Hidden Gem Celebrates its 80th Year
Maidstone - Kent
(Copyright text and images Maidstone Borough Council, reproduced with kind permission)
The South of England's only museum dedicated entirely to transport history is marking its 80th anniversary.
Established in 1946, Maidstone Carriage Museum recently reopened to visitors for the spring and summer season, offering free access at weekends to one of the most important carriage collections in the country.
Founded by Sir Garrard Tyrwhitt‑Drake, a 12‑time Mayor of Maidstone, the museum opened in 1946 after he began rescuing horse‑drawn vehicles displaced by the rise of the motor car. His efforts led to the creation of Britain's first museum dedicated to carriages, opened by the then Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Now run by Maidstone Borough Council, the museum is nationally recognised for the quality and diversity of its collection and is often described as a hidden gem.
It is home to a significant collection of historic horse‑drawn carriages, carts and sleighs, ranging from elegant private vehicles to working transport used for agriculture, trade and public services. On display is Queen Victoria's 5th State Landau, a selection of vehicles driven by the queen herself and Duke of Montrose's State Chariot from 1790.
While it has strong roots in Maidstone's history, the collection tells a much broader story. The vehicles illustrate how people travelled, worked and lived across the country, reflecting changing social status, craftsmanship, technology and everyday life from the 18th to early 20th centuries.
Cllr Stephen Thompson, Maidstone Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Healthy, Stronger Communities, said:
"Maidstone Carriage Museum is a hidden gem. Many people are surprised to discover that we have such a fantastic collection of national importance right here in Maidstone, and celebrating its 80th anniversary is a great opportunity to encourage residents and visitors to rediscover it."
Admission to the museum is completely free, making it an accessible and affordable day out for residents, families and visitors. A visit can also be easily combined with time at nearby Maidstone Museum, which is also free to enter and showcases collections spanning fine art, archaeology, natural history and local heritage.
The Museum is part of the Wheels of Time scheme, a nationally recognised initiative that connects historic carriage collections across the UK. Children visiting the attraction can collect a Wheels of Time badge, with more to be gathered at other venues until they have a full set.
Beyond its museums, Maidstone Borough Council continues to support arts, culture and heritage through the museums and Creative Maidstone, the council‑run hub delivering free and low‑cost creative events, workshops and activities for people of all ages. Working with local artists, community groups and partners, Creative Maidstone helps ensure opportunities to engage with creativity are open to everyone.
Plan a visit - Visitors are encouraged to rediscover Maidstone Carriage Museum this spring and summer and celebrate 80 years of a collection that connects local stories with national history. Opening times are available online.
Book a tour - Guided tours of the Carriage Museum available to book in May and September for £10 a person.
Support the museums - For just £20 a year, people can support heritage in Maidstone by joining The Friends of Maidstone Museum, an independent charity supporting Maidstone Museum, the Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment Museum and the Carriage Museum. By joining, you help protect local heritage, support exhibitions and conservation, and enjoy talks, events and closer involvement with the museums.
Image one and three: Mayor's Ceremonial Landau, a beautifully built carriage by Holmes of London and Derby, and was originally used by the Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, third son of Queen Victoria for formal or state occasions. Since 1954 it has been used for town civic occasions every May.
Image two: Carriage Museum Exterior
All images © Maidstone Borough Council
Maidstone Museums care for and share the borough's rich heritage through Maidstone Museum, the Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment Museum and the Carriage Museum. Together, they tell the story of Maidstone and its people through nationally and internationally significant collections, exhibitions and events, with free entry for all.
Friends of Maidstone Museum is an independent charity that supports Maidstone Museums through fundraising, volunteering and advocacy. By joining, members help protect local collections and heritage, while enjoying talks, events and closer involvement with the museums.
Creative Maidstone is Maidstone Borough Council's cultural and creative programme, supporting artists, makers and communities to take part in creative activity. Through events, workshops and partnerships, Creative Maidstone helps make arts and culture accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds across the borough.
