MAIDSTONE
A large town that sits astride the River Medway. It has expanded out over the last two centuries with some previously small nearby villages becoming suburbs of the town. Suburbs such as Barming and Allington to the west and Penenden Heath to the north are locations you will see in print but separate information is not provided in this brochure.
RETAIL AND LEISURE.
The town centre has good range of shops and eateries. It is also a good source of employment. There is a leisure centre where you will find cinemas, ten pin bowling and a David Lloyd Centre. The town’s swimming baths are located at Mote Park. Mote Park is a 450 acre park with a large lake and sports grounds and frequently hosts concerts, fairs and other entertainment.
TRANSPORT.
The town centre has two railway stations, one on a ‘link’ line and the other offering services to London Victoria. The M20 motorway runs to the north of the town offering access to Ashford and the coast to the east and London and the M25 to the west.
SCHOOLS.
Maidstone has a good range of schools for all ages including grammar schools.
AYLESFORD VILLAGE
Aylesford lies about four miles to the north west of Maidstone. It is an historic village with a quaint single lane High Street featuring several picturesque and listed period properties. It straddles the tidal part of the River Medway and is home to Aylesford Priory founded by the Carmelite order of monks.
TRANSPORT.
It has a railway station on a “link” line. The A20 and M20 (J5) are easily accessible. The M2 motorway is to the north (J3 about three miles).
SCHOOLS.
Aylesford has a primary school as well as the Aylesford School and Sixth Form College for secondary education. RETAIL. There are limited shopping facilities in the village but a major super market and retail park are nearby at Quarry Wood/ Preston Hall.
BEARSTED
Bearsted lies about two miles to the east of Maidstone. It is broadly divided into two areas of development and offers a wide range of facilities. The traditional village of Bearsted lies north of the A20 Ashford Road with modern development around its conservation areas and the village green. There are a large number of listed properties in the area.
To the south of the Ashford Road lie several developments, the largest being Madginford neighbourhood, largely constructed in the 1960’s. Nearby will be found Mote Park which has 450 acres of parkland, playing fields and a large lake plus a park and ride facility.
TRANSPORT.
There is easy access to the M20 motorway (J7 and 8) and the village has a main line station offering services to London Victoria and Ashford International.
SCHOOLS.
There is a range of infant, primary and junior schools in the area. There is a range of secondary and grammar schools in Maidstone.
RETAIL.
Local shops and facilities will be found near the village green, at the Yeoman on the A20 and the parade on the Madginford Estate. A large Tesco is at Weavering about 1.5 miles.
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