Kent Life
The Kent Life attraction occupies part of the
Cobtree Estate which belonged to the Tyrwhitt-Drake family. The
Estate was set up as a charitable trust in 1951, and was bequeathed
to the people of Maidstone by Sir Garrard Tyrwhitt-Drake in
1964.
Formerly called the Museum of Kent Life, it opened in 1985.
Its principle objective was to preserve Kent's countryside and
rural heritage for the future. It has saved many buildings from
demolition by giving them a new home on the Museum's site,
alongside the original 18th century farmstead. They have been
carefully restored to house displays on life in Kent during
different historical periods.
These historic buildings include Britain's last traditional
working oasthouse - one of the few remaining places where hops are
grown, harvested, dried and packed by hand, using only
time-honoured, traditional techniques.
Regular boat trips run between the Museum and the town
centre.
Opening Times
Open mid February - end October, daily 10.00 - 17.00 (last
admission 16.00)
Where is it?
Kent Life
Cobtree
Lock Lane
Sandling
ME14 3AU
Tel: 01622 763936
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