Local Events

Chapel Down Vineyard

Chapel Down boasts more than 100 acres of vineyards and produces a range of sparkling and still wines.

Near Tenterden, the vineyard is one of the best known in the county and UK and it supplies big names such as Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver as well as famous institutions including the Royal Opera House, the Turner Contemporary and No. 10 Downing Street.

Managing director Mark Harvey says: “We believe our Kit’s Coty vineyard on the North Downs of Kent is the finest vineyard in England”.

Located 16 miles from Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel.

Leeds Castle

As the crow flies, Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel is less than 1 mile from Leeds Castle!

Celebrating over 900 years of history and hosting a wealth of activities including falconry displays and tours over the summer months; it is the perfect day out for the whole family!

Find out about Henry VIII and when he used the castle as a home for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon or imagine how different the castle would have been during World War II when it was used as a hospital!

Leeds Castle is also home to a unique collection of historic dog collars and is the largest of its kind on public display in the world!

Leeds Castle is a 2 minute drive or a 20 minute walk from Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel.

Biddenden Vineyards

Kent’s oldest family-run vineyard is run by Julian Barnes, his wife Sally and son Tom.

It spans 23 acres of south-facing slopes located in a sheltered valley outside the beautiful village of Biddenden, with 11 different grape varieties producing white, rosé, red and sparkling wines.

Located 13 miles from Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel; just less than half an hour by car!

Hush Heath Estate & Winery

Set within rolling hills, this stunning estate surrounded by ancient woodland and with 36 acres of vines is a perfect setting to sample delicious wines.

Owned by Richard Balfour-Lynn, who has lived at Hush Heath Manor since the 1980s with his family, it has become one of the leading wineries in the county.

Located 10 miles from Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel.