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1hr Return Trips departing from and returning to Maidstone
We recommend Pre-Booking by phone or email before you come, we will allow walk ups on the day prior to departure subject to pre-booked numbers - Pay On Board.
These trips will start in Maidstone from our mooring at the rear of The Archbishops Palace, we WILL be dropping off Allington Lock/Malta Inn, however you can only start your journey from Maidstone, pick ups from the Malta Inn will be for customers with a return ticket only until further notice.
See the 1hr Trips page for Prices & Timings
2hr Fish & Chips Supper Cruises 19:00 – 21:00
Thursday Evenings August & September - Starting from Maidstone and running between Allington and East Farleigh Locks with commentary plus complimentary tea/coffee/water, Pre-Book only – Minimum age 16
3hr Lunch/Supper Cruise 12:00-15:00 or 18:00-21:00 - Subject to an initial group booking of 20+ we run daytime and evening cruises, catering for coach parties, societies, small groups and individuals. Pre-book only - minimum age 16
Allington Castle Cruise (Including entry to the castle grounds) 13:30-16:00 - Subject to minimum number we will run an excursion to Allington Castle on Tuesday afternoons in August & September 2020. Pre-book only - minimum age 16
For prices and Pre-Booking which is highly recommended – Call 01622 753740 to avoid disappointment.
Departure from: Archbishops Palace. Maidstone
During September special trips to East Farleigh have been arranged with a Fish and Chip supper.
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Fantastic river boat trips and excursions for families, groups and individuals on the River Medway taking in the picturesque Kent countryside.
Trips
(See below for more details)
Our 1hr trips are perfect if you are visiting Maidstone for a shopping trip or heading up to the fantastic Kent Life Heritage Farm Park at Allington Lock, a trip on the Kentish Lady will certainly add a totally different element to your day. At weekends and school holidays the boat runs 1hr round trips (one way available) between Maidstone town centre and Allington Lock/Kent Life Heritage Farm Park. You can start your journey at either Maidstone or Allington and if required the boat can drop you off at Maidstone’s beautiful Whatman Park.
**The 1hr trips do not need to be booked in advance and all ages are welcome**
Peaceful and relaxing our 3 hour cruises with food are great for adult days out and ideal for groups.
The Kentish Lady’s 3 hour lunch or supper cruises run weekdays from April to October and go up-river to Teston via Farleigh Lock with either a picnic box or fish and chips.
** The 3hr cruises must me booked in advance and have a minimum age limit of 16**
New for 2018 is the Allington Castle Cruise
This is an exclusive and very special cruise available on a Tuesday afternoon from Easter until October. The Kentish Lady departs from Maidstone and travels down the River Medway to Allington Castle where visitors disembark on a guided tour with Allington Castle staff to explore the grounds and gardens, the courtyards, the Great Hall and it’s amazing history. Tea will be served on re-embarkation and travel back to Maidstone. The cruise is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
** This cruises must be booked in advance and have a minimum age limit of 16**
Private Hire of the Kentish Lady
The Kentish Lady can also be hired privately for your wedding reception, special occasion or social event.
About the Kentish Lady River Boat Trips
The Kentish Lady departs from the heart of Maidstone’s and travels at a speed which allows you to take in the beauty of the countryside. Cruise and trips include on-board commentary which will point out some of the interesting and historic castles and palaces, bridges, churches and villages along the route, the different seasons bring changing scenery and wildlife on the river, so no two trips are the same.
The Kentish Lady’s is easily accessible and wheelchair friendly, there is coach drop off point approx. 200 metres away and disabled parking is available in Palace Avenue, next to Maidstone Carriage Museum or at the Lockmeadow Car Park behind the Court House, both of which are a short walk from docking point.
On board facilities
Onboard the boat there is fully licensed bar which is popular with evening bookings but also provides teas and coffees during your trip or cruise.
Quay side facilities
At the Maidstone mooring/ticket office the Kentish Lady also operates a refreshments kiosk with tables and chairs where you can enjoy ice-creams and snacks while waiting for the boat. If you are looking for a meal then Private day and evening charter also available. Licensed bar. All cruises must be booked in advance.
All cruises and trips are seasonal and subject to river and weather conditions.
Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
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1hr return trip - Adult | £8.50 per ticket |
1hr return trip - Child | £4.00 per ticket |
1hr return trip - Concession | £6.50 per ticket |
3hr cruise inc. picnic box | £25.00 per ticket |
Family Ticket | £22.00 per ticket |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
A coach drop off point is close by outside the Archbishop's Palace in Mill Street on the A229. Coach parking can be found in Sittingbourne Road.
If you are coming by car then Palace Avenue Car Park is the closest but is quite small and sometimes its hard to find a space there. However, Lockmeadow has a huge car park and is very rarely at capacity. It is then possible to talk a delightful walk over the Millennium Footbridge and a short but lovely walk along the River Medway to the departure point.
The closest Railway Station is Maidstone West. When you come out of the station go down the hill towards the river. Walk over the bridge and down the sloping river path to the departure point.
From Maidstone East Station. Come out of the station into Station Road. Head toward the park (Brenchley Gardens) and you will see a footpath with blue railing to the righthand side. Follow the blue railings. Just before you go over the bridge take the steps down to the river, walk along the river until you get to the Kentish Lady's mooring.
From Maidstone East Station an alternative route is across the town, full of cafés, shops and restaurants. Take any of the roads down hill to the river. When you reach the River turn left towards the Archbishops Palace.
If you are coming by bus, the bus depot is underneath The Mall Shopping Centre. Go through the shopping centre and take the escalator to the lowest level. Turn left out of the doors, turn right and walk past a garage and the Mill Pond, cross Mill Street (2 crossings) to the Archbishops' Palace into the gardens and walk down to the river.
2021 Opening (1 Jan 2021 - 31 Dec 2021) |
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2021 Opening (1 Jan 2021 - 31 Dec 2021) |
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* For the summer of 2020 one hour trips are departing on Wednesdays, Saturadays and Sundays. Booking for 2021 - 3 hour trips from April to October during weekdays. 1 hour round trip Weekends and school holidays. Private hire - April to Christmas. See website for full details.
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