A day in Maidstone

Maidstone is a small town but it is full of amazing history and great train links to London. It's also the birth place of Mackenzie Crook from Pirates Of The Caribbean and David Bowie llived in Maidstone for 6 months in the 60s.

One of the oldest historial stories is the Battle of Maidstone that was in 1648. It started on Upper Stone Street which one of the main roads going out of the town and up into the town centre. There is usually a reenactment day around the anniversary in June.

The Archbishop's Palace (which is where I got married) is beautiful building on the bank of the River Medway. The oldest part of it is from the 14th century and others are from the 16th century. It has a lovely little garden next to it that is sometimes locked but if it is open, it's great for sitting and chilling out.

Right next door is All Saints Church from the 14th Century only has a small graveyard but it does have Laurence Washington buried there. He was the 4 x Great Uncle of George Washington, the first president of the United States.

Over the road is the Carriage Museum, it's not open every day so if it is something you would like to check out, make sure you check the days it's open first.

Maidstone museum is great for spending a few hours learning some history and it's free. There are loads of exhibits on Egyption and local artefacts, archaeology, a real Egyption mummy, costumes and clothes through the ages, art and so much more.

If you are looking to do a bit of shopping, you can either go to Fremlin Walk or The Mall. Both have lots of different shops, clothes, stationary, jewellery, cards, gifts, etc.

If you want a little day out on the river, check out the Kentish Lady, it's a brilliant boat that will either give you a ride up to the Malter Inn where you can get a drink and some food. It is also right near Kent Life which is a farm that is quite popular with families with young kids as they love the animals. Or you can go for a day out along the river that includes a lunch.

There are quite a few places to eat, especially down Earl Street which is nicknamed Restaurant Street because of all the places to eat in the one street. Zizzi, Nandos, Wildwood, Five Guys, Wagamama, Pizza Express and a few others. It's also the street that you will find Hazlitt Theatre which has lots of great shows on throughout the year so will give you something to do if you are staying in Maidstone overnight.

Over the river from the town is Lockmeadow which is an Entertainment Centre. They have a Frackie and Bennie's, Feathers (who do amazing spicy chicken wings), Gourmet Burgers, Odeon Cinema, Gracity Trampalines, Harry's Bar and a Hollywood Bowl. When I lived in Maidstone, I spent a lot of time here as I loved to go to go for a meal and then go to the cinema. If you drive, make sure you check the car park charges as it's only free after 6:30pm.