Forstal is a small, quietly residential hamlet on the outskirts of Maidstone in Kent, England. Historically rooted in agriculture, the name itself likely comes from an old term for a farmstead or forecourt, and the area still shows that rural character with converted barns, orchards and views across the Kentish countryside and the nearby River Medway.
Today Forstal functions largely as a commuter and local community: many residents work in Maidstone or travel further afield to London, while a handful of small farms and businesses keep the village feel. Its attractions are low-key rather than tourist-focused - local history, village events and easy access to country walking make it a quietly attractive spot for people seeking a rural base close to town amenities.
Postcode districts covering Forstal
Most populated places nearby
- Southend-on-Sea 19.6 miles31.6 km
- Bexley 18.7 miles30.1 km
- Basildon 18.3 miles29.4 km
- Maidstone 2.4 miles3.9 km
- Gillingham 6 miles9.7 km
- Grays 14.3 miles23.1 km
- Chatham 4.3 miles7 km
- Royal Tunbridge Wells 15.1 miles24.2 km
- Ashford 19.8 miles31.9 km
- Barking and Dagenham 23.5 miles37.7 km
- Dartford 15.5 miles24.9 km
- Gravesend 9.8 miles15.7 km
Neighbouring places
- Aylesford Built-up area 0.5 miles0.9 km
- Eccles Built-up area 1.2 miles1.9 km
- Aylesford South & Ditton Ward 1.3 miles2.1 km
- Kit's Coty Built-up area 1.4 miles2.2 km
- Ringlestone Ward 1.5 miles2.3 km
- Allington & Bridge Ward 1.5 miles2.4 km
- Palace Wood Ward 1.6 miles2.5 km
- Ditton Parish 1.8 miles2.9 km
- Larkfield Built-up area 1.9 miles3 km
- Burham Built-up area 1.9 miles3.1 km
- Penenden Heath Ward 1.9 miles3.1 km
- Aylesford North & North Downs Ward 1.9 miles3.1 km
Example postcodes in Forstal
ME20 7DG, ME20 7UY, ME20 7US, ME20 7BU, ME20 7AH, ME20 7SB, ME20 7AG, ME20 7HB, ME20 7AS … See all
Transport links
- London Southend Airport 20.4 miles32.9 km
- London City Airport 23.5 miles37.9 km
- Aylesford Railway Station 1.3 miles2 km
- Barming Railway Station 1.5 miles2.4 km
Hotels near Forstal Ad
- The Black Horse Inn 4 4.2 miles6.7 km
- Miller & Carter Maidstone by Innkeeper's Collection 4 2 miles3.1 km
- The Potting Shed Maidstone 6.1 miles9.9 km
- Village Hotel Maidstone 4 0.9 miles1.4 km
- Orida Maidstone Hotel 4 2.6 miles4.2 km
- Holiday Inn Rochester Chatham 4 3.1 miles5 km
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Tudor Park Country Club 4 4.7 miles7.6 km
- The Farm House 4 3.8 miles6.1 km
- Bridgewood Manor Hotel & Spa 4 2.8 miles4.5 km
- King Charles Hotel 3 6.3 miles10.2 km
Local points of interest
- Boxley Abbey Historic site 1.3 miles2.1 km
- Boxley Hills Hill 1.9 miles3 km
- University for the Creative Arts - Maidstone University 2.2 miles3.6 km
- University for the Creative Arts - Rochester University 5.4 miles8.6 km
- Spotlites at Kings Theatre Theatre 5.5 miles8.8 km
- Boughton Place Estate 6.2 miles10 km
- Priestfield Stadium Stadium 6.3 miles10.1 km
- Yalding Gardens Gardens 6.7 miles10.8 km
- MidKent College - Medway College 6.7 miles10.8 km
- University of Greenwich - Medway University 6.8 miles11 km
- Brands Hatch Recreation 10.8 miles17.4 km
- University of Kent - Tonbridge University 12.4 miles19.9 km