St Pauls Church

St Paul's Church sits in Maidstone, a proper medieval structure that rewards a quiet afternoon wander if you're staying at one of the nearby parks. The church itself is the draw - solid Norman and Early English architecture with that particular quality of light that only centuries-old stone can manage. Inside, you'll find decent monuments and the usual chancel work that appeals to architecture enthusiasts and history buffs far more than casual visitors.

It's the sort of place that takes thirty minutes to look around properly, longer if you're the type to read every inscription. Free to enter, as most parish churches are, though you might find it locked outside service hours - worth checking ahead with the Maidstone tourist office before you drive over.

Families with young children will find twenty minutes enough. It's not interactive, there's nowhere to run about, and frankly a five-year-old will exhaust the novelty quickly. But if you're walking the wider Maidstone area or visiting Oak View or Bearsted just down the road, it's worth a detour rather than a destination in itself.

The real value comes as part of a broader exploration of Maidstone's medieval core. Pair it with a stroll along the High Street or a visit to All Saints Church if you're keen on comparative medieval church work. Base yourself at one of the five-star glamping spots like Rankins Farm and you've got a proper countryside base with Maidstone's attractions on your doorstep.