Picturesque streets lined with cosy pubs, heritage hotspots and a burgeoning arts scene – Faversham is the ultimate blend of modern culture and Kent’s rural history.
As one of Kent’s most ancient towns, much of Faversham’s 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 Faversham’s 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.
Faversham’s 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 – Best of Faversham Arts, Crafts and Food Market – 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.
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 it’s 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 shopper’s 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 Faversham’s famous Hop Fest.
One of the best spots to visit at Faversham Quay is Papà 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 Faversham’s 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, there’s 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 Britain’s oldest brewery Shepherd Neame. Hugely responsible for forging much of Faversham’s identity as it is today, the brewery is one of Kent’s most prominent, remaining breweries, which was founded on the county’s once staple crop, hops.
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 brewery’s 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 coopers’ workshop, bygone pub signs and a collection of hop-picking memorabilia. It ends with a tutored tasting of Shepherd Neame’s Kentish ales and speciality lagers.
With more than 300 pubs throughout London and the South East, from the historic heart of the city to the Kent coastline, there is a Shepherd Neame pub to suit all tastes, and yes, you guessed it – many of those can be found in Faversham itself. One such example is The Sun Inn, a beautiful old town-centre pub, where history and heritage shine. The pub, which dates back to the 14th century, is located in Faversham’s conservation area and is brimming with intriguing original features – indulging the nostalgic with its inglenook fireplaces, oak beams, and beautiful courtyard garden. As well as naturally serving distinctive Kentish cask ales in peak condition, The Sun also serves hearty pub classics – the ideal ingredient to craft a wholesome weekend.
One of Faversham’s most acclaimed places at which to indulge your taste buds is the artisan, rural food emporium Macknade. This really is one of the best places to savour the flavours of Kent. A plethora of meticulously selected food products include artisanal cheeses, fresh Kent produce, and regional specialities. This sheer culinary haven has deep ties to Faversham’s agricultural heritage, as well as owner Stefano’s Italian roots.
For those looking to embrace the finer side of dining, Faversham comes up trumps too. Renowned fine-dining establishment Reads has been a local treasure for decades. The restaurant’s widespread reputation is founded on the distinctive cooking of sensational chef David Pitchford, whose seasonal dishes blend herbs and vegetables from the manor’s own walled kitchen garden with local game and fish fresh from the Kent coast. To complement the food, an extensive wine list balances European classics with an imaginative selection from the New World.
As well as plenty of establishments to satisfy even the most discerning of diners, Faversham’s burgeoning arts scene is alive with venues showcasing everything from art to comedy. Perhaps the most acclaimed of these is The Alexander Centre: a thriving hub powered by the community, to support and celebrate local creativity, culture and commercial bodies. Throughout the year a plethora of events and shows can be enjoyed here, from national names and musicals to puppet shows, games nights and indoor markets. Faversham also boasts its very own independent cinema, The Royal Cinema, and history buffs need not feel left out either, as Fleur de Lis Heritage Centre invites visitors to delve deeper into Faversham’s history. Discover artefacts, exhibits, and interactive displays showcasing the town’s evolution, learn about its maritime past, influential residents, and pivotal moments.
As well as Faversham town itself, visitors to the area can embrace the best of the Kentish countryside when visiting the area. Our holiday homes Crow Cottage and Walnut Tree Cottage both offer free entry to Belmont House and Gardens, which is a historic home and glorious garden boasting stunning grounds, and all the elegance expected of a Kentish stately house.
Much of Kent’s rural charm can be enjoyed on a visit to one of the county’s idyllic villages, plenty of which surround Faversham. This includes the village of Dargate, which is not only wonderfully pretty but also home to the gastronomic marvel The Dove at Dargate. Voted Shepherd Neame’s best food pub of the year, The Dove offers a divine menu of fresh seasonal and local produce that is presented to the highest of standards, partnered with a relaxed and friendly environment. You will find a range of premium beers, ales and spirits and a selection of the finest English and international wines at the bar, including Kent’s very best. Outside there is a gorgeous garden with outdoor seating in the summer and a cosy log-burning fire inside for the cold winter months.
If you fancy staying within walking distance from The Dove, check out The Old Post Office, a charming Grade || listed holiday home which was formally the village post office until 1990. It’s full of rustic charm with a contemporary feel sleeping up to ten guests and three dogs. A spacious home, it has two outdoor reception areas for you to enjoy breakfast in the morning or an alfresco dinner in the evening followed by a dip in the hot tub. A short 5-minute drive away is The Sportsman in Sesalter which has recently been named Restaurant Of The Year 2024 by The Good Food Guide.
