Maidstone Borough Council is promoting dozens of free and low-cost heritage events across the town this September, from a First World War trench experience at Detling to talks on witchcraft in Kent.
Heritage Open Days runs from 11–20 September 2026, giving residents and visitors free access to some of Maidstone’s most historic sites and stories. Church festivals, guided park walks, living history experiences — all without charge.
Maidstone Museums Local Heritage Week kicks off slightly earlier, from 7–11 September, with talks and tours covering witchcraft in Kent, crime and community in the 1960s, and medieval castles. And if you’ve never climbed the museum’s Observatory Tower — open just twice a year — Saturday 19 September is your chance, with views stretching over Brenchley Gardens and the town below.
St Michael & All Angels Church marks its 150th anniversary with a flower festival during Heritage Open Days. At Detling, visitors can step into a replica First World War trench. Guided walks through Mote Park explore the park’s history and landscape.
Families heading to Kent Life on 12 and 13 September will find the Hops ‘n’ Harvest Family Festival — hop-picking history, vintage houses, a real hop caravan and family entertainment all bundled together. On Saturday 26 September, carriage expert Amy Bracey from the Carriage Foundation leads a tour at the Carriage Museum.
Alan Smithers won this year’s Visit Maidstone Photography Competition with an autumn shot of Allington Lock. His image and the shortlisted entries feature in an online photo library. Not a bad way to spend five minutes.
Maidstone LitFest runs at various locations from 1–11 October. Kent Life then hosts a Fireworks Spectacular on 6 and 7 November.
The bulletin, issued by Maidstone Borough Council through its GovDelivery subscription service, also highlights accommodation options including Delta Hotels by Marriott at Tudor Park Country Club and Stable Oak Cottages for those travelling from further afield.
Key information
- Heritage Open Days: 11–20 September 2026 — free entry to participating sites across Maidstone
- Local Heritage Week at Maidstone Museum: 7–11 September 2026
- Observatory Tower tour: Saturday 19 September — one of only two public openings per year
- Hops ‘n’ Harvest Family Festival at Kent Life: 12 & 13 September 2026
Free Heritage Events Fill Maidstone's September Calendar Quiz
5 questions