The Old Boat Café

Type:Café

Fairmeadow Tow Path, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 6XG

Add The Old Boat Café to your Itinerary

Happy customers aboard The Old Boat cafe on the River Medway

About

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! 

As you sit, gazing out onto the Medway, on a floating piece of our industrial heritage, you can feel the river breeze on your face and the gentle rocking from the wake of small craft and be surrounded by waterfowl. It doesn't get much better than this as you feel yourself relax and slow to the gentle ebb and flow of river life.

About 80% of the products served in this cafe are locally sourced and there a lots of options for gluten free, vegan and vegetarians alongside food which can be enjoyed by everyone.

 

Book Tickets

Events

Sunday, 2nd June 2024 - Sunday, 2nd June 2024

nature-walk-and-journaling-zabby-allenNature Journalling With Zabby AllenJoin us for a fun-filled morning of nature journalling & zine-making with talented illustrator/nature doodler Zabby Allen! We'll meet at The Old Boat Cafe before heading off to explore a nature trail through Maidstone River Park.
more info

Facilities

Catering

  • Al Fresco Dining

Provider Preferences

  • Al fresco dining - This cafe enjoys a delightful position on the river with chairs and tables next to the tow path in the garden.
  • Dining afloat - You can have your refreshments on board the boat.
  • In town/city centre - This is in the heart of the town centre but on the River Medway.
  • Waterfront

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Road Directions

This boat is not on a road but on the tow path of the River Medway, right in the heart of town.  It is moored between the two main road bridges where there is a garden.  Access can be gained via the pedestrian crossing close to the Kentish Lady moorings and the Archbishop's Palace or via the underpass from Fairmeadow or the lower High Street.

As it is on a cycle route, this is a particularly good way to arrive.

The closest parking can be found in Medway Street, just walk along Fairmeadow under the underpass and you are on the River Path.

Public Transport Directions

This is really easy to reach by bike or boat.

Closest station is Maidstone West.

Alight buses in the High Street or Pudding Lane.

Opening Times

Open Seasonally (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)

* Seasonal opening Spring to Autumn

What's Nearby

  1. The Old Boat Carrying Company

    Discover the River Medway on Lapwing. She is a  traditionally styled narrow boat…

    0.01 miles away
  2. Prison Island Escape Rooms

    Prison Island is an escape room themed attraction and it has a succession of different…

    0.07 miles away
  3. The River Medway

    The River Medway provides the perfect setting to unwind, relax and enjoy the Kent…

    0.08 miles away
  1. River Park Trail - River Medway Nature Trail

    The River Park Nature Trail is a free trail along the River Medway with 20 posts…

    0.09 miles away
  2. Kentish Lady River Cruises

    One hour trip to between Allington and Maidstone
    Three hour trip from Maidstone to Teston…

    0.11 miles away
  3. Junipers

    Great dance floor, live music, dj's, secret events, booth bookings and private hire.

    0.11 miles away
  4. Hire Cruisers - Self-Drive Boat Rental

    Hire Cruisers Ltd offer self-drive hire boat rental on the River Medway. Boats can take…

    0.14 miles away
  5. Maidstone Carriage Museum

    Maidstone Carriage Museum is home to a unique collection of horse-drawn vehicles and…

    0.17 miles away
  6. All Saints Church, Maidstone

    The Parish Church of the county town of Kent was largely built by Archbishop Courtenay…

    0.17 miles away
  7. Maidstone Town Hall

    Maidstone Town Hall is a fine Georgian building originally dated 1763 used as the…

    0.17 miles away
  8. Escape Hub

    Escape Hub variety of rooms; in each of them, the Game Masters allow 60 minutes to decode…

    0.17 miles away
  9. Ballin'

    A new social venue in Maidstone. 

    On Fridays you can party whilst you play with…

    0.17 miles away
  10. VR World

    The Ultimate Virtual Reality Experience in Lockmeadow Maidstone!

    0.17 miles away
  11. Lockmeadow Entertainment Complex

    This exciting entertainment centre offers an 8-screen multiplex Odeon Luxe Cinema,…

    0.19 miles away
  12. Circling the Square Tours and Guided Walks

    A wide variety of tailor made tours of the Kent area.

    0.19 miles away
  13. Brenchley Gardens

    Situated in the town centre between Maidstone East Station and Maidstone Museum,…

    0.2 miles away
Previous Next

Related

View from Lapwing cruising on the River MedwayBig Trip Out on Lapwing, MaidstoneCome out for a trip out on Lapwing our 12 seater narrowboat. She is designed to be used as a relaxing space to enjoy the surroundings whilst also having the privacy of the hold feeling like your private space to observe river life. On Sunny days she will be open and on less favourable days we can…

Cream Tea at The Old Boat CaféCream Tea Tour on Lapwing, Maidstone We think we have found the perfect way to enjoy one of the Old Boat Cafes Cream teas. What better way to enjoy cruising from Urban town centre location to the peaceful countryside of East Farleigh than by eating a Sultana scone with Wye Valley Strawberry Jam and Clotted cream! Teamed with local…

Sunset on the River Medway with the Archbishop's Place of Maidstone on the right.Sunset Cruise on Lapwing, MaidstoneExperience the magical time of day where the river calms and nature begins to recapture the river. We will set off from town centre and watch the transition from Urban to country. We will stop and capture photograph opportunities in Allington and at the lock. We will then turn and make our way…

Lapwing approaching Maidstone Town Centre with heritage sites to the right and refections in the river.Special Occasion River Trip, MaidstoneOur special occasion River trip is the ultimate way to celebrate your special occasion. Our skipper and crew member will take you on narrowboat Lapwing so you can see the sights and sounds of river life. Sitting in the hold of the boat on sturdy bench seats make all guests young and old feel safe…

Ratings & Reviews

Powered By

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss