Scotland
A wonderful first-floor converted cart barn in the village of Godmersham, Kent. Hot tub. Within the Kent Downs AONB. Romantic. Off-road parking. Ashford 6.3 miles; Canterbury 8.9 miles; Folkestone 19.8 miles.
The oldest market town in the county of Kent, this town’s history dates all the way back to the Domesday Book in 1086. Since then, things have changed just a bit in Faversham, but it means there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy – a heaven for historians and a feast for food lovers, Faversham is sure to be fabulous for all the family.
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For those looking beyond Faversham’s more niche past, the Fleur de Lis Heritage Centre and Museum is an ideal visit, housing roughly 40,000 objects that together catalogue the Faversham’s social, fashion, archaeological and even monetary history. And if this history intrigues you even more than the vast array of displays that the Fleur de Lis can offer, then head over to the Fleur Bookshop for specialised texts on the town to take home with you as a reminder of your visit – and perhaps some preparation for the next time you visit!
But you don’t need to visit a huge museum to get a sense of Faversham’s vast history – just walk through it yourself! Oare Gunpowder Works Country Park contains the remains of the Gunpowder Industry in the town, which produced gunpowder for the now infamous battles of Trafalgar and Waterloo.
Visitors not only have the opportunity to learn more about Faversham’s role in these battles, but to take in the variety of wildlife that has settled in the Works too. From birds to dragonflies and even native bats, it’s worth packing a picnic for your trip and keeping an eye out for creatures great and small.
Want to get your steps in for the day? Then join Faversham Town Walks on a 90-minute stroll lead by Faversham Society guides, who are sure to answer any and all questions you might have during your visit.
Or, mix a love of food with Faversham’s history by visiting Britain’s oldest Brewer; Shepherd Neame! Having produced beer since 1698, the town still stays local by using mineral water from Faversham’s aquifer and native hops. Take the 80-minute tour to learn about the art of brewing and see the Old Brewery Store with its displays of historic delivery vehicles and hop-picking memorabilia.
It’s worth the trip just for the tutored tasting of Shepherd Neame ales and lagers! Visit the shop to pick up some bottles of your favourite beer to take home or bring to friends to share the taste of Faversham.
For those who fancy making their own meal with produce straight from the town, Macknade food hall is well worth a visit. For roughly 170 years, Macknade has been a space for people to come along and share their joint love of food.
With a delicatessen (containing over 200 cheeses!), grocery, butchery, fruit & vegetable stalls, drinks and a florist available – you certainly won’t go home empty-handed. And when you need to rest your legs, head to the café or food village for a wide range of drinks and meals.
Lose yourself for the day in Belmont House and Gardens, which has been under the influence of six generations of the Harris family. With 3,000 acres including the house, a Kitchen Garden, Victorian Greenhouse and Walled Garden, orchards, farmland and woodland, there’s plenty to inspire any keen gardeners.
Any fans of Father Time can even take a specialist tour around the personal collections of clocks collected by the 5th Lord Harris. Take a break for lunch in the tearoom when you need and remember to check their events page ahead of your visit to see what extra things are on.
And if you’re looking for a little something to bring home with you, Faversham Market has the taste of the town you’re looking for. You’ll find local produce and collectable items when wandering around Kent’s oldest market, so look out for that something special!