Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Chichester, England and Maidstone, England

Driving from Chichester to Maidstone is a road trip filled with beautiful scenery and stunning countryside. The journey takes around two hours if you stick to the main roads, but to make the most of the drive, there are plenty of unexpected places to stop along the way. In this article, we will explore five of the most delightful destinations that you can visit during this scenic drive.

Crawley, WSX – The Halfway Point

Crawley is located halfway between Chichester and Maidstone, roughly 45 miles from each. This town is famous for offering an ideal break from the long drive. You can stop to stretch your legs or have a lovely meal and drinks. Crawley is a picturesque town, and one of the destinations you won't disappoint. The town has a good number of green spaces where you can enjoy peaceful walks. Check out the Crawley Museum, which showcases the town's history and evolution.

When it comes to food, Crawley offers visitors an excellent opportunity to indulge. The Hannam's Kitchen is a local favorite, famous for its classic British dishes. You don't want to skip the restaurant's signature dish –The Sunday Roast.

1. Petworth House and Park

Petworth House and Park is a great destination for history lovers. This stunning National Trust property dates back to the 17th century and is brimming with unique artwork and stunning sculptures. The house was home to the Percy family for over 650 years and is an incredible example of Baroque aesthetics. Additionally, be sure to stroll around the 700-acre deer park and witness the wild animals in their natural habitat.

When visiting Petworth House, make a pit stop at the onsite restaurant, the Servants' Hall. The restaurant offers a unique setting, located in the former third Lord Egremont's estate kitchen. The focus is British produce, with most ingredients sourced from local farms.

2. Chartwell

Chartwell is the former country home of one of England’s most treasured Prime Ministers, Sir Winston Churchill. The estate offers beautiful, panoramic views of the Weald of Kent and is where Churchill's grave is located. The estate's charming gardens – designed by Churchill himself – are a must-see and comprise thousands of different plant species.

Once you've explored the estate, make your way to the cafe on the property. The Landemare Cafe offers the guests delicious light meals, pastries, and cakes. It's also surprising to note that the cafe overlooks Westerham, and visitors can enjoy a lovely view of the town during their visit.

3. Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle is a magnificent historical landmark of Kent situated on two small islands in a lake. Its stunning scenery, extensive gardens, enchanting walks, and excellent food make it one of the most visited castles in England. Leeds Castle has served as a residence to six medieval queens, King Henry VIII, and Lord Fairfax.

No trip to Leeds Castle is complete without having a meal at the Castle View Restaurant. This restaurant's menu has an extensive bar list designed to give you the best experience.

4. Historic Dockyard Chatham

Located in the towns of Chatham and Gillingham, the Historic Dockyard Chatham is one of the world's most extensive maritime heritage sites. The site has over 100 buildings and structures and is home to historic warships, such as the HMS Cavalier, HMS Gannet, and HMS Otus. The dockyard also features some of the Thames' most impressive architecture, which includes the Ropery, Commissioner's House, and several historic slipways.

The Command of the Oceans cafe is where you can enjoy a great brew coupled with the best view of the River Medway. The cafe offers a great selection of light bites, cakes, and coffee roasts - all locally sourced.

5. Biddenden Vineyards & Ciderworks

As the name suggests, Biddenden Vineyards and Ciderworks is an excellent destination for wine and cider enthusiasts. The 11-acre Biddenden Vineyards estate is home to ten wine grape varieties, including Ortega, Bacchus, and Dornfelder. The Ciderworks produce an award-winning range of ciders, including dry, medium, and sweeter varieties.

The vineyard's shop is home to a vast selection of local gourmet food and wine, including its white, rose, red, and sparkling wines, traditional ciders, and fruit juices. The vineyard also serves free tastings of wine and ciders. During your visit, make sure to dine at The Vineyard restaurant for a unique experience of the best local food and fruits.

Why You Should Take This Trip

There you have it, folks, five exciting and unexpected destinations worth visiting when driving from Chichester to Maidstone. Whether exploring history or enjoying delicious food and drinks, these five places offer something for everyone. From enjoying the beautiful petrichor of the countryside and vineyards to exploring enchanting architecture and lakefront castles, it's a trip that everyone will fall in love with. So, what are you waiting for? Get out and explore these hidden gems!