Bluereef Festival

Maidstone is well connected by train, road, and air, making festival travel easy from near or far. By rail, the town has multiple stations. Maidstone East is the main hub in the town center, with frequent Southeastern train services to London (Charing Cross, Cannon Street, and Victoria), Ashford, and other Kent destinations. If you arrive at Maidstone East, Pizza Express is just a short walk or bus ride away. Maidstone West station lies on the Medway Valley Line, offering connections to Strood and Tonbridge. Both stations have taxi ranks and are served by local Arriva buses that can take you into the town center or directly toward Fremlin Walk and Friars Street.

By car, Maidstone is easily reachable via the M20 motorway. Traveling from London or the west, take exit 7 or 8 and follow signs for Maidstone town center. From the north, use the M2 and then connect to the M20. The festival venue is close to the Fremlin Walk shopping area and the town’s High Street. Please note that parking in the town center can be limited during busy events. If possible, consider using one of Maidstone’s Park & Ride services (such as the Weavering Park & Ride south of town) and catching a short bus or taxi into the center.

For visitors flying in, the nearest major airports are in London. Gatwick Airport is roughly an hour’s drive south (with rail connections via London Bridge to Maidstone East), and Heathrow Airport is about 90–120 minutes away by road. From Heathrow you can also take the train into central London and then connect via the Southeastern rail network. Stansted and London City Airport are farther but still accessible by train and Tube into London and onward rail links. If you’re arriving by Eurostar to Ashford or Ebbsfleet, Maidstone is just a quick train ride away. National coaches and buses also serve Maidstone, dropping off at Fremlin Walk bus station right in the town center.

Maidstone offers many accommodation options for staying the night. You’ll find well-known hotel chains (Premier Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Marriott, and others) as well as charming guesthouses and B&Bs near the town center. If you prefer a home-style stay, search for local holiday lets or Airbnbs. Booking ahead is recommended for busy weekends. Staying in Maidstone puts you close to restaurants, pubs, and attractions, and means the festival site is just a short walk or taxi ride away. With comfortable lodgings nearby, you can relax after a day of dancing and entertainment.