Maidstone is the county town of Kent. As such, it is a town with lots of history, as well as a reputation for a buzzing night-time economy of bars and restaurants.

Its turbulent past has included the dramatic springing from jail of the radical preacher John Ball by Wat Tyler during the Peasants Revolt of 1381 and 1648 saw the battle of Maidstone fought in the town’s streets during the Civil War.

Some buildings still bear the bullet holes. The town’s mayor, Andrew Broughton, later signed the death warrant for Charles I. You can dine in Broughton’s old home - it is now an Ask Italian restaurant!

Maidstone also has a rich musical history, giving early breaks to the likes of Marty Wilde and The Beatles.

A few years later, in 1964, a young man named David Bowie played in the local band named the Manish Boys. The town’s music tradition continues with its own annual fringe festival and the Ramblin’ Man Fair in July and its own symphony orchestra and choral union.

Don’t miss: Between April and October, you can take a trip along the River Medway on the Kentish Lady or Allington Belle cruisers. The boats meander between the medieval Archbishop’s Palace in the town centre and Allington Lock, close to Kent Life Heritage Farm. Both are well worth a visit in their own right. You can even dine on the river on the Embankments Floating Restaurant.

Take time to explore: Maidstone has a number of attractive parks and gardens. Mote Park is the largest, with a cafe, boating lake, adventure playground and a miniature railway that is open on Sunday afternoons in the summer. Closer to the town centre is Whatman Park, which makes the most of its location next to the river, and boasts a rope walk, skate park, play area and an arena for open-air events. Leeds Castle, “the loveliest castle in the world” and home of Henry VIII’s wife, Catherine of Aragon, is a must visit. It hosts the internationally famous Leeds Classical Concert.

Best-kept secret: In Maidstone’s All Saints Church, close to the Archbishop's Palace, is a memorial near the south door to Lawrence Washington, who died in 1619. Lawrence Washington was the great-great-great-great-great-uncle of George Washington, the first president of the United States. If you look closely at the family coat of arms, you can see where the Americans stole the idea for their Stars and Stripes flag.

Getting there: Maidstone has three railway stations, Maidstone East, Maidstone West and Maidstone Barracks, which will all deliver you close to the town centre. The town is also easily reached from both the M20 and M2.