With Christmas over and the festive cheer ebbing away, New Year celebrations provide one last chance to get together with those closest to you for a big party. Welcoming in the New Year, and bidding farewell to the old, always brings out the best party atmosphere, uniting people from all backgrounds in a celebration of fresh hopes for the coming year. Whether it’s joining a rousing rendition of Robert Burns’ Auld Lang Syne, revelling in magnificent fireworks displays, or simply raising a toast to the striking of the clock at midnight, New Year’s Eve is a great night out for everyone.

New Year in Maidstone provides a host of events and activities to enjoy, with many venues across the borough providing you with a chance to bid goodbye to 2016 and welcome 2017 with a bang. From pubs and clubs to restaurants and fireworks displays, you can pick your form of celebration for December 31, and join the crowds for a magnificent night of celebration and entertainment.

New Year’s Eve events

We’re delighted to provide you with details of just a few New Year’s Eve events happening throughout Maidstone. Regardless of age and interest, you’re almost certain to find something to suit you this New Year in Maidstone. And, even if you’re not one for heading out on the town, there’s always the option of staying home with loved ones, curling up in front of the television, and watching events unfold from the comfort of home. Failing that, you can always have an early night!

Leeds Castle

Where to begin with New Year celebrations than Leeds Castle? Starting with Champagne in the castle library followed by a tour of the castle, a magnificent four-course meal followed by live music and fireworks, what better way to see in the New Year than by heading to one of the region’s most compelling and popular attractions.

Auld Lang Syne lyrics

For those with a sense of tradition, we thought it would be helpful to provide lyrics to the seasonal classic, Auld Lang Syne. Written by Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1788, and featuring passages from poems and songs from years earlier, it has become standard for English speakers everywhere to join in a rendition as soon as the clock strikes midnight and shepherds in the New Year.

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne?

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup!
and surely I’ll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand my trusty friend!
And give me a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

What are your plans for New Year's Eve in Maidstone this year? Do you have traditions you always follow, or perhaps you're trying something new for 2016? Let us know what you have planned to say farewell to the past 12 months.

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About the author

Michael is a member of the marketing team at Visit Maidstone and is an experienced writer. He has a passion for history and cinema, and likes nothing more than combining the two. View more by Michael.

Love is in the air and it’s time to spoil those you care about most with a romantic Valentine’s Day treat. But what can you plan for Valentine’s Day in Maidstone this year? A bunch of flowers or a box of chocolates is no longer enough when those around you are making grand gestures and sharing across social media. And, while a trip to Paris or New York, or even the grandest of all romantic gifts – a sparkling diamond ring – may be beyond your means, you want to do something extra special and different from the rest.

At Visit Maidstone, we’ve taken a look into some of the best options for Valentine’s Day in Maidstone, and provided a few suggestions to ensure your day is truly unforgettable. Take a look at the options below and get your plans for Valentine’s Day in Maidstone in order.

Wildlife Heritage Foundation

For something truly different, book your place at the Wildlife Heritage Foundation in Smarden for a Valentine’s Day dinner among the glorious Kent countryside and some of nature’s most impressive creatures. A perfect combination of fine dining, sparkling champagne, and an overnight stay in one of the intimate on-site lodges, this romantic retreat also features guided walking tours of and the chance to hand feed some of the big cats resident at the sanctuary.

Prices for this romantic Valentine’s weekend begin at £850 per lodge, and include a complimentary bottle of champagne in each lodge.

Valentine’s Weekend at Castle View Restaurant

Nothing beats a spectacular view to add to the romance of an occasion and, when it comes to heading out in the South East, few venues offer quite such a breathtaking vista as the Castle View Restaurant at Leeds Castle. Spend a romantic evening enjoying fine wine and a specially devised menu, and soak up the atmosphere from one of the region’s most auspicious attractions.

Prices for a Valentine’s Day meal at the Castle View Restaurant start at £35 per person.

Valentine's Day Wheel Throwing

Who can forget the iconic scene from 1990’s ‘Ghost’ with Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore at the pottery wheel? Well, now’s your chance to relive that scene with your significant other… well, kind of. This Art of Mine is hosting enjoyable pottery sessions that enable you to create your very own message of love on a plaque. Who knows, maybe ‘Unchained Melody’ will even be playing in the background for some added romance.

Prices for the Valentine’s Dat Wheel Throwing at This Art of Mine are £40 per couple.

