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Welcome to Maidstone Accommodation. Your quick and easy accommodation finder
Places to Stay
Aylesford
Situated in the valley of the River Medway, Aylesford is sheltered on the north and east by the chalk downs Aylesford is perhaps the longest inhabited settlement in Kent and is the place where Hengist and Horsa defeated Vortigern in AD455. The picturesque village centre is notable for its 14th century bridge, now closed to traffic, medieval church, Tudor almshouses and of course Aylesford Priory http://www.thefriars.org.uk/.
Bearsted
The village green cricket ground, said to be one of the oldest in Kent, has secured its place in cricketing history, as it was here that Alfred Mynn pioneered overarm bowling. The village retains its rural identity through the timber-framed houses, village shops, pubs, restaurants and oasthouses facing the green, with views of the nearby Kent Downs. Above the village stands the ragstone Holy Cross Church, with evidence of Saxon stonework and distinctive gargoyles.
Boughton Monchelsea
Boughton Monchelsea lies on a ridge overlooking the Weald of Kent. St Peter's Church dates from the 13th Century and its medieval lychgate is one of the oldest in England, but inside the Church is a modern stained glass nativity scene by local artist Graham Clarke. http://www.boughton-monchelsea-pc.org.uk/
Boxley
The largest parish in the Canterbury diocese. The parish includes the village of Boxley, Grove Green, most of Weavering Street, Sandling, and much of Walderslade and Lordswood at the top of Blue Bell Hill. It also includes the Woodlands area of Vinters Park Estate and Forstal.The tiny village of Boxley, with its weather boarded and redbrick houses, stands just below the Pilgrims’ Way to the north of Maidstone. Boxley Abbey was once the home to the 'Rood of Grace' – a crucifix with a figure attached that was sometimes moved to express the receiving of prayers dependent on how much the monks had been paid! Now a private house it lies to the west of the village. Its 12th century barn can be seen from the footpath. http://www.boxleyparishcouncil.co.uk/index.htm
Detling
A charming village located on the ancient Pilgrim Way, Detling is a base for walking along the North Downs Way, and home to the Kent County Showground and Exhibition Centre.
East Farleigh
Parliamentary
troops used the 14th century bridge here in 1648 to cross the River Medway and
capture Maidstone from the Royalists in a fierce battle. The much quieter
village of today grows fruit providing a very picturesque setting for
visitors. If you enjoy walking then follow the link below and enjoy a two
hour walk to wateringbury.
http://www.waterscape.com/things-to-do/walking/routes/150/east-farleigh-to-wateringbury
Harrietsham
This Domesday Book village is split into two parts by the A20 and has some fine buildings and a public house. To the south of the village are the Quested Almshouses rebuilt in 1770 as a provision for the poor and supported by the parish and donations from local landowners http://www.harrietsham.net/
Headcorn
The charms of this ancient Wealden village are reflected in the neatly kept medieval cottages and High Street, which cunningly conceals a considerable shopping centre to cater for nearly every need. Many of the buildings betray the influence of the Flemish weavers who once settled in the village, adding to its medieval reputation for cloth-making.The restaurants and public houses provide refreshment in which to savour this unique area. www.headcorn.org.uk/
Hollingbourne
In 1382 an earthquake shook this part of Kent and damaged the church interior, creating an uneven roof that can be seen today. A long winding village with a 14th Century church and many beautiful listed buildings, which straddles the North Downs on the Pilgrims Way to provide a picturesque setting to escape every day bustle. A nearby attraction is the Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway - a chance to take in the delightful North Downs countryside on board a steam train. Open Easter Sunday and then the first Sunday of every month until October. For more information visit the Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway website
The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is the perfect place to get away from it all. These dramatic chalk hills dotted with ancient beech woodlands, carpeted with grassland rich in wild flowers and native orchids, offer panoramic views over the hedgerows and medieval farmhouses of the Kentish Weald. Walkers can follow well established trails to appreciate the views of this unique landscape. Most of the North Downs Way in this area follows the Pilgrims Way - one of the oldest routes in Britain - in use for over 2000 years. Following this trail or one of the shorter circular walks can be an excellent way to discover some of the County's most fascinating historical landmarks and charming villages. www.kentdowns.org.uk
Leeds
Best known for Leeds Castle, this exquisite village's winding road dips and twists past attractive cottages and timber framed houses to give a truly romantic view of times past. See the "photo tour" for photos.
