Local Life

Top 5 Maidstone Spots for Summer Sun!

For those who love to soak up the sun here are my top five places in Maidstone to relax, top up your vitamin D and enjoy Maidstone at the same time. Remember to pack the sun cream along with the strawberries…

1. Cobtree Manor ParkCobtree Manor Park image from www.cobtree.co.uk

Explore 50 acres of parkland, gain a perfect picnic spot, access point to North Downs Way and fantastic children’s play area.  All you could want from a lazy sun drenched day out. Cobtree Manor Park is in Forstal Road, Aylesford, ME20 7AG. http://cobtreepark.co.uk/

 

2. Mote ParkMote Park by Panoramia

Set yourself up near the lake, near the ice cream hut, next to the swan boats.  This area is not as crowded as the main part of the park but has the added bonus of the ice cream hut for supplies!  You are also close to the miniature steam railway if you fancy a change of scenery.  Take a closer look at Mote Park at http://www.motepark.co.uk/

 

Greensand Way image from www.kentramblers.org.uk

 

3. Greensand Way

For those who like to get out walking the Greensand way offers several secluded sun trap spots overlooking the Weald from orchards and fields to hill sides and pubs!  The Greensand Way is a long walk through Kent and Surrey however parts of the walk runs over the Medway Valley to Yalding or in the opposite direction out to Linton and Boughton Monchelsea.  For more information go to the Long Distance Walking Association http://www.ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Greensand+Way

 

Medway River through Maidstone - Wikipedia image4. On the River Medway

Try something a bit different to enjoy the sun!  Why not hire a boat to meander down the river or take a trip on the river cruises run by either the Kentish Lady or Allington Belle..  Perfect for catching the sun, with stop offs at Watman Park, plus boating comes with the allure of shade for those who wilt under the blaze of summer. http://www.kentishlady.co.uk/ or http://www.allingtonbelle.co.uk/

 

 

5. Bluebell Hill ViewpointBluebell Hill view from www.flickr.com

The stunning scenery has to be worth a little drive! The picnic site is off the A229 on the way to Chatham from Maidstone and you will enjoy fantastic views somewhere not very crowded.  Pack a picnic and make a day of it! Don’t forget your camera for those panoramic views. http://www.kentdowns.org.uk/40-places/blue-bell-hill-picnic-site