoria take 1 hour and 4 minutes. 

Check times & buy tickets

Fun things to do...

the inside of the distillery with equipment and barrels

Maidstone Distillery

Visit this award-winning distillery, that produces fine quality craft spirits using traditional methods. You can join one of their 5-star rated Distillery Tour & Tasting, create your own personalised bottle of Gin with their popular Guided Gin Making Experiences or simply sample their signature serves in the impressive distillery settings at Bishop's Bar. Winner of the 2022 TripAdvisor 'Traveller's Choice' Award.

Cows in field

Learn all about life on the farm in days gone by. Spread out over 28 acres, Kent Life is a working farm which breeds sheep, cows, pigs, goats, chickens, ducks – and alpacas! Have fun with the family and get the chance to get close up to the animals in the "cuddle corner".

Hand holding fossil

Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art Gallery

If you love art, history or natural history, don’t miss this amazing museum in an Elizabethan manor house in Maidstone town centre. It’s one of the best museums in south east England, with world-class exhibits in everything from minerals and fossils to modern decorative art. Includes an Egyptian mummy, a costume gallery, ethnographic collections and the biggest public art collection in Kent.

Small waterfall

Love the great outdoors? Mote Park is huge green space in the centre of Maidstone. It dates back to medieval times and adored by local residents and visitors alike. The park is spread out over 450 acres and includes woodland, rivers and a 30-acre lake. It’s ideal for walking or cycling and includes play areas for the kids.

Great deals

Use one of these offers and book your tickets in advance for a cheap day out.

Kids for a quid

An adult can travel with up to 4 kids for just £1 each. a cheaper family day out for all the little ones, more ways to save, more splash, less cash search for the best ticket for you when you go on day trips or short breaks, explore popular kent destinations.

  • Broadstairs
  • Heritage Railways
  • Kent seaside
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' class=

how best to travel from Heatheow to Maidstone?

' class=

What does best mean to you? Quickest, cheapest, most direct, easiest?

Travel times/dates?

How many people?

Any mobility issues?

1 agile senior woman with carry-on bag, May morning, convenience more important than cost

travel to maidstone

Piccadilly Line Tube train to St Pancras, train to Maidstone changing at Strood would be the easiest, quickest and probably cheapest option

This post was determined to be inappropriate by the Tripadvisor community and has been removed.

Thanks for getting back to confirm.

In that case the combination of Tube and train would be the best I'd say.

Both the Tube journey and the train journey take about an hour each. I'm not sure of the price for a single Tube ticket from Heathrow to Zone 1 but if you use a contactless debit card then it's cheaper than a cash fare. There's more information on http://www.tfl.gov.uk

The train journey is operated by Southeastern trains http://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk the the National Rail Enquiries journey planner is generally easier to use http://www.nationalrail.co.uk

Two possible routes:

2. Picadilly Line tube to Hammersmith then an easy change for an eastbound Circle or District Line tube and alight at Victoria. Get a direct train from London Victoria to Maidstone East. There are steps up at Victoria from the tube station to the train station but sounds like this shouldn't be an issue for you.

If you're departing from London after 10am on a weekday then you'd get the best offpeak train fare. For the first option this is £19.90, for the second it's £17.50 .

If it's a weekend or one of the holiday Mondays in May then you should check about engineering works on both the tube and trains.

An alternative route is to take the Underground (tube) from the airport to London Victoria (changing lines en route at Hammersmith , which is on the same level) and then the train from London Victoria to Maidstone East. A bit slower, less expensive and also every 30 minutes weekdays and Saturdays, every 60 minutes Sundays and holidays.

By the way, both Maidstone stations are within walking distance of the town centre, but on opposite sides of the town from each other so your precise final destination may also influence which is the best option.

Thank you for this advice!

Thanks for your help

Thanks so much!

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Maidstone Hotels and Places to Stay

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Bus London to Maidstone: Trip Overview

London to maidstone buses.

