Kent Life
      
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Latest from Kent Life @Kent_Life
Museum Objectives
As you stand beside the Oast house in the middle of our site, it's hard to believe that Maidstone town centre is only a few minutes away. A visit here is an opportunity to leave the modern world behind and experience the sights, sounds and smells of country life in Kent over the last 150 years.
Many country crafts are practised and demonstrated on site, and our small farm is an ongoing concern. Most significantly, we are one of the few remaining places in Britain where hops are grown, harvested, dried and packed by hand, using only time-honoured, traditional techniques.
We are constantly developing, adding new buildings and displays. The last five years alone have witnessed the addition of major buildings: Petts Farmhouse, Ulcombe Village Hall, Old and Water Street Cottages, Cuxton Chapel and a new Agricultural Store.
History Of The MuseumThe Museum occupies a tract of fertile farmland, Sandling Farm, which was once part of the Cobtree Estate and dates back to the early 18th Century. This estate was the property of the Tyrwhitt-Drake family, under whose patronage it peaked in the late 19th century. Sir Garrard Tyrwhitt-Drake, a well-travelled and colourful character who was 12 times Mayor of Maidstone, even established a small zoo in the grounds. Older locals can still remember this from the 1940s and 50s, and some of its buildings can still be found in Cobtree Manor Park, on the far side of the motorway. Sandling Farm once boasted a sand pit, a riverside wharf and a loam pit, which was let to the nearby Aylesford Pottery. The Cobtree 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. The Museum of Kent Life opened in 1985.
Opening Times 2008
Open 7 days a week. 18th February to the 8th November 2008. 10am to 5pm.
Last admission 4pm.
The Museum will re-open for the Cobtree Christmas Fayre 29th & 30th November. May vary on certain event days. The Museum is open all year round for Schools and Groups/Adult bookings.
How Much Does It Cost?
Admission Prices 2008
General Rates Adults £7.50 Concessions £6.00 Children 3-15yrs £5.20 Unders 3's oooooo FREE School Rates Primary School Children £4.00 French School Pupils £4.50 Teachers Key Stage II 1 FREE per 5 Children Teachers Key Stage I 1 FREE per 4 Children Extra Adults £6.50 Additional Workshops From £1.50 to £3.00 Group Rates Adults £6.50 Concessions £4.70 Children £4.50Nearby Attractions
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