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Access to fresh air, a space to breathe and nature filled green spaces make us feel happier and healthier. Our local parks offer us all this and more for free.

Exploring the outdoors hasn’t always been easy for everyone but more parks, woodlands and open spaces are being made accessible with wider paths and removal of gates and stiles. Here are Explore Kent’s top picks for Maidstone.

Mote Park

Facilities: toilets, disabled toilets, parking (paid) with disabled parking, play area, café,rest points, picnic areas, waymarked walking routes, public transport accessible.

The 450-acre historical park has a wide variety of facilities, and its location means it’s easily accessible from Maidstone town centre.The extensive network of surfaced paths around the park provides countless beautiful views across the park and lakes. The park is ideal for walking, cycling, fishing or simply relaxing.

Whatman Park

Facilities: toilets, disabled toilets (radar key access),play area, rest points, picnic areas, surfaced paths, public transport accessible.

Whatman Park lies half a mile from the town centre, and this is the seventh year it has won a Green Flag award recognising its level of excellence. The 18-acre park makes up part of the larger Millennium River Park, which runs along the banks of the River Medway. Whatman Park combines a beautiful natural riverside landscape with specially constructed activity areas.

Teston Country Park

Facilities: toilets, disabled toilets, parking (paid) with disabled parking,play area, rest points, picnic area, waymarked walking routes, cafe, public transport accessible.

Just 4 miles from Maidstone is Teston Bridge Country Park and it's one of the best places to enjoy a rural riverside walk. The park’s main feature is the historical bridge and various surfaced and natural footpaths, but it also offers a play area and plenty of idyllic picnic spots, making it the perfect place for a family day out.

If this has inspired you to get outdoors then visit www.explorekent.org for more parks, woodlands and walking routes in Kent.