As the weather starts to cool, and the days start getting shorter, it is the perfect time to escape from reality and enjoy a break away. Enjoy a short staycation and indulge, explore, or just take some time to relax and reset. With Maidstone being based amidst stunning Kent countryside, it is a wonderful location for both exploring the great outdoors and indulging in local restaurants, bars as well as discovering new experiences.

Take an electric bike tour to a winery, walk along the River Medway towards your restaurant or bar of choice in the town centre, enjoy a cosy pub lunch after a walk through beautiful villages, there really is a great variety of things to do enabling you and your partner to cater your trip to your own desires. Below, we have touched on our suggestions for where to stay and what to do when visiting Maidstone with your loved one.

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Accommodation

There are plenty of beautiful places to stay in Maidstone to give your trip that extra wow factor. Due to the decrease in temperatures, the stunning glamping and camping sites in and around Maidstone tend to close however it is the perfect time to enjoy a cosy hotel or bed & breakfast for your short break to provide you with that ‘home away from home’ feeling. Take a look below at our recommendations of where to stay this Autumn/Winter.

Chilston Park Hotel

Chilston Park Hotel is the perfect luxury location for a true home-like feel. The festive period is especially popular for Chilston Park due to the welcoming and cosy atmosphere of the hotel with countryside winter walks available around their grounds and roaring log fires in the many grand fireplaces. The regal and lavishly decorated rooms, with some having stunning four poster beds, creates a wonderfully romantic feel for your stay.

They currently have their Amazing Autumn Escape special offer where the longer you stay, the more benefits you enjoy, completely free of charge. This includes a complimentary bedroom upgrade after one night, afternoon tea for two after two nights and dinner in their restaurant after three. This package also includes breakfast and 10% saving off their best flexible rate. This offer is perfect for short breaks and will add a further sense of luxury treatment to your stay.

Leeds Castle Stable Courtyard & Maiden’s Tower Bed & Breakfast

Stable Courtyard:

Maiden’s Tower: 

Enjoy a luxury stay in the grounds of "the loveliest castle in the world”, an idyllic location for a relaxing weekend escape and easily accessible from London. Choose between their Stable Courtyard and Maiden's Tower Bed & Breakfast and discover stunning scenery with an abundance of local wildlife. The Stable Courtyard is set within the gardens of the Estate, which you can freely explore once the grounds are closed to visitors. The 16^th century Maiden’s Tower is situated on the Castle Island and offers breath-taking views and bedrooms decorated in period style with a contemporary twist. This is both a romantic and truly special stay at a wonderfully convenient location.

Enjoy a wonderful deal with their Leeds Castle 'Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Offer'. Book a luxury Leeds Castle stay in one of their deluxe double or twin Stable Courtyard or Maiden’s Tower bedrooms and get breakfast, plus a three-course meal in Castle View Restaurant with priority window seating.

Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel

Surrounded by 26 acres of beautiful Kent countryside, the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel offers a stylish and comfortable stay. Their Feel Good Health Club offers the best spa days, with a 16 metre swimming pool, saunas, jacuzzi, steam rooms and more for you and your loved one to relax and unwind.

They also have various packages on offer such as their Leeds Castle Package which includes two adult tickets to Leeds Castle, overnight accommodation, dinner, breakfast and full access to their Feel Good Health Club, from £145. They also have their Discover the Garden of England special offer where from £139 per couple, you can enjoy a two night stay with breakfast both mornings plus dinner from their set menu on one night. This package also includes access to their Feel Good Health Club during your stay.

The Potting Shed

Step out of the everyday and into an immersive eco-haven, with living roofs, solar powered energy and locally sourced food and drink, right on your doorstep at The Potting Shed. There are six unique boutique bedrooms full of character, perfect for a weekend hideaway. Located nearby to Leeds Castle, the North Downs Way and to Maidstone Town Centre, there is plenty to explore!

Delta Hotels by Marriott Tudor Park Country Club

Surrounded by 200 acres of ancestral deer parkland, Delta Hotels by Marriott Tudor Park Country Club offers a wide range of great amenities and comfortable, simple and intuitively designed rooms perfect for a relaxing stay. It also has an 18-hole golf course on site, superb dining options, a spa and tennis courts, with this all being in a great location, less than an hour from London and within close proximity to attractions and the town centre.

Get a great deal with their packages including their Gourmet Getaway, which includes a three-course dinner, overnight accommodation, and breakfast in the picturesque area of Kent. You can also indulge in their Spa Package offer, perfect for couple breaks, which includes a full English breakfast at Cast Iron, dinner at Cast Iron and a 30-minute treatment per person, based on select treatments, with the option to upgrade to 60-minutes.

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What to Do

Maidstone Distillery

Location: Maidstone Town Centre

Pop in and enjoy a delicious gin and tonic at this lovingly restored historic distillery or book an experience for you both to enjoy such as a Cocktail Masterclass or their award-winning Distillery Tour & Tasting. The distillery work with a leading Master Distiller who uses botanicals from the local area and reclaimed recipes from the past to create remarkable products which are distinct and unforgettable.

Find out more.

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Walk through the Garden of England

Location: Various

Maidstone is surrounded by stunning countryside views and Areas of Natural Outstanding Beauty that are waiting to be explored. Explore the North Downs Way as the autumnal colours start to appear and discover stunning historic villages. Take a look at both self-guided walk routes and guided walks in and around Maidstone by clicking the image.

Find out more.

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Explore Street Food at Love Food @ Lockmeadow

Location: Maidstone

If you are self-confessed foodie and love to enjoy different cuisines, Love Food at Lockmeadow is the perfect place to get your taste buds tingling. With 8 independent global inspired street food providers, enjoy Thai, Caribbean, Pan-Asian, Vegan, American and Middle Eastern cuisines. Also, at Lockmeadow is an Odeon and Hollywood Bowl so you can make the day of your visit.

Find out more.

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UK Electric Bike Tours

Location: Headcorn

For a brilliant day out of sustainable travel, adventure and excitement try an electric bike tour with UK Electric Bike Centre. Zipping along between vineyards or maybe stopping at an iconic castle or a world-famous garden on the way, what could be more fun? Their routes take you along the quiet lanes of the Weald of Kent, passing past Wealden hall houses, farmsteads and ancient woodland.  You can stop at a village pub for refreshments or take a picnic in your bike panniers.

Find out more.

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Balfour Winery

Location: Staplehurst

Self-guided tours at Balfour Winery are free and are available all year round. Pick up a map from their Cellar Door and stroll through beautiful vineyards, apple orchards, wildflower meadows, and ancient oak woodlands. You can also book tastings and other wonderful experiences, with many remaining open during the colder periods.

Find out more.

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Cosy Countryside Pubs

Location: Various

Countryside pubs are perfect for relaxing and unwinding with your partner. Our favourite cosy countryside pubs include The Black Horse Inn, The Windmill and The Dog and Bear, which are all perfect for enjoying drinks and a hearty pub lunch or dinner.

Find out more.

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