Museum of Kent Life
At the museum of Kent Life, one can discover the rich and vibrant history of the people who lived and worked in the ‘Garden of England’ over the past 150 years. It is a place where you can step back in time and re-discover the rural life of Kent on a beautiful 28 acre farm, leaving behind the modern world and experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of country life in Kent.
Once there, one can view many buildings from around the County, which have been saved from destruction, and perfectly rebuilt and restored to their true essence. The last five years have witnessed the addition of Petts Farmhouse, Ulcombe Village Hall, Old & Water Cottages, Cuxton Chapel and a new Agricultural Store. We are constantly seeking to add new buildings and displays to the site.
The Museum of Kent Life is one of the few remaining places in Britain where hops are grown, harvested, dried and packed in the magnificent double Oast house by hand, using only time honored, traditional techniques. This process is celebrated at the annual Hop Festival in September.
Many varieties of farmyard animals including sheep, cows, pigs, horse, rabbits, ducks, geese, chickens, rescued goats and bottle fed lambs are also reared. Adults and children can pet and sometimes hold the animals as the Cobtree Young Farmers have trained and handled them all on site. The Cobtree Young Farmers meet every Saturday at the Museum to keep their animals clean and healthy.
The Museum shop has a wide range of both traditional and modern Museum merchandise. We sell our very own Museum of Kent Life canvas bags to promote a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. These bags are ideal for shopping and storage. The shop can also provide school, group or birthday party goody bags, catered to your requirements and budget.
The Museum also offers a wealth of other opportunities such as a developing nature trail, an independent craft village which includes stained glass, pottery and practicing artists, weddings, functions, children’s birthday parties, archeological finds, a gallery where local works are often displayed, friends and volunteers, group discounts, tailor-made packages and workshops for schools. The Museum is one of the only Museums in Britain to be reachable by boat and much more!
Location
The Museum of Kent Life, Cobtree
Lock Lane
Sandling
Maidstone
Kent ME14 3AU
Getting There
By Road
The Museum is located next to the M20, five minutes from the centre of Maidstone. It is one hour from London and 30 minutes from the Channel Tunnel and ports.
M20 Coast bound: Exit at Junction 6. Take the 3rd exit at the first roundabout & 3rd exit on the second roundabout towards Aylesford. The Museum is on the left past The Village Hotel.
M20 London bound: Get into the Maidstone/Chatham filter lane and exit at Junction 6. Then take the 4th exit off the large roundabout towards Aylesford. The Museum is on the left past The Village Hotel.
By Public Transport
Frequent direct train services from London Victoria and London Bridge (60 minutes journey time) or stations in Kent to Maidstone East or West Stations with taxi or bus 155.
By River Boat
The Kentish Lady sails from outside the Archbishop’s Palace opposite the Court House in the centre of Maidstone, just five minutes walk from Maidstone West, 10 minutes from Maidstone East and a few minutes from the Fremlin Walk Shopping Centre. Please call 01622 753740 to check sailing times.