Maidstone River Park

About

Maidstone River Park is a 12km walk along the River Medway from Teston Country Park through Maidstone’s town centre, to Allington and Kent Life. This year the park celebrates 25 years with a host of events and activities. (see below)

The River Medway is the heart of this watery scene and the Maidstone River Park website explains its history, the features along the route and what you and do and see along this surprisingly quiet backwater.

A cycle path has been created on the stretch from Barming to Aylesford. It follows the route of the river most of the way and is fun and easy to use. There are a number of very good refreshment stops along the route, the Railway at East Farleigh, and a number of food and drink options at Lockmeadow. There are lots of options in Maidstone town centre close to the route. At Allington Lock you will find the Malta Inn and The Little Old Toll House. This is a glorious waterside route away from busy roads. A map of the cycle ride can found here Tow Path .

The route includes the 18-acre Whatman Park, a natural landscape of woodland, wildflower meadow and islands nature reserve with rest and play areas, and the Riverstage open-air performance area. All just ten minutes away from the town centre.

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Celebrating 25 Years

Maidstone River Park was one of a lasting legacy of projects, funded in part by the National Lottery, to celebrate the new Millennium. It turned the banks of this important natural resource into a 12km linear park with free access for everyone. The Millennium project introduced three nationally acclaimed pedestrian bridges, more than 1,500 new trees and, in Maidstone, a rose trail and an amphitheatre.

The River Park project started in 1998 and was completed in 2001, after some of the worst floods in living memory. It would not have been realised without the substantial support of the Millennium Commission, Maidstone Borough Council, Kent County Council, the Environment Agency, the Maidstone Trust and numerous companies, trusts, schools, clubs and individuals throughout Kent.

Maidstone River Park was the largest Millennium project in the south-east, outside of London. The 25th anniversary in 2026 provides an opportunity to rediscover the river park and celebrate the project’s legacy, bringing together the community that helped to create it all those years ago. 

A host of events and activities are being planned throughout the year to mark the anniversary. Check back regularly to see what's coming up in and around the River in 2026.