Maidstone is the county town of Kent, built on the banks of the River Medway, which carried ragstone, timber and hops to London for centuries. The town has a busy modern centre, but its riverside has old buildings, including the medieval Archbishop's Palace, a stopping place for archbishops of Canterbury travelling between London and their cathedral. It is a practical place, with good roads, shops and services, and a gateway to some of the loveliest countryside in the south-east.
Kent is known as the Garden of England, and the land around Maidstone shows why. Orchards of apples, pears and cherries cover the slopes, and the distinctive oast houses, with their round or square kilns and white cowls, recall the hop industry that once dominated the region. To the east lies Leeds Castle, set on islands in a lake, often called one of the most beautiful castles in the world. To the north, the chalk ridge of the North Downs carries the Pilgrims' Way, an ancient track used by pilgrims to Canterbury.
The riding around Maidstone is a mix of busy main roads and quiet lanes. The M20 and A20 run east and west, while the A229 heads north and south. The lanes in the Weald and on the Downs are narrow and winding, with high hedges and occasional steep climbs, and they demand care. Traffic can be heavy in the town and on the main roads, especially at rush hour.
Maidstone has plenty of fuel, shops and restaurants. For a more charming stop, villages in the surrounding countryside have pubs and tea rooms, often with gardens. The South Downs and Beachy Head lie further south-west, while the Peak District is a long ride north.