Maidstone, the county town of Kent, is becoming more and more popular with tourists and students alike.

The town has benefited from major refurbishment over the last few years, culminating with the building of the new, state of the art, shopping centre - Fremlin Walk.

Maidstone has, at the same time, retained its old-world charm, as anyone taking a stroll through the historic town centre will be able to testify. In the market buildings you will find trendy shops and fashionable boutiques housed under the old arches, alongside stylish cafés and traditional English pubs. In addition, the Chequers Centre offers an array of shops with many of the usual High Street chains represented. There is also the Royal Star Arcade, where the more discerning shopper will find designer outlets, including Karen Millen’s Shop.

Maidstone is home to a wide variety of restaurants and you can quite literally dine around the world, with Indian, French, Italian, Thai and Turkish restaurants represented in the town. Our students always seem to end up in ‘Lashings’, though, the local Mexican restaurant, probably because of the reasonably priced food and relaxed atmosphere.

When it comes to pubs and inns, Maidstone and surrounding villages have few rivals. Picking out a ‘good place for a meal or a drink’ will leave you spoilt for choice. Town pubs tend to go for fun atmosphere, good food and a selection of beer, wines and spirits, while the countryside inns play on their rural charms.

What about the Nightlife, I hear you ask? Maidstone certainly does not fall short here. Every Friday night somewhere in the region of 14,000 visitors are drawn to the town centre, where night owls can party until the small hours at a host of club venues covering the entire spectrum, where DJs like Judge Jules and Pete Tong are frequently featured.

For the film buffs amongst you, the Lockmeadow Complex houses 10 cinemas, alongside the many nightclubs, restaurants and bars within.

The Hazlitt Theatre may be small, but it is buzzing. Many of the best shows from the Edinburgh Festival join the ‘Best of Fest’ season, and the theatre’s intimate ambience is a perfect venue for alternative comedians. Whether it’s music, comedy, drama or even the odd tribute band you like to see, the Hazlitt will be able to entertain you.

If you like to keep fit, and most of our students do, there are plenty of gyms and sports clubs in the area that offer reduced rates for students. Of course, the 17 acres of parkland on the campus are ideal for walking, running and ball games, particularly during the summer. Riding stables are within ten minutes walk from Boxley campus. You can also row or canoe along the river Medway or even sail from the nearby Upnor/Rochester Harbour.

Some students are very active on the social front and recent events include a surfing trip to Cornwall, a Curry night at the School, a mountain climbing trip in the UK and a snowboarding/ski trip.

London is only 50 minutes by rail and trains leave approx. twice hourly. There is also easy access to the coast, the ports of Dover and Folkestone, and the Channel Tunnel.

Like most places – Maidstone it is what YOU make it!

For further information on what Maidstone has to offer, please click here