Embark on a one-day journey through the heart of Maidstone, where history and beauty intertwine. Your adventure begins at the iconic Leeds Castle, a stunning fortress surrounded by a picturesque moat, offering you a glimpse into the past with its rich 900-year history. Spend three hours exploring its grand interiors and lush grounds. Next, transition to the tranquility of Westgate Gardens, where two hours of leisurely strolls await among vibrant flower beds and along the calming riverside. Conclude your day with a visit to the awe-inspiring Canterbury Cathedral, a beacon of English Christianity. Here, allocate two hours to marvel at the Gothic architecture and the stories etched within its ancient stones. This compact itinerary is designed to maximize your Maidstone experience, blending the grandeur of castles with the peacefulness of gardens, all within a day's adventure.
Day 1: Majestic Castles and Serene Gardens of Maidstone
Leeds Castle
Begin your Maidstone adventure with a visit to the enchanting Leeds Castle, a historical gem nestled in the countryside. With a stay time of 3 hours, immerse yourself in the castle's rich past as you explore its beautifully preserved rooms and marvel at the artistry of its architecture. The castle, often referred to as 'the loveliest castle in the world', is surrounded by acres of tranquil gardens and water features, offering a picturesque start to your day.
Attraction Info
- Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1PL, United Kingdom
- Suggested tour duration: 3-5 hour
- Open from 1/1-3/31,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 4/1-9/30,10:00am-6:00pm;Open from 10/1-11/23,10:00am-5:00pm，LEEDS CASTLE AND GROUNDS ARE CLOSED ON THE 13TH OF JULY 2024, THE 9TH AND 10TH OF NOVEMBER 2024 AND CHRISTMAS DAY EACH YEAR.
Recommended Nearby Restaurants
Westgate Gardens
After delving into the medieval grandeur of Leeds Castle, continue your journey to the peaceful retreat of Westgate Gardens. Spend 2 hours wandering through the lush, green landscapes and along the banks of the River Stour. These historic gardens provide a serene escape, where you can enjoy the vibrant floral displays, ancient trees, and the charming Westgate Towers that stand guard at the city's entrance.
Attraction Info
- St Peter's St, Canterbury CT1 2BQ, United Kingdom
- Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
- Open from 9:00am-6:00pm
Recommended Nearby Restaurants
Canterbury Cathedral
Conclude your day with a visit to the awe-inspiring Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a beacon of English Christianity. Allot 2 hours to appreciate the cathedral's stunning Gothic architecture, its storied history, and the spiritual ambiance that has attracted pilgrims for centuries. As you walk through the hallowed halls, you'll be stepping on the same stones that have witnessed royal coronations, marriages, and many significant events throughout England's narrative.
Attraction Info
- Cathedral House, 11 The Precincts, Canterbury CT1 2EH, United Kingdom
- Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
- Open on Mon-Sat,9:00am-4:00pm;Open on Sun,11:30am-4:00pm
Top Things to Do in Maidstone-2024
Based on 40,073 reviewEnjoy the iconic panoramic views of the Tower of London, St Pauls and the Shard from the Tower Bridge.
Step onto the Glass Floors, which is 42metres above the River Thames, to feel the london life from a unique perspective.
Explore the historic Engine Rooms, and discover the stories of workers.
The London Tower Bridge is one of London's iconic landmark structures. It is a bascule and suspension bridge that crosses the mighty Thames. It is also a drawbridge, with two bascules that can lift to an angle of 86 degrees to let river traffic to pass.
△ The scenic Tower Bridge.
△ The thrilling Glass Floors.
△ The moment when the Bridge lifts is lauching.
Based on 29,803 review·Admire the 19 magnificent palaces of Buckingham Palace under the auspices of royal members
·Visit the White Drawing Room, the Music Hall, and the Throne Room, andthe designated venue for the coronations of His Majesty the King and the Queen
· Head to the palace’s garden café to enjoy a variety of snacks and enjoy panoramic views of the lake on the lawn
△ During the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, one guard detachment takes over from another guard detachment and then becomes the King's Guard, marching from Wellington Barracks to Buckingham Palace under the accompaniment of music.
△ At the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace, visitors can view ever-changing exhibitions of the Royal Collection, including masterpieces by old painting masters, rare furniture, decorative arts and a large collection of photography.
△ The Royal Mews is one of the most prestigious working stables in the world and is home to the Royal Coaches, Windsor Grays and Cleveland Seahorses.The stable is still responsible for travel transportation for the King and other members of the Royal Family nowadays.
Based on 74,064 reviewThe British Museum is one of the three greatest museums in the world. It features a rich collection of rare works. The museum was the first to display the Rosetta Stone in its Egyptian Hall. The stone stele is inscribed with a decree in three different languages, and was the invaluable key to understanding language and culture in ancient Egypt. In addition, there are more than 23,000 Chinese relics housed here, the likes of which are rare even in Beijing’s Forbidden City.
Based on 24,905 review• Visit the place on the north bank of the Thames where kings were crowned and royal family members held weddings
• Stroll through the British State Burial Mausoleum and visit the resting places of royal family members and legendary figures such as Newton, Darwin, and Churchill
• Explore the magnificent, solemn, and quiet representative of Gothic architecture, and experience the thousand-year history of the majestic church
Westminster Abbey situated on the north bank of the River Thames in London, next to the Houses of Parliament, is a magnificent Royal Catholic Cathedral in the Gothic style, a holy place in England, and prominent among the many churches in the country.
The coronation throne of Edward I is located behind the church altar. This dilapidated seat has witnessed the changes of the British royal family for hundreds of years.
Based on 89,870 review·Take a ride on the 135-meter giant Ferris wheel and enjoy a panoramic view of London city scenery
·Enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides of the Thames River, overlooking and photographing the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
·Overlook St. Paul's Cathedral, the Shard and other buildings in the distance, and feel the unique blend of classical and modern London
△ The London Eye has a total of 32 air-conditioned fully enclosed cabins, each cabin can accommodate about 25 people. The operation speed is slow, which is convenient for tourists to enjoy the scenery. It takes about half an hour to complete a circle. The cabin is equipped with explanations of various sights in London, which are played when rotated to the corresponding angle. In addition, touch-sensitive explanation equipment is also available.
△ If you choose to ride the London Eye at dusk, the romantic Thames sunset will definitely be unforgettable.
△ The London Eye at night is equipped with dreamy atmosphere. The illuminated Ferris wheel forms a huge blue halo, like a bright eye in the night sky.
△ If you come to the London Eye on New Year's Eve, although you can't ride on it, you can watch the gorgeous fireworks and the changing colors of the London Eye. The scene is extremely lively.
* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.
* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.
