Kent Life

Kent Life is situated on the site of Sandling Farm, a working farm 3.2km (2 miles) north of Maidstone that dates back to the 18th century. In the mid 1980s, the farm was transformed into an open-air museum, with the aim of preserving and showcasing the agricultural heritage of Kent.

What to see at Kent Life

Visitors to Kent Life can expect an immersive and interactive experience that brings history to life. The museum features a collection of historic buildings, many of which were dismantled and re-erected at Kent Life after coming from farms elsewhere in Kent. These buildings include traditional farmhouses, oast houses, and a village hall, all meticulously restored and furnished to reflect their respective eras.

The farmyard at Kent Life is a bustling hub of activity, where visitors can encounter a range of friendly farm animals, from sheep and pigs to cows and chickens. Children, in particular, will love the opportunity to get up close and personal with these furry and feathered friends, learning about their care and feeding.

Kent Life also includes a re-creation of a traditional village street with period shops, including a sweet shop, a blacksmith’s forge and a traditional bakery. Visitors can interact with costumed characters who bring the village to life, engaging in demonstrations, storytelling, and hands-on activities.

Kent Life also hosts a programme of events and themed days that include vintage festivals and agricultural shows to seasonal celebrations and craft fairs.

Visiting Kent Life

Kent Life is around 3.2km (2 miles) north of the centre of Maidstone. It is a semi-rural location with not much in the immediate area, although there are a couple of hotels (a Premier Inn and a Village Hotel) within walking distance.

It is easiest to visit if you’re driving as it’s only a six-minute drive from the town centre and the only bus route that stops near the entrance, bus route 29, is infrequent with only one service per day. If you want to get here by bus you can take the more frequent Sapphire 101 bus (the Gillingham to Maidstone route) and get off at the Esso petrol station and then walk the remaining 20 minutes to the museum but if you’re going to take a 20-minute walk, then you may as well walk the entire way from the town centre, which is a very pleasant 45-minute walk along the banks of the River Medway.

On-site visitor amenities include several places to eat and drink plus a gift shop.

For most visitors, Kent Life is a half-day activity and you can expect to spend 2–3 hours at the museum plus additional travel time, which is another hour and a half for the return walk from the town centre for those who are not driving.