Living in Aylesford

Community spirit is a defining feature of life in Aylesford, with regular events, markets, and clubs helping to foster a welcoming atmosphere. The riverside location invites local residents to enjoy scenic walks, boating, and annual festivities such as the Aylesford Duck Race and village fayres.

Central to local life is the Aylesford Community Centre, which hosts classes, social groups, and fitness activities for all ages. The village supports various societies and charities, including historical and gardening groups, as well as events run by the Carmelite Friary. The area’s green spaces, such as the River Medway towpath and Pratling Street recreation ground, encourage an outdoor lifestyle and draw families, dog walkers, and runners.

Local businesses are well supported, and seasonal celebrations see strong turnout from both villagers and visitors. The local primary school, churches, and pubs also serve as hubs for social interaction, underpinning a cohesive community identity.

Safety is an important consideration for anyone looking to move to Aylesford. Like many Kent villages, Aylesford generally experiences lower crime rates compared to urban centres in the region. The area is largely residential with a peaceful and secure environment, and local policing is managed by Kent Police, who maintain visible neighbourhood patrols and proactive community engagement initiatives.

While occasional petty crime or antisocial behaviour can occur, particularly in busier commercial or transport hubs, Aylesford’s residential streets and riverfront areas are considered safe for walking day or night. Community groups and local authorities actively support safety campaigns and neighbourhood watch schemes, helping to maintain the area’s reputation for a low-crime, family-friendly environment. For detailed crime statistics, Kent Police publishes up-to-date information for Aylesford and the surrounding wards.

Parking in Aylesford is typically straightforward, especially compared to busier neighbouring towns. Many homes come with off-road or driveway parking, though in the historic village centre, on-street parking is sometimes limited due to narrower roads and listed buildings. Residents may be eligible for local parking permits, and public car parks can be found near the high street and railway station.

Commuters benefit from easy access to major routes, with the M20 motorway just minutes away, providing smooth links to regional and national road networks. Traffic congestion is generally lower than in urban areas, although short delays can occur during peak travel times or school runs, especially near the M20 junctions or retail parks.

Nearby towns and cities road access:

• Maidstone – approx. 15 minutes via A20 (4 miles)
• Rochester – approx. 20 minutes via M20/A228 (10 miles)
• London – approx. 45 minutes via M20 (35 miles)
• Chatham – approx. 20 minutes via A229 (10 miles)
• Tonbridge – approx. 30 minutes via M20/A26 (17 miles)

Aylesford offers a vibrant local dining and social scene, particularly for those who appreciate traditional English pubs and riverside eateries. The village is home to characterful establishments like The Chequers Inn and The Hengist, both well-regarded for local ales, hearty menus, and atmospherically restored interiors. Alongside these, modern cafés and tea rooms offer riverside views and homemade cakes, creating plenty of options for lunch or coffee with friends.

For dining beyond the village, nearby Maidstone and Rochester provide a broader spectrum of restaurants, including Italian, Asian and contemporary British cuisine. Takeaway options are available locally, ranging from fish and chips to international flavours. While Aylesford itself is quiet in the late evening, Maidstone’s pubs, bars, and occasional live music or theatre events are within easy reach by car or bus, catering to those seeking a livelier nightlife experience.

School quality: Aylesford is well-regarded for its choice of ‘Good’ Ofsted-rated primary and secondary schools, making it attractive for families with children of all ages.

Parks and green space: Families benefit from direct access to riverside walks and village parks, plus nearby woodlands and countryside trails for outdoor play and recreation.

Childcare: There are several nurseries and pre-schools available in and around the village, supporting working parents with flexible childcare options.

Safety: The low crime rates and visible community policing create a reassuring environment for parents and young people alike.

Family activities: From seasonal village fairs and sports clubs to hands-on workshops at the Carmelite Friary, Aylesford offers a programme of activities that bring families together throughout the year.

Aylesford’s semi-rural setting and proximity to open countryside make it ideal for pet owners, particularly dog lovers. Walking routes along the River Medway, through nearby woods, and across village greens provide plenty of space for exercise and adventure.

There are several local veterinarians and pet supply stores within a short drive, giving residents easy access to routine care and pet essentials. Pubs and cafés in the village and surrounding area are often dog-friendly, and many housing options, especially outside the historic centre, are welcoming to pets. The general attitude towards animals is positive, with organised dog-walking groups and community pet events helping to reinforce the area’s pet-friendly reputation.

Aylesford’s accessibility is a major draw for residents, combining scenic riverside living with excellent public transport and road connectivity. The village is conveniently positioned for commuting into Maidstone, as well as accessing London and the wider South East.

Rail: Aylesford railway station sits on the Medway Valley Line, providing regular services to Maidstone (10 minutes) and Strood (20 minutes), where further connections to London and Rochester are available. Trains to London Victoria via Maidstone East take about 60 minutes.

Bus: Aylesford benefits from several bus routes linking it to Maidstone, Chatham, Tonbridge, and other local destinations. Frequent services operate throughout the day, making public transport a viable option for work or leisure.

Road: The area is just minutes from Junction 5 of the M20, providing fast car access to London (approx. 45 miles) and Folkestone for Channel crossings. The nearby A229 and A20 connect the village to local and regional destinations.

Airports: London Gatwick Airport is around 45 minutes by car, while London City Airport and London Heathrow can be reached in just over an hour, making Aylesford suitable for frequent flyers.

Approximate commute times:

• Maidstone – 10 minutes by train, 15 minutes by road
• London Victoria – about 60 minutes by train (via Maidstone)
• Rochester – 20 minutes by train, 25 minutes by car
• Chatham – 15 minutes by car

Aylesford is served by a selection of well-regarded schools catering to primary and secondary education, with ample choices in the surrounding Kent area.

Primary Schools:

Aylesford Primary School – A community school based in the village on Teapot Lane, offering a nurturing environment for local children. In its last Ofsted report (2017), it was rated “Good.”

St Peter’s Church of England Primary School (Aylesford) – A faith-based primary with a focus on strong community values and pastoral care. Its Ofsted rating (2019) is “Good.”

Allington Primary School – Located a short drive away in Allington, this popular school is noted for both academic results and extracurricular activity offerings.

The Discovery School – Found in nearby Kings Hill, this larger primary features innovative facilities and was rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted in 2011.

Secondary Schools:

Aylesford School and Sixth Form College – The main local secondary, offering GCSEs and a thriving sixth form. Its Ofsted rating (2023) is “Good,” with strengths in personal development and leadership.

The Malling School – Situated in East Malling, a short drive away. This secondary provides both traditional and vocational pathways to students.

Valley Park School – Based in Maidstone, it’s a large secondary known for creative arts and extracurricular opportunities, rated “Good” by Ofsted (2018).

Invicta Grammar School – Also in Maidstone, this highly regarded girls’ grammar regularly achieves excellent results and has an Ofsted rating of “Outstanding” (2012).

Colleges and Universities:

A range of further education colleges is available within Maidstone and the surrounding region, including MidKent College. For university-level study, University for the Creative Arts Rochester and University of Kent (Canterbury) are within easy commuting distance, offering a wide range of academic, vocational, and professional courses.