You can find Maidstone’s layered history woven into its streets and spaces. Jubilee Square features ornate neoclassical facades that mark the town's role as Kent’s administrative heart, hosting monthly Walking Tours of Historic Sites to explore the city’s past. Vincent Square offers a green space with playgrounds and picnic areas beneath trees planted long ago, ideal for families from nearby Bearsted or Lenham. Allington Lock along the River Medway repurposes former wharves into quiet footpaths used daily; this stretch becomes active during seasonal events like the Annual Festival of the River Medway and outdoor cinema at Mote Park. Market Buildings have evolved into a lively food and drink hub, replacing the old Corn Exchange as a central meeting point. Sessions Square’s neo-Baroque architecture complements Maidstone Town Centre’s civic institutions, including Stag Sculpture by Edward Bainbridge Copnall, The Archbishop’s Palace, and The Hazlitt Theatre, venues that regularly host events such as Proms in the Park. Activities are updated daily based on live use: from family play zones at Kent Life Heritage Farm Park or Whatman Park's adventure areas, to discussions like International Women’s Day at Maidstone Business Terrace, all rooted not in promotion but in real civic life where past and present meet.
Featured places are selected local venues we recommend or that partner with The City Brief.
Thai Restaurant
Giggling SquidGiggling Squid is at 31-33 Earl St in Maidstone, a short drive from the city centre. The restaurant stands out for its Salt & Pepper Squid, a dish that draws both locals and visitors. People come here for dinner or late-night drinks, drawn by the lively but cozy atmosphere.
View Info →Pub And Restaurant
Park Gate InnYou can find the Park Gate Inn just outside the city in Hollingbourne, Maidstone. It’s a Grade II listed Georgian inn dating back to 1694, with wood-panelled interiors and open log fires that light up during winter. The venue serves hearty seasonal pub food—steak, pork belly, schnitzel, and fish & chips—with cask ales and fine wines on tap.
View Info →Pizza Restaurant
Pizza GoGoPizza GoGo in Maidstone serves freshly made pizzas daily from dough crafted on-site. Located at 310 Tonbridge Rd, it’s just outside the city centre, with a steady flow of locals and commuters stopping by. The venue is known for making its dough fresh every day, ensuring each pie starts with high-quality ingredients.
View Info →Food & Drink
The Village Coffee and Wine BarYou can find The Village Coffee and Wine Bar on High Street in Maidstone. It's a short drive from the city centre, offering coffee, wine, and light meals. The venue is known for its house-made pastries and small bites paired with seasonal wines served by the glass.
View Info →Food & Drink
Oad Street Food and CraftsYou can find Oad Street Food and Crafts on Oad Street in Maidstone, where locals gather for fresh meals and crafts. It’s a practical spot with daily pies made from seasonal ingredients, plus rotating food stalls that change monthly. Open mid-morning through late afternoon, it works well as a lunch stop or an early evening refreshment.
View Info →Restaurant
Kathmandu PalaceKathmandu Palace is a Nepalese and Indian restaurant at 10 Bradbourne Lane in Ditton, Maidstone. The venue’s industrial-style building hosts meals with consistently generous portion sizes, especially for hero dishes like Momos and Dal Bhat. Locals visit primarily in the evening for family or friend gatherings, often staying late for drinks amid high-energy service.
View Info →252 total places
Thai Restaurant
Giggling SquidGiggling Squid is at 31-33 Earl St in Maidstone, a short drive from the city centre.
View Info →Pizza Restaurant
Pizza GoGoPizza GoGo in Maidstone serves freshly made pizzas daily from dough crafted on-site.
View Info →You can find The Village Coffee and Wine Bar on High Street in Maidstone.
View Info →You can find Oad Street Food and Crafts on Oad Street in Maidstone, where locals gather for fresh meals and crafts.
View Info →Restaurant
Kathmandu PalaceKathmandu Palace is a Nepalese and Indian restaurant at 10 Bradbourne Lane in Ditton, Maidstone.
View Info →Matt Matts Cafe is on The High Street in Maidstone, serving straightforward food and drink.
View Info →184 total places
Pub And Restaurant
Park Gate InnYou can find the Park Gate Inn just outside the city in Hollingbourne, Maidstone.
View Info →Public House
The Dering ArmsYou can find The Dering Arms in Pluckley, near Ashford, Kent — a historic pub established in the 14th century as a resting point for travelers.
View Info →Pub
The Cellars AlehouseYou can find The Cellars Alehouse just outside the city on Buckland Road in Maidstone.
View Info →Hotel
The Black LionThe Black Lion is a family-run hotel on The Street in Lynsted, Maidstone.
View Info →The Harrow Inn is a traditional pub on High Street in Maidstone.
View Info →