Let us know your plans

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day in Maidstone this year? Do you have something booked already, or are you just going to wing it on the day? Let us know what you have planned in the comments section below.

Planning a visit to Maidstone, whether for a day, a week, or even longer, means being able to carefully plan an itinerary that packs in everything you want to see and do, without missing the key attractions. Of course, one of the most important parts of planning any getaway is being able to find the best places to eat, drink, and have fun.

Across Maidstone, the range of restaurants, cafes, gastropubs, diners, and takeaways covers almost every taste and every budget. From traditional Kentish fare featuring the very best in local produce, to continental and international cuisine to ignite the tastebuds, there is the opportunity to savour a different style of meal on every night of your visit. Whether it’s vegetarian cooking or something that looks like it came straight from the menu of a Masterchef finalist, eating out in Maidstone is a great affair.

But don’t just take our word for it. Get out and about to some of the very best places to eat in Maidstone and leave us details on your favourites below.

Fortify Cafe

Address: 32 High Street, Maidstone, ME14 1JF
Cuisine: Vegetarian/vegan

One of the most popular offerings in all of Maidstone, Fortify Café may well be small in stature, but has a magnificent reputation among diners. It’s not always easy for vegetarians and vegans to find a dining selection as varied as that on offer at Fortify Café and, for those that have a wheat, gluten, or dairy intolerance, it’s harder even still. Home-cooked from fresh, local ingredients, Fortify Café really does provide a dining experience to remember.

The Mulberry Tree

Address: Hermitage Lane, Boughton Monchelsea, Maidstone, ME17 4DA
Cuisine: Contemporary British/European

Set in the village of Boughton Monchelsea on the outskirts of Maidstone, the wonderful Mulberry Tree restaurant offers exceptional cuisine in a delightful location surrounding by Kentish countryside. Having a prestigious, award-winning reputation, the contemporary cuisine fuses modern British and European styles, and makes use of fresh, organic ingredients from local suppliers. Also featuring an extensive wine list – with many offerings from local vineyards – a single meal at the Mulberry Tree will reveal precisely why the restaurant has developed such an illustrious reputation.

Mu Mu

Address: 108-110 Week Street, Maidstone, ME14 1RH
Cuisine: Modern

For something altogether different in your dining experience, a visit to Mu Mu on Week Street provides a sense of theatre to any meal. Imaginative in presentation, unique in style, and adopting a ‘molecular’ approach to the development of dishes, the food served at Mu Mu is as opulent and creative as the surroundings in which you dine. What’s more, the magnificent selection of cocktails to be enjoyed alongside your food ensures that each and every meal served promises to be an experience to remember.

The Bull at Linton

Address: Linton Hill, Linton, Maidstone, ME17 4AW
Cuisine: Traditional

If you value location as highly as you do food, few places offer such a breathtaking setting as the Bull at Linton. The views from the decked garden, gazing out across fields of traditional Kent countryside, and an authentic pub feel in a building that dates back to the 16th century, the Bull at Linton provides time-honoured pub fare that is complemented by a truly magnificent backdrop. From a Sunday carvery to light snacks, a cosy restaurant to bites at the bar, lunch or dinner at the Bull at Linton ensures a taste of Kentish life for all visitors.

Castle View Restaurant

Address: Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL
Cuisine: Traditional

No review of dining opportunities in Maidstone would be complete with mention of the Castle View Restaurant. Offering an exceptional dining experience in full view of the ‘Loveliest Castle in the World’, the restaurant prides itself on enabling the quality of the locally sourced produce used to shine through in every meal prepared. From the tender lamb of the South Downs, to the crisp, fresh vegetables, Kentish ice cream, and local cheeses of the surrounding regions, you can be assured that the only thing more enchanting than the castle views will be the gastronomic delights in front of you.

Do you have a favourite restaurant or place to dine in Maidstone? Perhaps you can help others enjoy a magnificent meal during their time in the region. Let us know your favourite dining experiences in the comments selection below.

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About the author

Michael is a member of the marketing team at Visit Maidstone and is an experienced writer. He has a passion for history and cinema, and likes nothing more than combining the two. View more by Michael.

Remember, remember the fifth of November…

Bonfire Night represents one of those times of the year that brings everyone together to marvel at something truly unforgettable. As the chill of autumn gives way to the cold of winter, the illumination of the skies above ensures a memorable evening with those you love. As one of the most traditional celebrations of the year, being able to enjoy the celebrations of November 5 is key. Of course, finding the very best Bonfire Night celebrations to enjoy is all-important to keeping those chills at bay, with displays none more popular than the Leeds Castle fireworks display.

