Whatman Park
A tranquil park along the River Medway, featuring a unique treetop walk, adventure play areas, and a skate park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter atmosphere
Whatman Park
Best Time
Quieter atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil park along the River Medway, featuring a unique treetop walk, adventure play areas, and a skate park.
"A gem of a park, quieter than Mote Park, with a treetop walk and great facilities for kids."
🎯 Skate Park Fun
Whatman Park boasts a great skate park, a popular spot for local youth. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be limited; try James Whatman Way or explore nearby streets. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Treetop Walk
Wooded areas
A unique boardwalk winding through the trees, offering a different perspective of the park's natural beauty.
Adventure Play Areas
Near the river
Exciting play zones for children, including swings and sandpits, perfect for energetic youngsters.
Skate Park
Adjacent to the football fields
A modern addition for skaters and scooter enthusiasts, adding a dynamic element to the park's offerings.
River Medway Views
Along the riverbank
Enjoy pleasant vistas of the busy River Medway, ideal for a leisurely stroll or cycle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Toilet Troubles
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Skate Park Fun
Whatman Park boasts a great skate park, a popular spot for local youth. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be limited; try James Whatman Way or explore nearby streets. :car:
🚶♀️ River Medway Strolls
Enjoy scenic walks or cycles along the river. :walking: :bike:
🚽 Toilet Caution
Be aware that public toilets may not always be well-maintained. :warning:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Skate Park Fun
Whatman Park boasts a great skate park, a popular spot for local youth. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be limited; try James Whatman Way or explore nearby streets. :car:
🚶♀️ River Medway Strolls
Enjoy scenic walks or cycles along the river. :walking: :bike:
🚽 Toilet Caution
Be aware that public toilets may not always be well-maintained. :warning:
🐸 Tadpole Spotting
Spring is ideal for spotting tadpoles in the pond (remember to release them!). :frog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Whatman Park is praised as a gem with diverse attractions like a treetop walk, skate park, and play areas, offering a quieter alternative to Mote Park. Visitors appreciate the natural beauty along the River Medway and the family-friendly atmosphere. However, the condition of the public toilets is a recurring negative point, with some finding them unclean and poorly maintained.
"A nice park with lots to see and do, e.g. tree-too walk, skate park, etc."
Sylvia H
"Great park for the kids. The addition of the new skate park is cool. Love the boardwalk through the trees. My son loves fishing for tadpoles at the pond in spring (always put back in the pond afterwards when we leave). And we really enjoy the concerts at the amphitheatre. We regularly walk or cycle to this park via the lovely Millennium route.
The only let down is the public toilets - filthy and dangerous as they're often used by 'undesirables' doing drugs (and other things!) in there."
Nicola Collins (Heavenly Housekeeping)
"I don't think we walked round the whole place. No parking available so find somewhere around the area. Plenty of access to and from Maidstone centre. The park is situated right next to Maidstone West station. A pleaant place to spend an hour in the sun with a busy river Medway running parallel with the park. We loved the little park, with the swings and sand for the little ones. Didn't see the Bigger park lol."
Max Daley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Whatman Park is easily accessible by car, with parking available on James Whatman Way. It's also conveniently located near Maidstone West station, making it a great option for those traveling by train. Many visitors enjoy cycling or walking to the park via the Millennium route from Maidstone town centre.
Yes, there is parking available, often along James Whatman Way. However, it can get busy, especially on weekends. Some visitors suggest finding parking in the surrounding areas if the main car park is full.
Absolutely! The park is accessible via the lovely Millennium route, making it a pleasant cycling destination from Maidstone town centre.
Yes, Whatman Park is considered an easy and unique day trip destination from London, offering a refreshing escape from the city.
You can easily walk or cycle to Whatman Park from Maidstone town centre, or take a short train ride to Maidstone West station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Whatman Park is a public park and entry is generally free. There may be charges for parking, which can often be paid via apps like Ringo.