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Discover how much the bus trip from London to Maidstone will cost you. Use our filters and sorting features to find the cheapest bus tickets or luxury buses.

Where are the popular bus stations and stops in London and Maidstone?

Stations map

164 Buckingham Palace Rd, Belgravia, London SW1W 9TP, UK

22 Portman St, Marylebone, London W1H, UK

235 Finchley Rd, London NW3, UK

76-77 A4, Kensington, London SW5, UK

Hammersmith, Stop SC, London W6 9PJ, UK

204 Eltham Rd, London SE9 5LN, UK

Stations map

M20, Maidstone ME17, UK

54 King Street (o/s Boots), Maidstone ME14 1BW

Frequently asked questions on the trip London - Maidstone

How much does a bus ticket from london to maidstone cost.

The average bus ticket price from London to Maidstone is £27. The best way to find cheap bus tickets from London to Maidstone is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

How long is the bus ride from London to Maidstone?

The average travel time between London and Maidstone is around 55m, although the fastest bus will take about 40m. This is the time it takes to travel the 33 miles that separates the two cities.

How many daily bus connections are there between London and Maidstone?

The number of buses from London to Maidstone can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 14 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from London to Maidstone by comparing and selecting the bus that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from London to Maidstone?

Buses travelling between London and Maidstone leave from Victoria Coach Station or Marble Arch and arrive at Maidstone, Maidstone Bus Stop - McDonald's.

About Bus Travel

Bus travel tips.

Meet and talk to locals at the bus stations while travelling from London to Maidstone.There is no better way to get inside travel information while exploring a new city than to go straight to its people.

Much more than a mere vehicle taking you from London to Maidstone, riding the bus will expose you to some of the most stunning panoramas while enroute to your final bus stop.

Buses have the smallest carbon footprint of all motorized transport modes. A bus going from London to Maidstone will emit half the CO2 emitted by a train, and radically less than a car or an airplane.

Create your own real life musical score by curating a personalized bus travel playlist - the perfect accompaniment to your bus ride from London to Maidstone.

Did you know?

One of the longest bus route in the world goes all the way from Ontario to Alberta in Canada (with the same bus). This trip is 3,435 km or 2,135 miles long and the price is a bit under $100.

The average number of passengers on a coach bus is 32 meaning that a bus could replace a minimum of at least 30 cars!

It takes 27 hours to go by bus from Lima to Cusco, one of the craziest bus trips on the world. This route is used daily by locals and backpackers.

Will you be returning to London by bus?

You can also go to maidstone by train, top travelled bus routes.

Manchester

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The best way to book bus and train tickets.

Busbud helps you easily search, compare and book intercity bus tickets on a worlwide scale with our comprehensive list of bus routes and schedules. With Busbud, wherever you go, you have a worldwide bus station within reach and available in your own language and currency. Busbud partners with safe and reliable bus companies throughout the world such as Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others so you can buy tickets without a worry.

Popular Buses Connecting London

Buses leaving from london.

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Buses Going to London

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  • Coach Portsmouth - London
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Popular Buses Connecting Maidstone

Buses leaving from maidstone.

  • Bus from Maidstone to Canterbury
  • Coach Maidstone - London
  • Bus Maidstone - Stansted
  • Maidstone - Ashford
  • Bus from Maidstone to Chatham
  • Coach Maidstone - West Malling
  • Bus Maidstone - Folkestone
  • Maidstone - Dartford
  • Bus from Maidstone to Brighton
  • Coach Maidstone - Southampton
  • Bus Maidstone - Portsmouth
  • Maidstone - Oxford
  • Bus from Maidstone to Margate
  • Coach Maidstone - Bromley
  • Bus Maidstone - Hythe

Buses Going to Maidstone

  • Bus from Canterbury to Maidstone
  • Coach London - Maidstone
  • Bus Ashford - Maidstone
  • Gillingham - Maidstone
  • Bus from Chatham to Maidstone
  • Coach Stansted - Maidstone
  • Bus Dartford - Maidstone
  • Folkestone - Maidstone
  • Bus from Southampton to Maidstone
  • Coach Oxford - Maidstone
  • Bus Sheffield - Maidstone
  • Cardiff - Maidstone
  • Bus from Plymouth to Maidstone
  • Coach Dover - Maidstone
  • Bus Portsmouth - Maidstone

Popular routes in this country

  • Bus from Leeds to Scarborough
  • Coach Leeds - London
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  • Stansted - London
  • Bus from London to Gatwick
  • Coach Gatwick - London
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  • Swindon - London
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  • Bus Bournemouth - London

Popular airport transfers

  • London to London Gatwick Airport
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Popular international trips

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  • Coach Dublin - Cork
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  • Geneva - Chamonix
  • Bus from Dublin to Galway

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Travelodge Maidstone Central

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Please note pictures are for illustration purposes only. Actual room design/layout may differ.

Room rates choice

Nearby hotels from £30.99.

Medway M2 - Exterior

Chatham Maritime

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Directions and parking, how to get to your hotel, accessibility.

Limited free parking is available directly in front of our hotel on a first come first served basis.

Alternative free parking is available for cars only (height restriction 2.1m) at the adjacent St Peter's Street Retail Park, directly in front of the Asda store. In order to qualify for free parking, our guests must enter their vehicle registration at the Parking Eye Monitor, at our Reception desk.

Alternative chargeable parking is available for all vehicles at the Pay & Display car park on Barker Road, Maidstone ME16 8SF.

About this hotel

Our Maidstone Central hotel is just across the river from the Fremlin Walk shopping centre and the Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery. It's within easy walking distance of all the leisure facilities at Mote Park. Find your way through the maze at beautiful Leeds Castle and unleash your inner primate on an obstacle course in the treetops at Go Ape. Or enjoy a family day out at a real working farm at Kent Life.

All standard double rooms feature a comfy king size bed with four plump pillows and a cosy duvet. Our on-site restaurant and bar serves breakfast and tasty evening meals.

View all hotels in Maidstone.

Useful information

Check-in & check-out.

Standard check-in time: from 3pm. Standard check-out time: until 12pm (noon). Early check-in and late check-out available as extras. 24-hour receptionist.

Food & drink

This hotel has an on-site restaurant and bar that serves breakfast and tasty evening meals. On weekdays (Mon-Fri) our unlimited all you can eat breakfast is served from 7am until 10am. At weekends and Bank Holidays breakfast is served between 8am and 11am.

Due to the city centre location of this hotel some external noise may be heard.

travel to maidstone

Selected hotels offer extended serving times.

T&Cs apply.

Telephone charges

Please feel free to phone our hotel for further information, calls are charged at 13p per minute plus your phone company's access charge. Bookings made through our Central Reservations line are subject to a non-refundable booking fee of £2.50 per call.

Bar Cafe

This hotel has an on-site restaurant and bar that serves breakfast and tasty evening meals . On weekdays (Mon-Fri) our unlimited all you can eat breakfast is served from 7am until 10am. At weekends and Bank Holidays breakfast is served between 8am and 11am.*

*Selected hotels offer extended serving times.

Free parking nearby

Free parking is available at a nearby car park. Further car parking details can be found under “Parking” on the hotel page.

WiFi

WiFi is available throughout our hotels allowing you to stay in touch when you are away from home, whether you want to search the web, email or get some work done. WiFi is free for 30 mins per 24 hour period. Alternatively 24 hour access is available for £3.00. Add to your online booking or purchase at hotel via our WiFi log in page using a credit/debit card. Each WiFi voucher code is valid for use on a maximum of two devices. Please note that WiFi is non-refundable. T&Cs apply.

Free parking nearby

Travelodge superrooms™.

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The perfect choice with added comforts:

  • Lavazza A Modo Mio capsule coffee machine
  • Hansgrohe Raindance 3jet adjustable power shower
  • A choice of firm or soft hypoallergenic pillows
  • In-room iron & ironing board for your convenience
  • Spacious desk with multiple charging points, desk light and swivel chair
  • 32” Samsung LED slimline Freeview TV

IMAGES

  1. Visita Maidstone: El mejor viaje a Maidstone, Inglaterra, del 2023

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  2. Maidstone The Largest Town Kent & Home To The UKs No1 Castle

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  3. Visit Maidstone: 2024 Travel Guide for Maidstone, England

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  4. Travel Maidstone: Best of Maidstone, Visit England

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  5. 10 TOP Things to Do in Maidstone (2020 Activity Guide)

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  6. The top 10 visitor attractions in Maidstone

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VIDEO

  1. Maidstone & District Photo's 2

  2. Walking down the lane @maidstoneuk

  3. Motorway M20 Dover to Maidstone to M2 Motorway

  4. Shepherd Neame Food Team visits Clock House Farm

  5. ecodisc in offices in maidstone

  6. pickerings lift at Maidstone Royal Star shopping centre

COMMENTS

  1. Travel Information

    Sustainable travel to Maidstone and getting around. Join Maidstone towards a more sustainable future. We welcome environmentally friendly visitors to Maidstone and we encourage sustainable travel. Being on 32 miles from London it is easy to reach in a day trip. To us sustainability is a serious matter but it doesn't mean that we have to stop ...

  2. Visit Maidstone

    The town centre boasts fantastic shopping, with an eclectic mix of unique stores and high street favourites. Throughout the region there are plenty of opportunities to sample the fabulous food and drink crafted from local produce. Maidstone is also the events capital of Kent, proudly hosting a vast selection and variety of great events each ...

  3. London to Maidstone

    Rome2Rio makes travelling from London to Maidstone easy. Rome2Rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Find all the transport options for your trip from London to Maidstone right here.

  4. Plan Your Visit to Maidstone: Maps, Guides, Travel, and Sustainability

    Balfour Winery has been producing England's most iconic and exclusive pink fizz, Balfour Brut Rosé, since its award winning 2004 vintage. Get ready for an unforgettable trip to Maidstone with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore detailed maps, handy guides, and sustainable travel tips to make the most of your visit.

  5. Travel to Maidstone

    This means that travel to Maidstone from Europe is simple. For those heading to the town centre, the best station to alight at is Maidstone East. Buses to Maidstone. It's easy to travel to Maidstone by bus. The town has a centrally located National Express coach stop, which is on the 21 coach route between London and Dover. This takes about 90 ...

  6. 15 Best Things to Do in Maidstone (Kent, England)

    Let's explore the best things to do in Maidstone: 1. Maidstone Museum and Art Gallery. Source: Elsie esq. / Flickr. Maidstone Museum And Art Gallery. An exciting jumble with a first-rate setting, the Maidstone Museum is in the former Chillington Manor, an Elizabethan house completed in 1577.

  7. Trains to Maidstone

    Another way to save money on train tickets to Maidstone is by purchasing an Advance ticket. In most cases, the earlier you book Advance tickets, the more you will benefit from cheap fares to Maidstone. Advance tickets typically go on sale 12 weeks in advance, so if you are off to hit the shops, see the delights of Leeds Castle or have a night ...

  8. Maidstone Travel Guide

    Several bus lines operate bus routes to Maidstone, including National Express, FlixBus and Megabus. From Bristol, the bus ride to Maidstone takes 217 km and will cost you around $5. From Cambridge, the ticket costs about $6 for a journey of 225 km. Maidstone's bus station is located 7 km from the city center. Find flights to Maidstone.

  9. Maidstone

    Maidstone Carriage Museum (The Tyrwhitt Drake Collection), Mill Street, ME15 6YE. ... This city travel guide to Maidstone is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, ...

  10. Trains London to Maidstone from £9

    London to Maidstone by train. It takes an average of 59m to travel from London to Maidstone by train, over a distance of around 32 miles (52 km). There are normally 143 trains per day travelling from London to Maidstone and tickets for this journey start from £9 when you book in advance. First train. 04:55. Last train. 00:25. Departure station.

  11. Heathrow to Maidstone

    Alternatively, you can take a bus from Heathrow to Maidstone via Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre and Waterfront Bus Station in around 3h 11m. Train operators. Heathrow Express. Elizabeth Line. London Underground (Tube) South Eastern Trains Service. Thameslink. Bus operators. National Express.

  12. Trains to Maidstone

    Trains to Maidstone. Maidstone has lots of hidden gems. Whether you like park life, are partial to a pot of tea or want to see a heritage farm in action, there's plenty to see and do. Travel to Maidstone for fun days out for all the family. Getting here: Trains to Maidstone from Victoria take 1 hour and 4 minutes. Check times & buy tickets.

  13. London to Maidstone bus from £6

    1. View timetable. Distance. 52 km. Cheap coach tickets from London to Maidstone start from £18 with an average ticket price of £18. The fastest coach from London to Maidstone takes 2 h 9 m in comparison to an average duration of 2 h 9 m and covers a distance of 52 km. 1 coaches leave London for Maidstone every day with 1 travelling directly.

  14. Travel to Maidstone

    1. Direct Tube from Heathrow to Kings Cross St Pancras then a train from London St Pancras to Maidstone West. You'd need a train heading towards Ramsgate, but get off at Strood and change for another train to Maidstone West. This is an easy change as Strood is a small station. 2.

  15. London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Maidstone

    Rome2Rio makes travelling from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Maidstone easy. Rome2Rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Find all the transport options for your trip from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Maidstone right here.

  16. Things to Do

    Maidstone is a fantastic location to reach every attraction in Kent. It is perfect for couples, families and groups of friends, with a host of different things to do, from exploring castles, discovering new places, enjoying fresh local food or coming along to special events. The different seasons bring different aspects of life in Kent.

  17. Attractions

    For a comprehensive list of attractions in the Maidstone area, check out the Things to Do box near the top of this page. Travel Tip. Couples or groups of friends can enjoy some award-winning vineyards and wineries in Maidstone or alternatively take a tour around and sample some of the fine produce of the region.

  18. Ashford to Maidstone

    South Eastern Trains Service operates a train from Ashford International to Maidstone East hourly. Tickets cost £10 - £15 and the journey takes 30 min. Alternatively, Stagecoach South East operates a bus from County Square to King Street hourly, and the journey takes 59 min. Train operators.

  19. Bus London

    The average bus ticket price from London to Maidstone is £27. The best way to find cheap bus tickets from London to Maidstone is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

  20. Trains from Maidstone to London Underground Zone 1-6

    Cheap train tickets from Maidstone to London Underground Zone 1-6. Train tickets from Maidstone to London Underground Zone 1-6 start at £19.80‡ one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, we'll help you find the cheapest tickets.

  21. Maidstone Travel

    Maidstone Travel is a Charleston, SC based travel company that provides hosting services to Agency Clients and critical training to Industry Peers.

  22. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Maidstone

    You can take a train from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Maidstone via Bond Street Station, Bond Street station, London Bridge station, and London Bridge in around 2h 18m. Alternatively, you can take a bus from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Maidstone via Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre and Waterfront Bus Station in around 3h 11m.

  23. Travelodge Maidstone Central Hotel

    Travelodge Maidstone Central. 1248 reviews. "A perfect overnight stop for the Channel Tunnel, or a ferry at Dover." Central location. Food & drink. Free parking. Saint Peter's Street, Maidstone, ME16 0SR, UK. Tel: 08719 846442.

  24. Route Planner

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  25. Trains Maidstone to London from £9.90

    Maidstone to London by train. It takes an average of 59m to travel from Maidstone to London by train, over a distance of around 32 miles (52 km). There are normally 130 trains per day travelling from Maidstone to London and tickets for this journey start from £9.90 when you book in advance. First train.