Faversham is the oldest market town, great for festivals, attractions and, of course, markets throughout the year. Sittingbourne is full of attractions, a historic mill, a shrine and lots more.
Faversham & Sittingbourne
Faversham is a thriving, lively area and the oldest market town in Kent with its well-preserved buildings. Complementing this with the community spirit of the town, there are also loads of things to see and do with plenty of festivals, attractions and, of course, markets throughout the year.
At the Fleur de Lis Heritage Museum, learn all about the growth of the town in terms of trade and commerce after its Norman conquest, and the people and trends from past and present eras. Home also to the tourist office and a gallery for more local insights.
There are attractions in and around the town, including the very popular Faversham Pools with its outdoor wild rapid pool. Another big hit is a tour of the Shepherd Neame Brewery, Britain’s oldest brewer.Â
Visitors at Doddington Place Gardens have many gardens to explore and at Provender House you can take a tour of the beautiful house led by a Russian Princess. Escape rooms, the Oare Gunpowder Works Country Park, animal walks at the Huckleberry Woods are just a few of the many attractions. Also, a trip to Belmont House and Gardens, set in 3,000 acres, home to many events including its open air theatre season.
The town also has a range of individual shops, traditional and contemporary galleries, including the Creek Creative. Like many parts of Kent, the town itself is a great place to explore and experience its beauty and attractions.Â
The areas natural beauty is also evident with a visit to its National Fruit Collection the Brogdale Collections. The orchards are a living history and heritage of many types of fruit. There are also lots of events and activities too; you can go on walks, learn outdoor cooking and don’t overlook the annual Cider Trail festival. Mount Ephraim Gardens in Faversham comprises over 800 acres of woodland, pasture and fruit farmland, and at the heart of the estate is the main house with its stunning gardens. The 10 acre Edwardian gardens lead to a small lake and woodland area that overlooks orchards.
Faversham is a thriving, lively area and the oldest market town in Kent with its well-preserved buildings. Complementing this with the community spirit of the town, there are also loads of things to do and see with plenty of festivals, attractions and, of course, markets throughout the year.
In nearby Sittingbourne you will find out more about the area at the town’s Heritage Museum, you can take a train journey on the Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway,explore the many outdoor spaces including Milton Creek Country Park, as well as go-karting at Bayford Meadows.Â
The fascinating history of the National Shrine of Saint Jude and Chart Gunpowder Mill highlights the many different attractions on offer and its quirky heritage. As does the Old Forge War Time House, a unique living museum that hosts home front experiences in its ‘home’. Visit the Avenue Theatre which offers a wide theatrical and cinematic range and, as with all the major towns in Kent, there are many unspoilt villages with the countryside that surround them that are worth a visit too.
See Kent, Know Kent.
Picture credits top to bottom: © Doddington Place Gardens © Shepherd Neame Brewery © Mount Ephraim Country House & Gardens.
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What’s on and things to do in Faversham & Sittingbourne
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