Discover Faversham’s quays, brewery and ancient lanes
Gary and I live in Kent, and we’ve visited Faversham a few times over the years. And no, not just to frequent its historical brewery (though that is a good reason) but, also to stroll its ancient Chartered covered market, delightful lanes and winding tidal creek.
However, today was a bit different, we’d decided that we weren’t just going to visit our usual stomping ground. We’d be more inquisitive and dig a little deeper into Kent’s oldest market town.

Where is Faversham?
How to get to...
- By Train
Catch a high-speed train from St Pancras International, London to Faversham, and it only takes around 1hour 10 minutes.
- By Car
Faversham is a 1.4miles/2.3km from junction 6 of the M2 Motorway. There are various fee-paying car parks around town.
A little bit of history on Faversham
Gunpowder, a Cinque Port and sooo many ancient innsFaversham truly has some history, it dates from pre-Roman times and is mentioned in the Doomsday Book, as land owned by the King.
The picturesque town is located just off of the A2, which was an old Roman road connecting the Kent coast to London via the striking Cathedral city of Canterbury.
From the 11th-century, Faversham enjoyed the privileges bestowed on them from being one of the King’s Cinque Ports and was a limb of Dover.

What I love about Faversham is that it is a genuine locals’ town, with residents coming and going, and just getting on with their day to day lives.
However, with over 300 listed buildings and so many of them are eye-catching half-timbered dwellings, it’s a town that shouldn’t be taken for granted. We even spotted one pub dating from 1409, The Bull Inn.

Faversham was once renowned for its gunpowder mills and explosives factories in the UK. Its original gunpowder plant was built in 1573. Faversham continued to grow its factories over the following centuries and manufactured gunpowder to be used in the Battle of Trafalgar and Battle of Waterloo.
In April 1916 an explosion occurred in one of the factories, killing over 100 people. All the factories were closed by 1934, due to the impending threat of the Second World War.
It’s in my Kentish blood
There's still time to turn my hand to hop-picking amongst the vines
If you're intrigued by Kent's weird and wonderful history, or all unusual stories around the county, then take a peek at "Kent's Strangest Tales".
You won't be able to put it down, you can pick it up for your Kindle or in good old paperback.
Discover Faversham Guildhall
The eye-catching centerpiece of the medieval Kent town

It was redesigned by Charles Drayson into the beautiful arched colonnade building you can see today.
It is in and around the sturdy wooden pillars and the well-trodden paving stones that Faversham Charter Market is held every week.
Faversham’s Markets
Faversham’s Charter Market is held on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays every week, selling a range of local produce, collectables and other interesting items.
In addition, there are two monthly markets, ‘Best of Faversham Arts, Crafts’ and a ‘Food Market’ on the first and third Saturday of the month.
Faversham Antiques and Vintage Market is held on the first Sunday of every month, except September.
Explore West Street in Faversham
Delightful local stores and centuries-old inns



Where to stay in Faversham
Visit some of Kent’s Historic Towns, Villages & Cities
Visit Shepherd Neame Brewery
They know a thing or two about brewing


Escape for a few days
Are you looking for that ‘perfick’ holiday hideaway to relax in while you discover the Garden of England?
After a day exploring the Kent coast and its many historic castles enjoy one of the handpicked properties and unique retreats at Holiday Cottages.
Stroll down Abbey Street in Faversham
Once welcomed the footsteps of noblemen


A bit more info?
Relax at Standard Quay in Faversham
The medieval Kent creek still bustling with life
I never realised that this Medieval Creekside quay was there and not only that, it had been transformed into a charming oasis to visit.
For over 500 years Standard Quay was a bustling maritime port with sailors and sea merchants vying for business.




Our Kent road trips
Explore the lanes of Faversham
With over 300 listed buildings amongst its charming streetsStrolling around Faversham, there are so many interesting snippets of history, tales to be told and thought-provoking facts.
In the heart of Faversham town and in keeping with its surroundings is The Royal Cinema designed in 1936 by Andrew Mather. This lovely cinema has been saved a few times from the brink of demolition and now has a true quirky, old-fashioned feel to it as you step into the foyer. Apparently, it is one of only two Tudorbethan cinemas to exist today, the other is in Salisbury, Wiltshire.



I just have to give this astounding gentleman a mention, and if anyone’s life should be turned into a movie, then it should be Sir Philip Neame.
Not only did this man receive the Victoria Cross through fighting in the trenches in WWI. He went on to win an Olympic gold medal in Paris for shooting in 1924, he was mauled by a tigress in India in 1933. He then fought in the Second World War in North Africa, was taken prisoner of war in Italy in 1943.
In 1946 he was knighted and lived into his 90th year and died in 1978 in Selling, Kent. His medals and awards are held at the Imperial War Museum in London.

Along South Road, you’ll come across the delightful Almshouses. Originally built in 1723 for Six Poor Men, it was extended in 1863 and is still kept in immaculate condition today.
Other lanes to stroll around are Tanners Street, the west side of West Street to Stonebridge Pond. Also, cross over Faversham Creek at Bridge Road and take the riverside walk along Front Brents.

Check Faversham’s tides as the Creek looks so much better at high tide.
Faversham has so much to offer a visitor whether your heading for a day trip or staying overnight.
English Heritage
Maison Dieu, a 13th-century wayside hospital, is located just outside Faversham in Ospringe. This ancient flint timber-framed medieval hospital is believed to be the oldest village museum in Britain. Check opening times due to social distancing.
Click on the banner below to join and gain unlimited access to England’s fascinating past with your annual membership.
Our video of Faversham
Another look at this charming Kentish townWe have created a little YouTube video of Faversham. Why not take a look?
Also, why not subscribe to our YouTube channel and get the latest clips as we post them?
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