museum · art gallery
Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery
A great rainy-day museum in Kent
Today: light drizzle · 17°C
A wet day — perfect for indoor exploration
Wet weather
A rainy-day pick
Setting
Indoor
Entry
Free / cheap
Who for
Toddler-friendly · Ages 0–18+
Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery is a family-friendly museum in the heart of Maidstone, Kent. It features a diverse range of exhibits including natural history (dinosaur skeletons, fossils), Egyptian mummies, local history, fine art, and decorative arts. Kids will love the hands-on discovery areas, family trails, and interactive displays. The museum also has a dedicated children's gallery and runs regular workshops and holiday activities.
Facilities include baby changing, pushchair access, a cafe, and a gift shop. Admission is free (donations welcome), though special exhibitions may have a small charge. The museum is fully accessible and has a lift to all floors. Parking nearby (pay and display). Recommended for ages 0-18, with content suitable for toddlers to teens. Allow at least 1-2 hours.
What parents should know
Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery is a family-friendly museum in the heart of Maidstone, Kent.
Value
Free admission makes it budget-friendly
Entry is completely free, though donations are welcome. Special exhibitions may have a small charge, so ask at the desk.
Best timing
Plan 1-2 hours for a relaxed visit
Allow at least 1-2 hours to avoid rushing through exhibits, especially if your children enjoy hands-on activities.
Baby
Baby changing facilities available
Dedicated baby changing facilities are on site, so you can change nappies comfortably throughout your visit.
Location and map
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