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 miles
- Bexley 18.7 miles
- Basildon 18.3 miles
- Maidstone 2.4 miles
- Gillingham 6 miles
- Grays 14.3 miles
- Chatham 4.3 miles
- Royal Tunbridge Wells 15.1 miles
- Ashford 19.8 miles
- Barking and Dagenham 23.5 miles
- Dartford 15.5 miles
- Gravesend 9.8 miles
Neighbouring places
- Aylesford Built-up area 0.5 miles
- Eccles Built-up area 1.2 miles
- Aylesford South & Ditton Ward 1.3 miles
- Kit's Coty Built-up area 1.4 miles
- Ringlestone Ward 1.5 miles
- Allington & Bridge Ward 1.5 miles
- Palace Wood Ward 1.6 miles
- Ditton Parish 1.8 miles
- Larkfield Built-up area 1.9 miles
- Burham Built-up area 1.9 miles
- Penenden Heath Ward 1.9 miles
- Aylesford North & North Downs Ward 1.9 miles
Example postcodes in Forstal
ME20 7DG, ME20 7AD, ME20 7SB, ME20 7TZ, ME20 7DB, ME20 7HB, ME20 7DH, ME20 7UU, ME20 7BT … See all
Transport links
- London Southend Airport 20.4 miles
- London City Airport 23.5 miles
- Aylesford Railway Station 1.3 miles
- Barming Railway Station 1.5 miles
Hotels near Forstal Ad
- The Black Horse Inn 4 4.2 miles
- Miller & Carter Maidstone by Innkeeper's Collection 4 2 miles
- The Potting Shed Maidstone 6.1 miles
- Orida Maidstone Hotel 4 2.6 miles
- Village Hotel Maidstone 4 0.9 miles
- Holiday Inn Rochester Chatham 4 3.1 miles
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Tudor Park Country Club 4 4.7 miles
- The Farm House 4 3.8 miles
- Bridgewood Manor Hotel & Spa 4 2.8 miles
- King Charles Hotel 3 6.3 miles
Local points of interest
- Boxley Abbey Historic site 1.3 miles
- Boxley Hills Hill 1.9 miles
- University for the Creative Arts - Maidstone University 2.2 miles
- University for the Creative Arts - Rochester University 5.4 miles
- Spotlites at Kings Theatre Theatre 5.5 miles
- Boughton Place Estate 6.2 miles
- Priestfield Stadium Stadium 6.3 miles
- Yalding Gardens Gardens 6.7 miles
- MidKent College - Medway College 6.7 miles
- University of Greenwich - Medway University 6.8 miles
- Brands Hatch Recreation 10.8 miles
- University of Kent - Tonbridge University 12.4 miles