Maidstone Carriage Museum

Type:Museum

Mill Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 6YE

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 24 reviews24 reviews

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Tel01622 602838

Inside Maidstone Carriage Museum

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About

Maidstone Carriage Museum is home to a unique collection of horse-drawn vehicles and transport curiosities. More than 60 vehicles are displayed, from grand carriages and ornate sleighs to antique sedan chairs and Victorian cabs - even an original ice cream cart.


The collection is the legecy of Sir Garrard Tyrwhitt-Drake, local benefactor and mayor who began collecting carriages when he saw that the motor car was forcing the horse-drawn vehicles of his childhood off the road. He advertised for the nucleus of his collection and in 1946 the Museum of Carriages was opened. The collection was the first of its kind and is viewed as the finest in Europe.

The Museum is located in the Archbishops' Stables, built in the 14th century as part of the Archbishops' Palace courtyard.

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Guide Prices

Entry is free but donations welcome

Facilities

Other

  • Educational Visits Accepted
  • Family Fun
  • Indoor Attraction

Provider Preferences

  • In town/city centre

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

5 of 5 stars
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    • Very Good
      3
    • Average
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    Recent Reviews:

    • Adventurers049
      Brisbane, Australia
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      Excellent display of carriages
      5 of 5 stars
      Saturday, 26th August 2023
      What a fantastic collection of carriages and sleds. The exhibition is set over two floors and they are well presented. Well worth a visit. Read full review
    • raymD9393FK
      My second visit some 45 years apart.
      5 of 5 stars
      Saturday, 2nd September 2023
      My second visit to the Carriage Museum, the last time I was around 4 years old and remember standing beside a carriage thinking the wheels are massive! Some 45 years later I finally returned and yup... Read full review
    • Jessica O
      Maidstone, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Solo travel
      Great museum and staff knowledgeable
      5 of 5 stars
      Sunday, 24th September 2023
      After visiting when I was a school many years ago ,I thought I would visit again.Lots of carriages ,horse harness,sledge and old photos .Staff very chatty and knowledgeable. I remember the old Gypsy... Read full review

    Map & Directions

    Opening Times

    2025 opening (6 Apr 2025 - 21 Sept 2025)
    DayTimes
    Monday - FridayClosed
    Saturday11:00 - 16:00
    SundayClosed
    Bank HolidayClosed

    * Seasonal opening - Saturdays only

    The museum can open for group visits all year round by special arrangement. Please contact us for more information.

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