Lenham
This large village is close to the North Downs and is an excellent location to start exploring the surrounding countryside. Used as a market place for many hundreds of years, the square remains the focal point of the village, flanked by medieval houses, shops, restaurants and public houses. Lenham Country Market is held on the second Sunday of every month from 9am - 1pm in Lenham Market Square. www.lenham.net
Loose
A village with a
unique alpine character, as the cottages rise in terraces above the stream. The
causeway in the middle of the stream crosses from one part of the village to the
other. The power of the Loose stream, the purity of the spring water and the
availability of Fullers Earth helped the woollen trade prosper in the 16th
Century. The village public house and restaurant borders Loose Stream, providing
a picturesque setting.
http://www.infobritain.co.uk/Loose_And_Loose_Valley.htm
Marden
The village was part of a Royal Hundred with its own courthouse that is located in the centre of the village – recalling the times when it was exempt from the jurisdiction of the county sheriff. The old stocks are now in the south porch of the 13th Century church of St Michael and All Angels. www.marden.org.uk
Otham
Famed for its late medieval timber-framed houses such as Stoneacre, a small 15th Century Yeoman's house. The writer William Stevens who called himself 'Nobody' founder of the society of 'Nobody's Friends' is buried in the churchyard. The village enjoys an elevated position southeast of Maidstone and overlooks spectacular views of the countryside.
Staplehurst
Nestling in the Weald of Kent on a Roman road, the large village of Staplehurst is surrounded by fields of hops, corn, vine and wheat. Charles Dickens was involved in a serious railway accident here in 1865 when returning from Paris with his mistress and her mother. The Martyrs' Memorial commemorates the death of those burned during the Marian persecution (protestant martyrs). Home of Iden Croft Herb Garden. www.staplehurstvillage.org.uk
Sutton Valence
The ruins of Sutton Valence castle lie on the southern slope of the hill, the home of William de Valence half-brother to Henry III who granted William the area of Sutton and hence its title. The village has beautiful views over the countryside and some welcoming inns. www.suttonvalence.org.uk
Thurnham
Mentioned in the Domesday Book, this small village has a fascinating Norman history. The ruins of the motte and bailey castle can still be seen within the White Horse Wood. The parish church of St Mary the Virgin enjoys a beautiful setting and includes some early Norman features. The North Downs Way National Trail skirts the upper reaches of the village, with outstanding views across the Kentish Weald. www.thurnham.org
Ulcombe
A small wealden
village with a fascinating Norman history and one of the most interesting
churches in the area. Earlier this century the remains of hundreds of human
bones were discovered at Ulcombe church and it is reported that a loud crash of
thunder and a flash of lightning followed by heavy rain broke at the moment when
the shovel hit the first bone.
West Farleigh
http://www.westfarleigh.org.uk/history/the_village.htm
Yalding
Three rivers - the
Beult, Teise and Medway - meet at Yalding, and are crossed here by three
medieval bridges. It is one of the largest hop growing parishes in England and
is surrounded by orchards and oast houses. Nearby is the famed Yalding Organic
Gardens – a series of themed gardens, all cultivated organically. The Lees on
the banks of the River Medway is much favoured for a relaxing afternoon. Here
you can visit Teapot Island, with its collection of over 4,000 novelty teapots.
The church has an unusual spire, and the area around the church is worth
visiting, with the old Town Bridge and its long and narrow stone span providing
a picturesque walk over the river. Yalding Farmers Market is held in the High
Street on the third Saturday of every month, 10am - 1pm. For more details call
01622 814109.
