Mote Park

About

Discover why Mote Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Maidstone. Find out how this magnificent park has survived since medieval times, and what there is to see and do here now.

An Award-Winning Park

Mote Park is a huge green space in the heart of Maidstone, extremely popular with both visitors and locals alike. As a Green Flag Award winner, Mote Park boast the highest standards in this well-loved green space. Covering over 450 acres, it includes natural features such as grassland, woodland, rivers and a 30 acre lake. The vast numbers of mature trees create a beautiful, tranquil landscape offering cool shade in the summer and glorious colour in autumn. It is also home to over-wintering birds, many of whom stay to nest and raise their chicks here in the spring. 

Things to Do in Mote Park

Mote Park is a fantastic destination for outdoor fun, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you enjoy walking, cycling, watersports, or exciting outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone. Explore the best things to do in this beautiful park.

Walking and Cycling

Mote Park is perfect for walking and cycling. There are numerous scenic paths and trails winding through the park, making it a great spot for both leisurely strolls and energetic bike rides.

For those seeking a thrill, the BMX track offers an exciting challenge. It’s free to use and ideal for riders looking to improve their skills. With practice, you can master the jumps and turns, making your ride even more exhilarating.

Model Railway and Model Boats

Model railway lovers will enjoy the charming miniature train operated by the Maidstone Model Engineering Society. Running every Sunday during British Summer Time and on Boxing Day, this attraction delights visitors of all ages. Each ride costs just 30p, making it an affordable family activity.

Nearby, The Maidstone Cygnets Model Boat Club showcases impressive model boats on the lake. Watching these detailed replicas glide across the water is a peaceful and enjoyable experience for both children and adults.

Children's Play Areas

Families with children will find plenty of fun at Mote Park’s play areas. The largest playground, located near the main car park, is packed with exciting equipment. A smaller play area near the School Lane entrance offers another spot for younger visitors to enjoy.

For older children aged 8 to 15, the natural woodland play area provides a unique outdoor adventure. The skate park is another great addition, giving kids and teens a space to practice tricks and improve their skills.

​​​​Mote Park Outdoor Adventure

For adrenaline seekers, Mote Park Outdoor Adventure is the place to be. Try climbing the 32ft Sky Trail or scale the 32ft Climbing Wall for an exciting challenge.

Prefer to stay on the ground? Enjoy the Segway course or take on the 9-hole Dino Mini Golf. The adventure park is open on weekends from Easter to October and daily during school holidays.

Find out more about Mote Park Outdoor Adventure and plan your visit!

Mote Park Watersport Centre

Love being on the water? The Mote Park Watersport Centre has plenty to offer. Activities include sailing, boating, diving, and swimming. You can also try rowing and windsurfing or enjoy a relaxing ride on a pedalo swan.

The lake is open year-round for kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and boat hire. With its shallow waters and no strong currents, it’s a safe and enjoyable place for all skill levels.

Find out more about Mote Park Watersport Centre

Events and Festivals

Mote Park hosts a wide range of exciting events throughout the year. From large-scale music and cultural festivals, outdoor theatre performances to charity fun runs, there’s always something happening.

Smaller community events, such as wildlife monitoring and bird or bat watching, are also organised by volunteers. Whether you love live entertainment or nature-focused activities, there’s an event for you.

Check out Events in Mote Park fto stay updated on upcoming sates and detail.s

Food and Drink

Mote Park Café is open throughout the year, offering a welcoming space to relax and refuel. The café serves a delicious selection of hot and cold meals, refreshing drinks, and satisfying snacks. Whether you’re after a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or a sweet treat with coffee, there is something for everyone. Outdoor seating is available, allowing you to enjoy your food while taking in the beautiful park views.

Find out more about Mote Park Café 

Sports Facilities

Mote Park is an excellent destination for staying active and enjoying the outdoors. Whether you enjoy walking, jogging, cycling, or playing sports, there are plenty of options to suit all fitness levels. The park features open green spaces perfect for yoga, stretching, or group exercises. Families can also enjoy a game of football or frisbee in the wide, open fields. With stunning scenery and fresh air, exercising here is both fun and refreshing.

Maidstone Leisure Centre

Located next to the park, Maidstone Leisure Centre offers top-class facilities for fitness and fun. It features a fitness pool for serious swimmers, a diving pool for thrill-seekers, and teaching pools for beginners. The leisure pool includes exciting wave machines and a flume, perfect for a fun family outing.

For those who prefer gym workouts, the centre has a well-equipped fitness gym with modern exercise machines and weights. A large sports hall is available for badminton, basketball, and other indoor activities. The centre also has a dedicated children’s play area and a café, making it an excellent venue for all ages.

Angling 

Keen fishermen can apply for a daily permit to fish in the park. You will need your rod licence to buy a permit and the service is managed by Maidstone Victory Angling and Medway Preservation Society. To buy a permit, you will need a rod licence. You need to bring a copy of your rod licence with you to get the permit. They are £6 a day for adults and £3 a day for children.   Permits are available online for members of  Maidstone Victory Angling and Medway Preservation Society.

Permits can also be purchased at::

Mote Cricket Club

The cricket club provides cricket facilities for all levels and has existed at the park since 1857. Maidstone Rugby Club also has a long association with the park having been founded in 1880. It plays at the cricket club in Mote Park. 

Football and Rugby Pitches

There are many public football and rugby pitches available for hire. Find out more about hiring a football pitch

Mote Park Indoor Bowls Club

This is a private members club with 8 rinks, a restaurant and bar. New members are always welcome.

A Brief History

Mote Park was originally the main water source for a Roman villa. Then, in later years, Mote Park House became a country estate and the owners planted and developed the park around their home. The original mansion house was demolished in 1793 and rebuilt by 1800. At this time, the River Len was also dammed to form the lake and internal roads were added, along with walls, a boathouse and a bridge over the lake (now demolished). The lake was then expanded to 30 acres and surrounding land was purchased to extend the park.

The park was bought by Maidstone Borough Council in 1929 at a cost of £50,000 and is now looked after by the Council and an amazing team of volunteers.

Parking

There are three car parks, all with disabled parking.

All the money raised goes back into maintaining the park.

Disabled Parking

Parking is free for blue badge holders, if all the bays are full you may park in a standard bay so long as the blue badge is clearly on display.

The bays are located at:

• Mote Park Main (next to Café) has 13 disabled bays
• School Lane has 2 disabled bays
• Burning Ground has 2 disabled bays

Get Involved

Mote Park Fellowship is a group of volunteers who help to look after and maintain the park. 

For parks related enquiries please email the Parks and Open Spaces Team at Maidstone Borough Council

For events and filming permission please email the Events Team at Maidstone Borough Council

For general information about visiting Mote Park please contact Maidstone Visitor Information on 01622 602169 or email Maidstone Visitor Information