Maidstone Carriage Museum

This stunning collection of carriages, recognised as the best in Europe, is situated right in the heart of the County Town. Maidstone Carriage Museum is home to a unique collection of horse-drawn vehicles and transport curiosities housed in the medieval Archbishops' stables. More than 50 vehicles are on display, from grand carriages and ornate sleighs to antique sedan chairs and Victorian cabs - even an original ice cream cart! The amazing collection was the gift of Sir Garrard Tyrwhitt-Drake, twelve times Mayor of Maidstone. Thanks to his energy and enthusiasm the Maidstone Carriage Museum opened in 1946. It was the first of its kind in Britain and is still viewed as one of the finest in Europe. The collection is housed in the 14th century stables, part of the medieval Archbishop's Palace complex used by the Archbishop of Canterbury when travelling through the county.