Each year, the Leeds Castle fireworks spectacular provides a magnificent display of colourful entertainment, with the event marking the famed Gunpowder Plot – and legacy of lead conspirator Guy Fawkes – celebrated with a magnificent display of colour and sound.

Leeds Castle fireworks 2015

The Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular of 2015 promises to deliver the biggest and best display across the South East. Featuring live music from Adam Chandler, a variety of stalls service hot food and refreshments, and music and scenes from famous cinematic works projected onto the side of the castle to complement the overhead display.

Supported by Heart FM, the Leeds Castle fireworks display of 2015 will prove the perfect evening of entertainment for all ages. Ticket can be purchased online or via the Box Office on 01622 880008, with prices from £19 for adults, £12.50 for children aged four to 15. Children under four can attend for free.

Find out more about the Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular at VisitMaidstone.com today.

Finding myself at a loose end one Saturday, I decided to take my Mum for a day out. As we hopped in the car and headed for Leeds Castle, it dawned on me that, despite having lived in Kent almost all my life, I’d never actually been inside this iconic building. I’d driven past it plenty of times and even cycled through the grounds once or twice, but that was as close as I’d got… until now.

We were guided to a parking space not too far from the entrance and, once we’d navigated our way through the ticket office, we entered the beautifully arranged gardens where elegant, formal landscaping combines seamlessly with natural features.

Life in the Leeds Castle gardens

The gardens offer far more than just flora to discover. Barbary geese and ducks were out in force near the pond, waiting expectantly for the next feed (in fact, pots of bird seed were available to purchase in the ticket office, but we decided they were probably getting enough already, it being the summer holidays and all). Still, while admiring the black swans and gradually being surrounded by geese, we also spotted a pea hen with three chicks; since neither of us had ever seen a baby peacock before, we spent some time watching and photographing them, as much to their intrigue as our own.

We eventually pulled ourselves away from this fairytale scene, following the footpath through the garden. Wide and reasonably level, the pathway makes for an easy walk and, following a slight detour to discover the sound of running water, we arrived at the main entrance to the castle. It’s worth noting that turning left through the remains of the old mill and onto a footpath around the moat enables you to enjoy some of the best views of the whole castle.

Heading back to the entrance, we went into the Gatehouse exhibition, which gives a brief history of the castle from its earliest days right up to the present – including a very useful interactive video showing all the different phases of building and rebuilding.

Stepping into history

The entrance to the main building is accessed via a path alongside the moat. There were a few uneven steps to negotiate, and quite a lot of bird droppings, but we soon arrived in the oldest part of the castle – the 12th-century cellar, which is still full of wooden barrels (although I suspect the contents are long gone!).

Upstairs, the first room is given over to a complete history of the castle, putting the building into context with the wider political and social landscape, and explaining how each of the previous owners has left their mark. We then followed the tour around the rooms. Most memorable were Lady Baillie’s bathroom (lots of marble and glitz), and Henry VIII’s banqueting hall, which was laid out for a wedding reception on the day of our visit.

Retail therapy

Of course, no trip to a historic building is complete without a visit to the shop and, as we emerged from the castle, we headed straight for the one next to the Gatehouse. A delightful array of goodies awaited us, including some lovely jewellery and home décor, alongside scrummy sweets, biscuits, and alcoholic drinks. We were both surprised at the reasonable prices – nothing felt over-priced and it all appeared to be good value.

With purchases in hand, we set off to check out the catering facilities as our stomachs were telling us it was well past lunchtime. We wandered alongside the Great Water towards the main café and restaurant, which looked pleasant but was a little busy. Then we spotted a sign for the Maze Café, so we decided to head in that direction and see if it was any quieter.

This took us through the Culpeper Garden, which was full of low box hedges and cottage garden plants. Emerging from the gardens, we spotted the café and were delighted to find plenty of seating outside and no queue at the tills. Once again, we were surprised at the prices and opted for the £4 lunch box option, including a doorstep of a sandwich, a packet of crisps and a drink (hot or cold).

We passed a very agreeable 40 minutes or so sitting outside the café, eating lunch and watching all the children playing in the Squires Courtyard playground.

