Maidstone Town Centre

The heart of Maidstone sits along the Medway, and frankly, it's better than you'd expect for a market town. The High Street has proper character - independent shops mixed with the expected chains, and the riverside walk from the bridge towards All Saints Church is genuinely pleasant, especially on a clear day when you can see across the water.

The Archbishop's Palace deserves an hour if you can get inside (opening hours vary, so check ahead). It's one of England's finest Tudor buildings, all red brick and diamond chimneys, and the story of who lived here actually matters. Less dramatic but equally worth a wander: the medieval bridge itself, the museum on St Faith Street, and the quiet corners where locals grab lunch.

This is a working market town, not a heritage theme park. School groups and pensioners on a coach trip pass through, but you won't feel crowded. Families with restless kids might find an hour enough before heading towards Aylesford - the Medway Valley itself is the real draw here.

If you're based at Oak View Holiday Park or one of the glamping spots nearby, Maidstone Town Centre makes a sensible half-day stop. The town centre is free to explore, though individual attractions have their own fees. Late morning before lunch rush is the best time. The riverside path is particularly good on weekdays when the traffic noise drops away.