From the lovely Market Place with its historic Guildhall to the ancient buildings all around, Faversham has barely changed from the wonderful market town it has been for centuries
Spotlight on Faversham
From the lovely Market Place with its historic Guildhall to the ancient buildings all around, Faversham has barely changed from the wonderful market town it has been for centuries
Often referred to as Kent’s hidden jewel, nowhere in Faversham is further than a few minutes’ walk from open countryside, there are all the facilities you could want, history is everywhere and the Creek is a haven for boat lovers.
Convenient, pleasant and peaceful with a range of clubs and societies, it’s a wonderful place to live and a fascinating place to visit. The recently screened Channel 4 production Southcliffe, a tough modern thriller, was filmed in the locality, where viewers saw Faversham disguised as the fictional eponymous town.
FACT FILE
Connections
Very close to the M2 and M20 (linked to M25) and M2/A2 for Canterbury (about 10 miles). Rail links to London around one hour.
Entertainment
Royal cinema (01795 591211, ME13 7AG), rare 1930’s Tudorbethan style; Fleur de Lis Heritage Centre (01795 534542) comprises a museum, Tourist Information Centre, bookshop, gallery and hall; Maison Dieu at Ospringe (01795 534542, ME13 8TL), the oldest village museum in Britain; Shepherd Neame Visitors’ Centre (01795 532206, ME13 7AX), with a shop, bar and guided tours.
Events
18-19 May: Travel Through Time, Faversham Transport Weekend, with vintage and veteran vehicles, music, entertainment and stalls.
15-23 June: Faversham Festival; musical and artistic events.
Scenery
Faversham Creek, Oare Gunpowder Works and Country Park with nature trail, Abbey Physic Community Garden.
Buildings
Parish church of St Mary of Charity, Shrine of St Jude, Chart Gunpowder Mills, the oldest gunpowder mill in the world, plus around 500 listed buildings.
Refreshment
Read’s Restaurant (01795 535344, ME13 8XE); The Sportsman (01227 273370, CT5 4BP) (both Michelin starred); Albion Taverna (01795 591411, ME13 7DH); The Three Mariners (01795 533633, ME13 0QA); The Bear Inn (01795 532668, ME13 7AG) and the Sun (01795 535098, ME13 7JE).
Shopping
The majority of shops are independents, with some chain stores, most being in the centre of town, and there are thrice-weekly street markets in Market Place and Court Street. There are a number of antique shops, as well as various specialist shops: bakers, butchers (notably Barkaways Butchers, 01795 532040, ME13 7JE) and the excellent Macknade Fine Foods (01795 537373, ME13 7JE now right next door.
Property talk
Michael Wallington, owner Baldwins Estate Agents
Baldwins’ (01795 533544, ME13 7AG) prime business is selling middle to upper market homes, especially ‘interesting’ homes, and those with character.
“We’re finding local prices have held well over the last couple of years,” says Michael. “There’s stability in the market and excellent potential for future growth, and I’d say this is a great time to invest, as there are new businesses starting, further development of residential and commercial areas, yet we’re still cheaper than Canterbury or Whitstable – in fact we have a regular influx of buyers from London. Faversham properties range from the 15th and 16th-century buildings in Abbey Street and West Street to homes from all eras. Bargains are rare, but good value is always around.”
â— Typical prices
One- and two-bedroom flats are around £116,000 and £149,000 respectively, a three-bedroom semi is approximately £232,000, while a four-bedroom detached house could be yours for upwards of £438,000
Business talk
Richard Murr, managing partner Mackay & Co
Mackay & Co solicitors (01795 536061, ME13 8AD) started in Faversham in the 1970s and offer a broad spectrum of legal services. Richard has practised here since 1996 and moved to the town three years later
“Property in Faversham is very good value – I’ve seen people sell a small basement flat in Fulham and being able to buy a good-sized house here,” says Richard.
“The housing stock is very varied, from a tiny medieval cottage to a Victorian doctor’s house. The variety is much wider than in Whitstable, for example, and far better value.
“There are a lot of businesses moving to Faversham, benefiting from the fast communication links to London and the proximity to the Channel Tunnel. I particularly appreciate the quality of life in Faversham; 10 minutes’ walk to the north is the sea wall, while the same distance to the south is hilly woodland, and the beach is only a 20-minute bike ride away.
“There are good restaurants, friendly pubs with live music, concerts and art exhibitions. I especially love the area alongside the Creek – I’m interested in the Thames Sailing Barges, and in the summer I work as crew aboard a friend’s Thames Barge. I’d wholeheartedly recommend a move to Faversham.”
Mayor’s musings
David Simmons is Mayor of Faversham, as well as being a farmer who runs a market stall selling local produce. He was born in Faversham and has been a member of Faversham Rotary for 30 years, is Chair of the League of Friends of Faversham Cottage Hospital, and trustee of Faversham Municipal Charities.
His wife belongs to the Faversham Society, Inner Wheel and she is Chair of The Friends of Ospringe church.
“Things are still very tough in the business community but Faversham is in better shape than many towns,” David says. “Faversham is very much a ‘can do’ place, because of the positive attitude of the residents and the opportunities that localism is bringing.
“The best aspect of life for me is the open countryside within a mile of the town centre. To the north are the Graveney and Oare mashes, to the south the North Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, while to east and west is the north Kent fruit belt.
“Reads’ Restaurant is perfect for special occasions, and I love my local pub, The Alma (01795 533835, ME13 0DU). Faversham is a great place to live and work, with old and new buildings well blended together, lots to do for all ages and interests.”
Getting there
Faversham is close to the north Kent coast, separated from the Isle of Sheppey to the north by the River Swale. It’s near to junction 6 of the M2, reached via the A2 from the M25. There are rail links to London (twice hourly), and other parts of Kent.
Satnav postcode: ME13 8NS.
MY TOWN
Ima Rix, Business Support Officer for the Faversham Enterprise Partnership
Tell us about your work
Faversham Enterprise Partnership (01795 539339, ME13 8PG) is an organisation that works with local councils and businesses to support and promote commerce. My job is to carry out initiatives to promote Faversham and to encourage shoppers and visitors to use local shops and businesses. Although I’m office based, I go out and spend time meeting staff and owners of local businesses and ascertaining how we can support them, plus I organise events. I live in a village a few miles outside town
How are local traders faring?
Time are hard for our small traders, but we have plenty of excellent, lively independent shops which are holding their own
Any upcoming events?
We’re involved with events such as Faversham Transport Weekend (see above), involving hundreds of vintage and veteran cars and buses, with lots of music and entertainment in the town centre
Favourite walk or cycle ride?
I love to walk or cycle around the Syndale Valley near my home.
Favourite place?
Our stunning Guildhall in Market Place
Favourite place to eat?
I love coffee, so Jittermugs (01795 533121, ME13 8NZ), Macknade Fine Foods café (see above) and the Creek Creative Café (01795 536686, ME13 7BE) are among my favourite places for a relaxing break.
Why move to Faversham?
It’s a very friendly place to live, it feels like a large village and you’re made to feel very welcome. The kind of town where there’s always something going on, lots of clubs and societies, plus the facilities are excellent. If you like the countryside and are interested in history then it’s all here.
Faversham in a sentence?
Charming, friendly and bustling with a great community life.