Flights of fancy

By happy coincidence, we finished our lunch just as the free falconry display was about to start, so we wandered over to the display ground and found a spot on the grass to sit and enjoy the show. First up was Mozart, an eagle owl with a tendency to fall asleep during performances apparently, although he behaved himself impeccably while we were there! Then there was a young owl that was still learning what to do with his legs when in flight, and finally a Harris Hawk called Brock. An old pro at performing, he was almost ahead of himself at times!

The show lasted about 45 minutes and was really informative - it’s always a treat to watch birds of prey in flight. When it finished, we decided it was time to head for home, so we followed the edge of the Great Water back to the Gatehouse. Having done a fair amount of walking already, we opted to take the land train back to the entrance. Just 50p each and five minutes later, we were back at the car and heading home.

All in all, Leeds Castle offers a most enjoyable day for anyone. The weather had been kind – sunny but not too hot – and, although the car park had certainly filled up, we hadn’t felt overcrowded. But then, with 500 acres of grounds, that’s probably not surprising!

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About the author

Ann-Marie is part of the marketing team at Visit Maidstone. She studied archaeology at Southampton University and has a particular passion for historic buildings. View more by Ann-Marie.

Maidstone borough, much like many areas of Kent, is rich in culture, with a great array of attractions to suit even the most discerning tourist. And, regardless of whether your passion is history or nature, shopping or entertainment, there is no end to the myriad opportunities for discovery during your time in the region.

For those with a penchant for uncovering the charms of yesteryear, or indulging in the grandeur of times past, the many castles and historic houses of Maidstone offer a fascinating insight into the many residents that have graced the borough over the centuries. Below, we focus on the best castles in Maidstone, and take a detailed look at some of the most iconic and impressive structures that decorate the lands of this intriguing region.

Leeds Castle

Known globally as the ‘loveliest castle in the world’, Leeds Castle is as iconic an attraction to be found as anywhere in the UK. Offering a fantastic day out for history buffs, family travellers, and anyone with an appreciation in nature, Leeds Castle offers an abundance of activities and events to complement the sheer magnificence of the structure and grounds.

Set in over 500 acres of spectacular parkland, and packed with nine centuries of history, the majesty of Leeds Castles has few peers. The castle was once the palace of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, while the legacy of the castle since the first bricks were laid by William the Conqueror’s son ensures that tourists and scholars continue to flock to the attraction year in, year out.

While the history and grandeur of Leeds Castle is evident on even the briefest tour of the building, much acclaim for Leeds Castle is afforded to the magnificent grounds – not least the popular maze. Consisting of 2,400 yew trees, and with an underground grotto of macabre scenes and mythical beasts crafted from wood and shells, this fantastic labyrinth continues to confound and entertain visitors of all ages.

Also of note at Leeds Castle is the number of unforgettable events that happen on site throughout the year. From classical open air concerts to activity days designed for children, the calendar of events is packed and offers something for all. Of particular interest in 2015, meanwhile, is the new flagship attraction known as ‘The Dark Sky’. This fascinating event commemorates the 600^th anniversary of the Battle of Agincourt – the height of which saw the sky clouded by the longbow-men who fired arrows relentlessly towards French invaders.

Thurnham Castle

For something slightly less grand but with a legacy stretching back to the 12^th century, Thurnham Castle on the edge of the North Downs features a history of rich fascination relating to some of the most famous names of the Middle Ages.

Constructed from flint and with extensive ruins providing an insight into how the structure would’ve been during its heyday, Thurnham Castle’s origins tie in to the period when Richard the Lionheart headed to the Holy Land during the Crusades. Alongside him rode Stephen and Robert de Thurnham, the latter of which would be afforded the title commander of the English fleet and would arrange for the construction of the castles whose remains can be seen today.

According to legend, Robert de Thurnham would never return from the Crusades, leading to the castle to enter a period of decay that would lead to its current state today. Since acquired by the Council, preservation of Thurnham Castle has been key, and the site today welcomes visitors to the borough who are fascinating by the enduring appeal and story of the castle’s origin.

Discover the castles of Maidstone

In addition to the captivating appeal of Leeds Castle and the historic importance of the remains in Thurnham, Maidstone features a host of other attractions that recall past eras of rich intrigue. Take the time to discover the many historic sites of the Maidstone borough during your time in the region, and enjoy uncovering the culture and heritage that is as enduring as it is fascinating.

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About the author

Michael is a member of the marketing team at Visit Maidstone and is an experienced writer. He has a passion for history and cinema, and likes nothing more than combining the two. View more by Michael.