are plans to celebrate these waterfront attractions over the August bank holiday, with events including an Ice Cream Festival at Kent Life.
Also available this year is a limited chance to see inside the privately-owned Allington Castle, using the Park’s motor cruiser, the Kentish Lady.
EASY OUTING FOR CYCLISTS AND WALKERS
which offers free admission to exhibits including Egyptian and Greek artefacts and displays of the town’s industrial and military history.
Stop-off points along the way, such
as The Malta Inn, offer a fantastic opportunity to relax on the waterfront or enjoy a coffee at the Old Toll House at Allington Lock and watch the boats go by. This year, for the first time also, there
Opened in 2017, the new River Medway Towpath cycle route runs from Aylesford to Barming and is suitable for mountain, hybrid, and road bikes, with train stations at Aylesford, Maidstone Barracks, Maidstone East and Barming. The multi-use walk and cycle path is flat and follows the river closely, making it almost impossible to get lost, and has multiple points where visitors can stop off at the attractions en-route. More at
www.explorekent.org
WHATMAN PARK
Just half a mile from Maidstone town centre, this 18-acre park is the centrepiece of Maidstone River Park. It combines a natural landscape of woodland and wildflower meadow, adventure play areas, a treetop walk, and open-air performance arena, offering a retreat with countless activities for all the family. There is also a stunning piece of public art in the shape of the Double Helix – the structure of DNA. The helix, which is more than 60 yards long and 10 feet high, was sculpted by David Annand.
Whatman Park is accessible from St Peter Street or via two bridges – the Millennium Bridge, off James Whatman Way, next to the Gallagher Stadium and the Downstream Millennium Bridge that can be accessed off Monckton’s Lane, Ringlestone.
The Kentish Lady will also stop at Whatman Park Wharf on request.
ALLINGTON CASTLE BOAT TRIP
Groups and societies can book the new and exclusive river tour aboard the Kentish Lady to Allington Castle, with access to the medieval castle and its 42-acre garden.
The Kentish Lady leaves her mooring on the Medway at 1.30pm each Tuesday (Easter - October)
Boat passengers have exclusive access to the privately-owned Allington Castle, once visited by Ann Boleyn, and home to Sir Robert and Lady Worcester
20 Mid Kent Living
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