As a public park, Whatman Park is typically open from dawn till dusk. However, specific event times for the amphitheatre will vary.
The skate park is part of the public park and does not have a separate entrance fee.
Yes, for concerts and outdoor cinema events held at the amphitheatre, tickets are usually required and can be booked in advance.
The adventure play areas are free to use for all visitors to the park.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the treetop walk, adventure play areas for kids, a skate park, and the River Medway. The amphitheatre also hosts various events.
Yes, it's a great park for kids with dedicated play areas, including swings and sandpits. The treetop walk and pond for tadpole spotting are also popular with younger visitors.
You can enjoy a walk or cycle along the river, explore the treetop boardwalk, let kids play in the adventure areas, or visit the skate park. Check for events at the amphitheatre.
There are public toilets, though reviews suggest they can be in poor condition. A cafe is also present and looks very nice, according to one visitor. +1
Fishing is possible along the River Medway, and children enjoy spotting tadpoles in the pond during spring.
📸 📸 Photography
The treetop walk offers unique perspectives, while the River Medway provides scenic backdrops. The skate park and play areas can also make for dynamic shots, especially during youth football games. 
Yes, with its mix of natural landscapes, unique structures like the treetop walk, and active sports areas, Whatman Park offers diverse photographic opportunities.
Absolutely, especially during youth football matches held at the park's arena, which have been captured by sports photographers.
Sports photography, particularly of youth football, is quite popular. Nature and landscape photography along the river and treetop walk are also great options.
While not explicitly mentioned, drone usage in public parks often requires permission and adherence to local regulations. It's best to check with the park authorities beforehand.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider checking the schedule for any events at the amphitheatre, as these can be a fun addition to a family day out. While parking can be busy, the park's accessibility via walking or cycling from Maidstone town centre is a plus. Just be mindful of the public toilet facilities, as they may not always be up to standard.
🛹 Teens and Young Adults
Beyond the skate park, the treetop walk offers a unique, Instagrammable experience, and the general atmosphere of the park, with its open spaces and river views, is pleasant for hanging out with friends. Keep an eye out for any events at the amphitheatre that might appeal to this age group.
🚶♀️ Active Visitors and Cyclists
For a more adventurous activity, the treetop walk provides a unique way to experience the park's natural environment. The skate park also offers a different kind of physical challenge for those interested.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Treetop Walk and Natural Beauty
The park is situated along the River Medway, providing pleasant views and a sense of open space. The riverbank is ideal for leisurely strolls, cycling, or simply sitting and enjoying the scenery. During spring, the pond area becomes a focal point for families looking to spot tadpoles, adding an educational and engaging element for younger visitors.
While the park is generally quieter than its larger counterpart, Mote Park, it still offers a good balance of natural beauty and recreational facilities. The combination of wooded areas, the river, and dedicated play spaces makes it a versatile destination for a relaxing day out.
Family Fun and Recreational Activities
The park's amphitheatre is another significant feature, hosting a variety of events throughout the year, including outdoor concerts and cinema screenings. These events can add a unique cultural dimension to a visit, though it's advisable to check the schedule in advance. For those interested in sports, the park also has an outdoor arena, which is frequently used for youth football matches, offering a lively atmosphere.
+1Visitors can also enjoy walking or cycling along the Millennium route, which connects to the park, making it an accessible and active destination. The overall experience is designed to be engaging for all ages, blending active recreation with opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment of the outdoors.
Practicalities: Parking and Facilities
Regarding public facilities, reviews consistently mention that the toilets at Whatman Park can be a point of concern. Several visitors have reported issues with cleanliness, maintenance, and even safety. It's advisable for visitors to be prepared for this, perhaps by using facilities before arriving or managing expectations.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the park generally offers a pleasant experience. There is a cafe on-site that appears well-maintained and inviting. The accessibility via public transport, with Maidstone West station nearby, and the option of cycling or walking further enhance its convenience for many visitors.
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