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From Tonbridge in the north, past Maidstone to Allington lock in the south, nestles one of England’s most beautiful navigable rivers.
A popular destination for river craft, the Medway Navigation also offers residents and visitors a well-tended public footpath along its entire 29km (18 miles) length.
A working towpath dating back to the 1700s, the path now makes for an idyllic stroll through the Kentish countryside, with everything to see from historic warehouses and wharves, hop gardens and oast houses, to the pill boxes of World War Two. All against the backdrop of a rich tapestry of wildlife in and out of the water.
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Now run by the Environment Agency, this navigable (non-tidal) river has 11 locks, easy to access car parks, campsites, and popular cafés including The Little Old Toll House at Allington Lock.
The Environment Agency are going to great lengths to continuously improve the river and its surroundings for people and wildlife.
Shaun Gage, a Navigation Officer who started with the team in 2021 tells us:
“Just over the last year we have created several wildflower meadows, and planted over 2000 saplings including hawthorns, hazels and wild cherries. 20 new crab apples trees at Allington lock island will now provide early pollen for bees and other insects and fruit for migrant and resident birds during winter. We have also planted native Kentish fruit trees at all the lock sites which we hope users of the Medway path will be able to enjoy as they mature”.
And it doesn’t stop there. The team, headed by Navigation Team Leader Jason Adams, are also striving for the Medway navigation to become carbon neutral. They are phasing out all their fossil fuel driven mowers, trimmers, pole saw and chain saws with battery powered machinery, and their small team of officers now use e-bikes to travel whilst working along the length of the navigation.
So, if you are wondering what to do with the kids this weekend, or simply want to enjoy all that our beautiful county has to offer, pay the Medway navigation a visit. And if you haven’t been in a while, maybe pencil in another visit – you might be surprised by all the wonders awaiting you.
Visit www.therivermedway.co.uk to find out more.
Check out a lot more for your enjoyment along the way by checking VisitMaidstone.com, where you will find cafés, restaurants, pubs, attractions, picnic spots, and wildlife information along the way.
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The Old Boat offers the most fantastic range of coffees and locally sourced, organic food. Uber child-friendly too! The original boatman's cabin offers a tantalising glimpse into the fascinating life of the family who once worked this horse-drawn boat. Kids will love it!
A glorious little café, right beside Allington Lock. Sit under the trees on the lock side in the shade or out in the sun. There is no indoor seating but the outside is so lovely.
This exciting entertainment centre offers an 8-screen multiplex Odeon Luxe Cinema, Hollywood Bowl 10 pin bowling, Gravity Trampolining, Urban Golf, a gym, "The Feathers" a family friendly pub and Frankie and Benny's. Brand new is the food court at Lockmeadow which is known as Love Food @ Lockmeadow, where you will find a huge variety of street food from around the globe, Jamaican, Thai, Stateside Street Food, world influenced Superfoods, gourmet burgers, cocktails, coffee and bakery, and fine dining with a street food twist.
Love Food @ Lockmeadow features communal dining selling global inspired street food within a collection of eight independent food and drink producers.
Kent Life is a vibrant and fun destination with whole host of family friendly attractions across its 28 acre site, offering a great day out for everyone. Whether you want to learn about Kent history, get up close with farm animals, or simply burn off some steam, this is a great place to be. Each season brings something new and exciting things to the farm, so whatever time of year you chose to visit, there is always something different to discover. Kent Life features the only working coal-fired Oast House which is fired up in the autumn for drying hops and the traditional process of beer making begins. There are also lots of family friendly farm animals, play and picnic areas, a wonderful vintage tea room and historic houses and buildings
One hour trip to between Allington and Maidstone Three hour trip from Maidstone to Teston via East Farleigh Locks Exclusive Tuesday afternoon Cruise to Allington Castle
Hire Cruisers Ltd offer self-drive hire boat rental on the River Medway. Boats can take up to 6 passengers and are beautifully appointed with nautical themes.
Maidstone Museum is an exceptional regional museum housed in the gorgeous Chillington Manor, an Elizabethan manor house. Come and discover the hidden gems in the collections, which boast a rich and impressive variety of historical objects, fine art and natural history.
The River Park Nature Trail is a free trail along the River Medway with 20 posts presenting the surrounding wildlife. There are zinc plaques for children to create wax crayon rubbings.
Maidstone River Park was one of a lasting legacy of projects, funded in part by the National Lottery to celebrate the new Millennium. The park is a 12km walk along the River Medway from Teston Country Park through Maidstone’s town centre, to Allington and Kent Life.
Extensive fleet of Canadian Canoes, SUP's, Motor Boats and Kayaks for hire. 16 miles of non-tidal river explore.
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