Maidstone is an inspiring town with a healthy combination of historical and contemporary surroundings to explore and enjoy. Set at the heart of the Garden of England, and bordered by beautiful rolling countryside populated with an abundance of orchards and vineyards, the area has something to offer all tastes.

A thriving business centre, the town also has an impressive array of retail and leisure facilities. Shopping is unrivalled within the county, with over 500 outlets from high street chains to select shops offering goods from the everyday to the highly specialised. Many are housed in the Mall Chequers, the new Fremlin Walk or one of the two smaller arcades, whilst other big name stores, including Marks & Spencer and Boots, are found on traditional shopping streets. And, as if that wasn’t enough, the Lockmeadow General Market has up to 100 stalls every Tuesday and Saturday, offering bargains galore. Food outlets are many, with Marks and Spencer, Sainsburys and Somerfield within the town centre and Tesco and Waitrose just outside.

A centre such as this naturally offers many and varied opportunities for leisure and entertainment of an enviable standard. Enjoy stage productions of all hues at one of the four town theatres, or catch up on the latest films at the Odeon Multiplex, followed by a meal at your favourite restaurant - choose from Spanish, Italian, Turkish, Chinese, Indian or a host of other options. Round off the evening with dancing at one of the towns trendy nightspots, or a late night drink at one of many bars.

Leisurely pursuits in and around the town are many and varied. The open countryside is breathtaking, with unparalleled views, and the climate in this part of the country, almost continental, encourages a diverse range of crops including grapes, hops and even olives and peaches, all adding to the beauty of the landscape. Leeds Castle, reputed to be one of the loveliest castles in the world, is within easy reach; alternatively, a fascinating afternoon can be spent exploring the many local historic buildings, or enjoying a browse through the highly rated town museum and art gallery. For the more energetic, Mote Park, a light stroll from The Point, has over 500 acres of open public space, with a lake, pitch and putting green, together with a well equipped leisure centre; ideal for gentle or strenuous exercise. County cricket can be watched here. Golf is a popular sport, with 6 courses easily reached.

Halfway between London and Dover, and well served by the M2 and M20 motorways, Maidstone is well placed to offer the London or continental commuter the perfect base from which to travel whilst major roads link the town to Ashford and Folkstone, Hastings, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks. Three railway stations between them provide direct connections to London, Gatwick, Ashford and the Medway Towns, plus a host of other destinations.