Van Hire Maidstone

Maidstone stands as Kent’s county town, where the River Medway flows through centuries of history and modern development. This dynamic hub combines its historic heart and riverside heritage with contemporary shopping districts and comprehensive transport connections, creating a central gateway to the Garden of England.

Getting Around Maidstone

Maidstone’s extensive road network ensures easy access both within the town and to its neighbouring areas. The M20 motorway is a vital route, connecting Maidstone to London and the coast, making it a primary choice for long-distance travel. This major roadway allows quick trips to other towns like Tonbridge or Sittingbourne for business or leisure.

The A229, one of Maidstone’s key arteries, runs through Chatham Road, Royal Engineers’ Road and Lower Stone Street, weaving past major landmarks and connecting Maidstone to Chatham.

Another crucial route is the B2010, which winds through Lower Road, Dean Street and Farleigh Hill, providing access to picturesque areas and local attractions. The road eventually leads toward Rochester, a historic town worth exploring for its iconic castle and cathedral.

For those travelling within Maidstone, the A249 is a convenient route, passing through Bearsted Road and Sittingbourne Road, offering quick connections to Mote Park and nearby villages. Meanwhile, the A20 and A26 connect Maidstone to Ashford and Tonbridge respectively, making weekend getaways or errands to nearby towns seamless.

Smaller roads like Church Road and Brishing Road ensure accessibility to residential areas, schools and local amenities, while the B2246 Hermitage Lane serves as a handy link to medical facilities and retail parks. Whether driving for work or leisure, Maidstone’s roadways provide a reliable and well-connected system to get around.

Van Parking Options

Car parks like Fremlin Walk Car Park on Earl Street and King Street Car Park are close to the heart of Maidstone, ideal for those visiting the town centre’s vibrant shops and restaurants. A short distance away, The Mall Maidstone Car Park on Romney Place offers similar accessibility and round-the-clock service for added convenience. For those heading toward Mill Street, several options cater to different needs. Mill Street Car Park and Jeffrey Street Car Park provide ample spaces, with the latter operating 24/7. The nearby Stone Street Club Public Parking Space also serves this area.

Car parks closer to transit routes include Maidstone East Station Car Park A, located on Week Street, offering inexpensive rates and plenty of space for commuters. Similarly, Maidstone West Station Car Park on Barker Road and Tonbridge Road ensures easy access to public transport links and is open 24/7. The Medway area is well-served by options such as Medway Street Car Park and Lockmeadow Car Park. Nearby, Barker Road Car Park also provides a reliable choice for those visiting this part of Maidstone.

For a quieter spot, Union Street East Car Park on Union Street and Brewer Street Car Park offer excellent alternatives just a short distance from the bustling areas. Palace Avenue Car Park, tucked away on Palace Avenue, is another option for those looking for a less crowded facility.

Petrol Stations And Vehicle Services

Maidstone’s petrol stations include four Esso locations: M20 and Chatham Road (24/7), Boxley Road (7 AM-10 PM daily) and Tonbridge Road (until midnight). Morrisons on St Saviour’s Road operates 6 AM-midnight, while Texaco on Ashford Road and Shell on Sandling Road provide 24/7 service, with Shell offering additional amenities. MRH Boxley (7 AM-11 PM daily), Tesco in Weavering (6 AM-9 PM weekdays/Saturdays) and bp on London Road (24/7) complete the fuel options.

For repairs, Maidstone Exhaust Service Centre on Milton Street (8 AM-5 PM daily), Red Oak Garage on Buckland Road and GMS Kent Ltd on Gibraltar Lane (from 7:30 AM weekdays) provide reliable service. Elite Garages on Upper Stone Street, near Gillingham, specialises in MOTs, while Queen Anne MOT Centre and H & C Motors Ltd on Rawdon Road handle maintenance. Parts and tyres are available at SA Autos Services Ltd, Halfords Autocentre and National Tyres.

