Adventure and Outdoor

Maidstone is rich in clubs and facilities for a wide range of sports and interests, and boasts many picturesque locations for walking, horse-riding, golfing, fishing, boating....

Mote Park is home to a large lake for fishing. Permits for fishing cost £6.50 per day and can be purchased from Nick's Tackle Exchange or Maidstone Angling Centre. It is also home to Mote Park Watersport Centre where you can try your hand at sailing, rowing or canoeing. Look out for the many events in Mote Park during the summer months, from festivals to funfairs.

Horse Riding

There are several horse riding schools offering both private and group lessons: Horseshoes Riding School, Lower Bell Riding School, at East Farleigh and Squirrels Riding School on Bluebell Hill.

Tennis

Tennis courts are available to hire at Clare Park, South Park, and Pendenden Heath. Tickets can be purchased in person from the park attendant. There are also tennis courts at the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel and the Tudor Park, Marriott Hotel & Country Club for the use of their guests.

Bowling

Clare Park Bowling Club welcomes non-members so you can turn up and 'Pay and Play'. Contact Clare Park Bowls Club through their facebook page.

Walking

Enjoy the great outdoors with one of many countryside walks or riverside walks. The town centre also offers great walking opportunities too. Follow the Historic Walk around the town or take a walk along the river.  It is impossible to get lost as you walk along the river as it is right next to you and runs through the centre of town.

Maidstone Ramblers welcome all those who enjoy walking and organise over 200 walks annually including family walks, half or full day and more demanding walks. Check out our what's on for listings of guided walks.  Medway Valley Countryside Partnership also organise walks but are a little less frequent than the Maidstone Ramblers but oftent take in wildlife experiences.

Cycling

For those who prefer to explore the Kent countryside on two wheels, there are some great cycling routes around Maidstone. Adventurous cyclists will appreciate the challenge offered by the North Downs Way and the Pilgrims Way, which can be ridden in full, or tackled in sections with lots of easy access points along the way. Alternatively, Mote Park and Maidstone River Park offer a family-friendly, traffic-free cycling experience.

If that all sounds like hard work, why not try an electric bike instead? You ride an electric bike the same way as you would a normal bike, except you have the optional motor that kicks in when you pedal, making climbing hills easy! Whatever bike you ride, Explore Kent has further details of local cycle routes, with downloadable maps and directions.

Adventure Parks

Go Ape Forest Adventure at Leeds Castle is the perfect adrenalin rush if you want to swing through the trees like Tarzan.  Mote Park Outdoor Adventure has some challenging high rope climbs and climbing wall, which can be enjoyed by those looking for a bit of a challenge.