Mote Park
It’s been dubbed “the jewel in Maidstone’s crown” and came second in a public vote for the best of Britain’s parks.
Now, Mote Park has received TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence – which only goes to places that consistently achieve great reviews. Jane Shotliff took a stroll around.
Mote Park is one of the largest urban parks in the South East, with more than 450 acres of green space – and a 30- acre lake – at the heart of the county town. Following a £2.5m restoration project, it welcomes more than 1.1 million visitors per year – and the numbers are growing. But, in today’s fast-moving world, attracting and retaining
interest in a traditional Victorian park is no, well, walk in the park, shall we say.
And, without the support of a valiant team of volunteers,
Mote Park would not boast the glorious mantle it does today. The park contains a vast number of mature trees, as well as
many younger saplings, which create a garden of splendid colour throughout the seasons – particularly in “blooming” spring - and again, with the fiery shades that herald the start of autumn.
Spring is a good time for birdwatchers, too, as many of the species which over-winter in the park begin to lay eggs and produce the next generation of chicks. Mote Park is also a great place for children let off steam. With two children’s play areas, a popular skate park and a BMX track, it’s ideal for tots right up to teens. There’s a natural woodland play area for children aged eight
to 15, an 18-hole pitch and putt course, open every weekend from May to September, plus a variety of sports pitches that can all be hired. Maidstone Model Engineering Society runs a model railway, which is open to the public on Sundays and bank holidays in summer, while model boats can be hired from the Maidstone Cygnets Model Boat Club. Angling is also permitted, by permit, for those with a rod licence.
Cyclists can enjoy using the pathways too as all
the paths within Mote Park are part of an easy-going, family-friendly cycle route – but look out for pedestrians and dog walkers as they too share many of the same paths! Maidstone Council is keen to make Mote Park work as an attraction for all tastes – and all ages.
Consequently, the council has taken a leaf out of the park’s much younger sister’s book – Whatman Park in Maidstone – which hosts the hugely popular Proms in the Park.
country estate and the owners planted and developed the amazing parkland that surrounded their home. The imposing house was re-built in
Mote Park has a long history, with its lake believed to have been the original source of water for a long-gone Roman villa. In later years, Mote House became a
26 Mid Kent Living
the early 19th century and was used as an orphanage between the wars, then lay empty for some time before being purchased in 2007 by the Raven Audley Group, now Audley Retirement. However, the park was bequeathed to
the people of the town and is managed and maintained by the council and its volunteers. Audley Mote House now provides
luxury accommodation for the discerning over-55s at the eastern boundary of the park – offering residents the largest free garden they have ever enjoyed, right on their doorstep!
Minature railway image © Mike Chaplin, Above image and right, courtesy of Gary Neave
VOTED ONE OF BRITAIN’S BEST PARKS
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