The European School of Osteopathy has a very warm and friendly atmosphere. Because there are only 240 or so students at the ESO, you will never feel that you are an anonymous face in the crowd. We like our students to feel at home.

Our international reputation attracts applicants from all over the world. The diversity of nationalities represented at the school is what marks us out as a truly cosmopolitan institution with on average 20 different countries represented at the school at any one time. The student body comprises a wide range of people of all ages, and diverse backgrounds.

At Boxley House the setting itself provides a relaxed atmosphere in which to study and our students are able to take full advantage of the extensive grounds and surrounding countryside. Beyond the school Maidstone and the local area provides a wealth of entertainment and interest.

Maidstone

Maidstone, the historic county town of Kent, is located on the River

Medway, approximately 35 miles from London. An inspiring mix of old world charm and modern entertainment, Maidstone has plenty to offer for those living and studying in the town. Walking through the streets of Maidstone you can find plenty of evidence of its rich and colourful past. Stroll through the cobbled stone streets of the Market Buildings, or along Bank Street, and you will get a taste of the town's history, with many buildings dating back to the 15th and 17th centuries.  Just one of the sites worth visiting is the beautiful Archbishop's Palace.  This was built in the 14th centrury for the

Archbishop of Canterbury and hosts a traditional apothecary's herb

garden, which is open to the public.

Shopping

If you like shopping then Maidstone is for you! There are 3 main shopping areas including - Fremlin Walk which has a great mix of clothes shops, cafes, hairdressers and department stores. In addition, The Mall shopping centre offers an array of shops with many of the usual High Street chains represented. There is also the Royal Star Arcade; you will find individual boutiques and designer shops.

Eating and Drinking

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.  Whether you want a quick coffee, a snack or a 3-course meal you will find numerous trendy cafes, restaurants and bars to choose from. Many of our students find weekend and holiday work in the town centre, so don’t be surprised if an ESO student takes your order! 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.

Nightlife

Maidstone is famous for it’s excellent nightlife with thousands of people visiting the town each weekend to visit the nightclubs and bars, which open late and offer a wide variety of music and entertainment. Many London DJ’s travel down each week to perform at the numerous venues in the town.

Theatre and Cinema

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.

Sports and Fitness

If you like to keep fit or take part in sports there are plenty of gyms and sports clubs in the area that offer great team opportunity with many offering reduced rates for students, click here for details of just some of the sports clubs available.

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.

Our students are very active on the social front and recent events include a surfing trip to Cornwall, a mountain climbing trip in the UK and a snowboarding/ski trip. There is also currently a Boot Camp style fitness club taking place on site at Boxley House and belly dancing lessons!  So there really is something for everyone!

Transport Links

Maidstone has excellent transport links both nationally and internationally. The train service to London from Maidstone East takes just 50 minutes and trains leave approximately twice hourly. High Speed rail links at Ebbsfleet and Ashford are just half an hour drive from the town, giving fast train links to London and across Europe.  There is also easy access to the coast, the ports of Dover and Folkestone, and the Channel Tunnel, where you can travel to France in just 35 minutes. Gatwick, London City and Stanstead airports are all within 11/2 hours drive from the town.

For further information on what Maidstone has to offer you may find the following website useful:

www.visitmaidstone.com

www.maidstone.gov.uk