These town centre gardens offer relaxing and picnicking opportunities in the heart of the town. Just minutes from the main shopping centre, they have mature trees, lawns, ornamental flowerbeds and a Victorian bandstand. Sunday afternoon concerts are put on during the summer and other events throughout the year. Brenchley Gardens were given to the town by Julius Lucius Brenchley in 1873. He was also a benefactor of Maidstone Museum, which backs the gardens.