As the oldest market town in Kent, Faversham is bursting with a fascinating history, as well as things to do.
If you’re new to Faversham or just want to find out more about this charming town, The Faversham Society (favershamsociety.org) has all you need to know. Run by volunteers the society’s motto is ‘seek to cherish the past, adorn the present, create for the future’ and it’s certainly doing just that. The Fleur de Lis Heritage Centre, also the HQ of the society, houses the town’s museum, archives, as well as second-hand book shop.
Of course, it was during the Napoleonic Wars that the gunpowder industry reached its peak in Faversham. Chart Mills most probably supplied powder for both the Battles of Trafalgar and Waterloo and a small museum, including a working model of the mill, is located off Stonebridge Way and is free.
It’s also home to what’s believed to be the oldest village museum in Britain, the Maison Dieu (maisondieu.org.uk) Originally a Medieval hospital, housing Roman, Saxon and Medieval collections discovered locally, the museum is managed by the Maison Dieu Museum Trust and is open until the end of October.
For nature lovers there’s Oare Marshes, an important wetland reserve with a range of bird species. A Site of Special Scientific Interest, with 81 acres, there are grazing animals and walking trails. circular footpaths are wheelchair accessible. Nearby, South Swale reserve is home to thousands of wildfowl and waders in winter and very special plants in summer. (kentwildlifetrust.org.uk)
WHERE TO EAT/DRINK
The White Horse (thewhitehorseboughton.com) is former 16th century coaching inn in the tranquil village of Boughton-under-Blean, not far from Faversham. With a cosy bar and spacious dining area featuring an inglenook fireplace and original beams keeping that traditional village pub feel, the 2022 refurbishment has added a fresh and elegant new look. Open all day, every day, guests are welcomed for lunch, dinner and breakfast with hearty pub dishes as well as combining culinary flavours from across the world with a little Aussie influence.
Delicious cakes and signature coffees, and everything in between, are all to be enjoyed at Havishams Caffe (havishamscaffe.co.uk) in Court Street. All day breakfasts, afternoon tea, to Havishams specials, it’s famous for its baked delights and sweet treats and is fully licensed, too!
Synonymous with quality and community since 1847, Macknade (macknade.com) creates spaces and experiences which bring communities together around a shared love of food and drink. The food hall, along with butchery, delicatessen, café, wine store brings together some incredible produce from the Kentish doorstep as well as from further afield.
WHERE TO SHOP
Nestled in the heart of the town, you’ll find The Yarn Dispensary (theyarndispensary.co.uk) a multi-award-winning, family run, local yarn store housed in what was originally Britain’s oldest pharmacy. It’s a fibre-artist’s haven bursting with history and packed to the beams with yarns, notions, kits, gifts and more. The highlight are yarns from three local flocks – where else will you know the names of the sheep? Famous for their signature warm-welcome, the team at TYD are there for every step of that creative journey. With a range of classes and workshops, kid’s club and free meet-and-make nights, there’s something for everyone.
From LEGO to brio, jigsaws to model railways, The Hobby Shop (hobb-e-mail.com) has everything a model enthusiast needs or is the perfect visit for gifts. Located in Preston Street, there’s not much you can’t find here.
It’s good for the soul and all tastes of music are covered and all genres are celebrated at Creekside Vinyl (creeksidevinyl.co.uk) Owned by Simon Tyler…the record buying experience here in Market Street is a friendly, fun and welcoming space.
MUST SEE
Home to Britain’s oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, visitors to Faversham must take a look at the brewery in Court Street. There’s a shop selling Shepherd Neame merchandise, and beer of course, and it leads into the visitor centre where tours of the brewery start and finish. Tours include details of the brewer’s history, a glimpse into the brewing process and the chance to taste the end product. To book a tour and tutored tasting at £22.50 per person (over 18s only) visit shepherdneame.co.uk/visitor-centre/brewery-tours
WHERE TO STAY
Located in West Street, the beautiful 14th century town centre inn, The Sun, (sunfaversham.co.uk) sits as a jewel in the centre of Shepherd Neame’s Faversham crown, a stone’s throw away from its historic brewery.
Centuries of stories await at the Sun Inn, which is in a conservation area and is brimming with original features, such as oak beams and inviting inglenook fireplaces in the winter, as well as a beautiful sun trap of a courtyard garden.
It’s one of the market town’s most popular pubs to eat and drink in, and the 12 stunning bedrooms provide some of Faversham’s most stylish accommodation.
As well as the stunning ten acres of glorious gardens, Mount Ephraim (mountephraimgardens.co.uk) also offers accommodation in the luxury five-bedroom B&B or the self-catering Garden Wing which sleeps 12. Both are situated in this beautiful Victorian house with stunning views.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Post office: Sites are located at East Street and Lower Road. Visit postoffice.co.uk for branch information.
Healthcare: GP surgeries include Faversham Medical Practice and Newton Place Surgery. Faversham has an urgent treatment centre at Faversham Medical Practice and the nearest accident and emergency hospital William Harvey (Ashford). Visit nhs.uk for more health information.
Schools: Faversham scores strongly here with a range of primary schools, both in town and in the neighbouring villages. Ethelbert Road Primary School and Hernhill Church of England Primary School are currently rated ‘Outstanding’ by Oftsed while Lorenden Prep School provides pupils with open space and a thriving and rich environment. Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School is a forward thinking co-educational selective school.
Transport: Faversham station provides links to London St Pancras and London Victoria and is operated by Southeastern. Bus services are operated by Stagecoach and Regent Coaches. Find more travel information at traveline.info.