Car washing services include Elite Valeting at Newnham Court Shopping Village (MON-SAT 8 AM-6 PM, SUN 9 AM-5 PM), convenient for travellers to Strood. Maidstone Hand Car Wash (8 AM-8 PM daily), Express Hand Car Wash (8 AM-7 PM daily) and Gleam and Clean on Mayfair Avenue (24/7) provide additional options. Specialised services are available at Fresh Car Valeting on Albion Place (9 AM-5 PM daily) and It’s in the Detail on Saunders Field (MON-FRI 8 AM-8 PM, modified weekend hours).

Hardware Stores, Garden Centres And Storage Facilities

B&Q on Barker Road (MON-SAT 7 AM-8 PM, SUN 10 AM-4 PM) leads Maidstone’s hardware stores with a stellar Google rating. Wickes on St Peter’s Street and two Screwfix locations (Sutton Road and Lockmeadow) provide comprehensive building supplies. Machine Mart on Upper Stone Street, convenient for visitors from Sittingbourne, specialises in tools and welding supplies (weekdays 8:30 AM-6 PM). Robert Dyas on Gabriel’s Hill and Fixings Warehouse on Beddow Way (4.8 rating) offer diverse hardware options.

Newnham Court Shopping Village on Bearsted Road houses a popular garden centre (MON-SAT 9 AM-5 PM, SUN 10:30 AM-4:30 PM) with favourable reviews, alongside Notcutts Maidstone Garden Centre. Rumwood Nurseries on New Road (MON-SAT 8 AM-5 PM, SUN 10 AM-4 PM) and Homewood Orchard on Farleigh Lane serve customers from Tonbridge. Additional options include Rosie’s Garden Plants, Coolings Potted Garden Nursery, Homebase Aylesford and The Range Garden Centre.

StorageMart in Parkwood Industrial Estate (MON-FRI 9:30 AM-6 PM) and 24/7 Castle Orchard Storage lead storage options. Storage King on Hart Street and in Aylesford (both MON-FRI 8:30 AM-6 PM, SAT until 4 PM) serve various needs, with the Aylesford location convenient for travellers from Gravesend. Additional facilities include Dolphin Self Storage, Impala Pinaize Co Ltd and Maidstone Exchange.

Drive Thru And Restaurants

Maidstone’s three McDonald’s locations are popular for their efficiency and consistent service. The Hart Street branch features a well-organised drive-thru, open every day from 6AM to midnight, making it a reliable stop for early breakfasts or late-night snacks. The Chequers Centre location caters to shoppers, operating Monday to Saturday from 8AM to 6PM and Sundays until 4:30PM. For those staying out late, the Week Street branch provides extended hours, staying open until 3AM on Fridays and Saturdays, while closing at midnight on other days.

For fried chicken enthusiasts, the town’s three KFC locations provide convenient options. The Week Street branch offers fried chicken takeaways daily, with hours extending to 11PM on weekends. The Sutton Road KFC operates every day from 11AM to 10PM, while the Mall Shopping Centre branch caters to shoppers, with slightly shorter hours on weekends and Sundays.

If you’re looking for something different, Pepe’s on High Street serves up delicious chicken dishes and takeaways. Open every day from 11AM, it stays open slightly later on Saturdays until 11:15PM. Another fast-food favourite, Wendy’s, located on Week Street, offers a mix of classic hamburgers and quick meals, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 11PM. For a local flavour, We Are Chicken in the Lockmeadow Complex, offers a unique take on chicken dishes. Open Monday to Saturday from 12PM to 9PM and Sundays until 6PM, it’s a must-visit for foodies. It’s also a great choice for those travelling from Southborough, ensuring a memorable meal while exploring Maidstone.

For coffee lovers, the Costa Drive Thru in Hollingbourne is a convenient stop, offering a range of beverages. Open from 6AM on weekdays and Saturdays, with Sunday service starting at 7AM, it provides a quick and efficient way to enjoy a morning pick-me-up.