Aylesford Village
Aylesford is a beautiful village, only 2 miles from the centre of Maidstone. The Friary is only 150 metres from the church you see in the picture. The River Medway is in the foreground.
In the village you will find, a general store, HSBC bank with a cash machine., three pubs:
The Chequers (food),
The Bush (food),
The Little Gem (no food),
a tea shop and the Hengist restaurant. There are regular train and bus services to Maidstone. |
Maidstone
Aylesford is located just outside Maidstone, the County Town of Kent (10 minutes by car/bike). Maidstone has a thriving town centre and is surrounded by glorious Kentish countryside. Maidstone itself has a wealth of attractions, including a market on Saturday mornings, shopping in Fremlin's Walk and Chequers Centre in the town centre. And if you want more shopping, Bluewater (the largest shopping centre in Europe !!!) is only 25 minutes by car/bike from The Friars. With their own shopping centres or designer outlets, Chatham, Tunbridge Wells, Canterbury and Ashford are also within easy reach of The Friary.
The world famous Leeds and Hever Castles are not far whilst Maidstone boasts three museums, numerous pubs, clubs and restaurants all of which provide a perfect mix of history, culture, leisure and entertainment.
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For the Family:
We would very much like to see families coming to the rally and know that they will want something slightly different from their weekend. Here are just a few examples of the activities available in the local area for families. If you would like to know more, details can be found on www.maidstonetowncentre.com or call 01622 678777 and ask for a Maidstone Town Centre Guide. Alternatively, even more attractions can be found on www.tour-maidstone.com
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Kentish Lady Cruises
Take in the idyllic scenery of Maidstone Millennium River Park the easy way on board the Kentish Lady II, a totally enclosed centrally heated pleasure boat with a glass roof. Why not combine a river boat trip with a visit to the Museum of Kent Life at Allington for a real day out in the country! or www.kentishlady.co.uk
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The Allington Belle
Enjoy the picturesque view of Maidstone Millennium River Park on board the Allington Belle, Maidstone's newest Mississippi style river boat which offers regular return trips along the River Medway between Allington and Maidstone town centre.
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Museum of Kent Life (located very close to The Friary)
Kent's premier open air attraction is home to an outstanding collection of historic buildings with exhibitions on life in Kent over the past 150 years. With 28 acres of fun including improved family facilities, exciting new indoor and outdoor play areas, traditional breeds, discovery trails and hands on cuddle corner. Also herb, hop and kitchen gardens, Britain's last traditional working oast house. Wheelchair access restricted to ground floor only. Licensed tea-room. www.museum-kentlife.co.uk
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Maidstone Leisure Centre
Maidstone Leisure Centre is set in the attractive Mote Park surrounding a large lake for sailing and fishing. It is one of the best equipped leisure centres in the South East. Swimming facilities include a leisure pool with twin flumes and splash pool, lazy river run and a variable length swimming pool. Two halls are suitable for a range of sporting activities including badminton, volleyball, netball, basketball and aerobics.
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Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre
Situated in the centre of Maidstone by the riverside, this exciting entertainment centre offers an 8-screen multiplex, a nightclub, bars, restaurants and gym and is home to the Maidstone Lockmeadow Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays. www.odeon.co.uk
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Go Ape, Leeds Castle
Go Ape is a ‘high-wire forest adventure’ located in the grounds of Leeds Castle. Giant obstacle courses have been built up in the trees using ladders, walkways, bridges and tunnels made of wood, rope and super-strong wire, and top it all off with the country’s best zip lines. Instructors are always on hand, patrolling the forests. The Go Ape experience gets the adrenalin pumping, gets people out of their comfort zones and above all (no pun intended), it’s just great fun. www.goape.co.uk
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AMF Bowling
This bowling alley also has pool tables, arcade games and snackbar. Also glow in the dark bowling with party music six nights a week. www.amfbowling.co.uk
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