Picturesque streets lined with cosy pubs, heritage hotspots and a burgeoning arts scene – Faversham is the ultimate blend of modern culture and Kentâs rural history.
As one of Kentâs most ancient towns, much of Favershamâs charm and soul has evolved into the enticing beacon it is today thanks to being a market town, a status to which it has held onto for centuries. Forever a place dedicated to the growing and trade of apples, hops, cherries and strawberries, Faversham is still at the heart of the produce trade. The oldest market in Kent, Faversham Market was even mentioned in the Doomsday book, and today, it is one of the main draws for tourists visiting the town. Located in the heart of Favershamâs historic centre, with its stilted Guildhall, town pump and medieval buildings as a backdrop, it continues to carry all the tradition and charm it has done for hundreds of years.Â
Favershamâs Charter Market runs on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays every week, selling a range of local produce, household items, plants, collectables and other interesting bits and pieces. There are two popular monthly markets â Best of Faversham Arts, Crafts and Food Market â on the first and third Saturday of the month in Preston Street and Faversham Antiques and Vintage Market is held in the Market Place and Court Street on the first Sunday of every month, except January and September.
There has been a settlement at Faversham since pre-Roman times, thanks to the ancient sea port on Faversham Creek. Like the market, Faversham Creek remains one of the most popular attributes of the town, symbolising much of its character, charm and heritage. One of the best ways to experience all the beauty and vibrancy of the creek is by visiting Standard Quay. Offering creekside walking, shopping, eating and a chance to see Faversham’s living history, the quay is home to so many cultural hotspots and eclectic places to visit and enjoy.Â
Customs House sits on Standard Quay, and was originally built in 1850 to collect duties on the cargo arriving via the Thames estuary into Faversham. Fast forward to today and itâs transformed into an elegant holiday home with ten bedrooms and five shower rooms over three floors, making it a great venue for corporate events and large family gatherings.
Not only is the quay a foodie and shopperâs haven, the venues on the quay also play host to a variety of entertainment. From live music nights to outdoor shows and performances, there is always something on here. This includes the town’s Classic Transport Weekend and bank holiday experiences, including Favershamâs famous Hop Fest.
One of the best spots to visit at Faversham Quay is PapĂ Bianco. More than just a funky place to grab a wood-fired pizza, this buzzy venue plays host to some seriously good live events and serves famously tasty spicy margaritas and more. Although lively in the evening, it is also a great place to visit during the day before exploring Favershamâs quirky boatyard and the rest of the classic ships and boats that call the quay home. Here, enthusiasts can spot barges such as Whippet and Greta, as well as traditional fishing boats and classic tugs. One of Standard Quay’s classic ‘barn’ buildings, dates back to the 1700s and is also the temporary home of the Cambria Thames Barge Exhibition.
There are many other unique shops and outlets at Standard Quay including the Secret Gardens Tearoom who serve delicious homemade food using locally sourced produce; The Vintage and Furniture Barn and Country Clobber plus so many more boutique experiences guaranteed to have you mooching for hours. As well as exploring Standard Quay, a visit to the town of course includes all the gems in the town itself. Pub lover or not, thereâs no denying that the cosiness of a traditional pub with lots of endearing original features is a lovely addition to any staycation. This is particularly unmissable when exploring Faversham, which is home to Britainâs oldest brewery Shepherd Neame. Hugely responsible for forging much of Favershamâs identity as it is today, the brewery is one of Kentâs most prominent, remaining breweries, which was founded on the countyâs once staple crop, hops.Â
Today, tourists to the town looking to delve into its identity can visit Shepherd Neame Brewery for an expert tour of the premises and tasting experience. This award-winning guided tour takes visitors around the brewery to learn about the ancient art of brewing. See brewing and fermentation vessels; taste natural mineral water from the breweryâs well; try some malted barley and smell locally-grown Kentish hops. The 80-minute tour also includes a visit to the Old Brewery Store, which features impressive displays of historic delivery vehicles, a recreated coopersâ workshop, bygone pub signs and a collection of hop-picking memorabilia. It ends with a tutored tasting of Shepherd Neameâs Kentish ales and speciality lagers.
