To find us, exit the station and walk to the top of the road to the traffic lights and cross over towards the large white Georgian facade of 'County Hall'. Walk up to County Hall and follow the pavement round the right hand side of the building, which joins up to the big ragstone wall of Maidstone Prison. Keeping the prison wall on your left, walk all the way round to the back (you will have to turn to the left within about a minute, still keeping the wall on your left). When you are right round the back of the prison wall/County Hall, with the wall still on your left you will see another set of traffic lights in front of you, and a pub opposite called 'The Royal George'. Cross over to The Royal George, which is on the corner of Boxley Road. You should now be able to see the Esso Garage on the left hand side of the road. Rockabelly Lifecasts is at 153 Boxley Road, just a few doors up on the left from the Esso Garage.
By Car: Head to Kent on the M20. Come off at Junction 7 and follow the signs towards the Town Centre. As you come towards the town centre on the Sittingbourne Road, you will come to a set of traffic lights with a sign on the right handside (pointing right) to Maidstone East train station. Turn right here and follow the road along. In under a minute you should come to the big ragstone wall of Maidstone Prison on your left handside, and when you have this wall on your left there will be a set of traffic lights ahead with a pub on the right hand side called The Royal George. Turn right here into Boxley Road. Rockabelly Lifecasts is at number 153, just a few doors up from the Esso garage on the left hand side. There is usually free parking in the driveway in front of the house, if you're not timid about driving up curbs. If occupied, there is a parking bay opposite that is free for two hours, and similar bays in all the little roads that spur off from Boxley Road if that one is full. For more detailed instructions from where you live, we recommend the route planner on The AA website.
Many people travel from quite far away to come to be cast, and since it is such a special occasion, it's nice to make a weekend of it. The following hotels and B&Bs are within a short driving distance of Rockabelly Lifecasts. Other than Langham Oast, I can't personally recommend a particular hotel or guest house, as I haven't stayed in any of the others, but they all have good reputations.
Langley Oast - lovely roundel rooms, some with jacuzzi baths. Rather special, lovely breakfasts and not overpriced. About 10 minutes drive away.
The Russell Hotel - Is in the same road as Rockabelly Lifecasts, and looks very smart. Walking distance if you don't mind hills.
The Village - Large business hotel just off Junction 6 of the M20. Has leisure facilities and about 3 minutes drive away.
Leeds Castle - I thoroughly recommend the grounds, even with young children as there is plenty to entertain - from the aviary, to the fantastic maze with a magical grotto in the centre, a new children's play area and just plenty of space and greenery. I don't personally rate the inside of the castle much, unless you're really into castles, as much of it seems dedicated to showing off the possessions of more recent owners and not nearly enough space dedicated to the Henry VIII era which suits the castle better.
Port Lympne Safari Park - Only about 25 minutes away is one of the world's most beautiful safari parks, filled with many animals (all extremely well-kept and satisfied - which is illustrated by their fantastic breeding success in the park) all of whom are endangered species. The grounds themselves are utterly beautiful, especially in bluebell season, and even in busy times it can feel like you're alone there as there's so much space and wilderness to roam around in that it never feels crowded or that you have to push and shove for a look at an animal like with other zoos. There is also a beautiful mansion house and gardens for those who like English history, often with art exhibitions. It's one of my favourite places in the world and is worth going to even without the kids in tow.
The Seaside! - Yes we are about 40 minutes from the nearest coastline, but you can travel to any of Kent's fantastic beaches within about an hour. One of my favourites is Folkestone for its new Artists Quarter, and the bronze lifecast handprints that line the wall of the railway station. There is a fabulous children's outdoor adventure playground and several beaches to choose from - both sand and shingle. Another of my favourite beaches is at Broadstairs - typical Kentish charm, great ice cream shops, really safe and family-friendly sand beach.
Canterbury & Rochester - we're only a stone's throw from both of these fantastic cathedral cities; brimming with history, the best fudge shops in Kent, boats and punts to rent, quirky little shops and galleries and great places to eat.
Millenium Park & Mote Park - A few minutes drive away are these two fantastic parks which are great for a few hours with the kids. The Millenium Park has several themed areas targetting different age groups, and hosts wonderful open air events at different times of the year. Mote Park has had substantial regeneration - with the most wonderful free playground for kids of all ages, a mini (ride-on) steam train in the summer months on Sundays, and a leisure centre with swimming pool, taboggan slides (for kids), and a large soft play centre inside. Or for an even closer park, we have the lovely Pendenden Heath children's play area at the top of Boxley Road (just head up the hill and turn right at the cross roads and then left into the carpark).
The Snowpark at Diggerland - A fab way to spend a few hours in Winter. Choose between the (scary scary...well, to a wuss like me) tyre toboggan run, or slide down on the provided plastic sledge trays, or just lob snowballs at the ones you love. It's not glamorous, but it's very good fun if you don't mind getting chilly.
The Rare Breeds Centre - Middle of nowhere about 40 minutes drive from Rockabelly, but well worth seeking out. You can really interact with the animals here, and get involved in all sorts of other activities for the family. The restaurant attached to centre has a fab sandpit and paddling area so even for a meal out in the country in the summer it's good value.
The Hop Farm - In spite of the entrance fees, I think this is good value for families as you can really spend a whole day here and not get bored. Choose from drey rides, adventure playground, children's farm, indoor softplay, exhibitions, bouncy castle, crazy golf, and special themed events at school holiday times.
Bluewater - For those coming without children, who want to shop shop shop, this massive shopping centre is unrivalled in the South East.
London - Our capital city with something for everyone is only 50 minutes away by train or 45 by car on the M20.
We're 4 minutes walk from the town centre of Maidstone, with something to suit everyone's tastebuds, but here are a few of my firm favourites.
MuMu's Bar and Restaurant. The bar is THE place to eat if you're coming without children and want a light lunch. It's incredibly stylish, but they're not snobbish about dresscode. The Greek Meze platter for two served at lunchtime is surprisingly filling and really gorgeous. Even the paper napkins are gorgeous here. Even the toilets are gorgeous here! But if you want somewhere even more special for lunch or dinner, the food at the nextdoor MuMu restaurant is absolutely drool-worthy. The decor is the most ostentatious and fun in the whole of Maidstone, and the service is good. In warmer weather you can eat outside and they have been just as welcoming to my (well-behaved) 8 year old son. Only 4 minutes walk from Rockabelly.
The White Rabbit - Really good value, good choice, large portions in a predominantly non-smoking (bliss!) country-style building within walking distance of Rockabelly. The staff are very friendly to children, although sometimes the food takes a while to come, so take a few small toys or a pack of pens and a pad of paper to keep the little ones occupied till it arrives. Very tasty food and a nice atmosphere. Three minutes walk from Rockabelly.
Nando's - Fantastic place to take children. You place your order at the bar, get your own plates, crockery and sauces and kids can help themselves to 'everlasting drinks' from the machine which goes down a treat. They have fabulous goody bags to keep little ones entertained and the food comes quickly. It's mainly burgers and chicken, but the vegetarian options are delicious. Ten minutes walk into the centre of town from Rockabelly.
