The buzzing UK market town with independent shops and quaint cobbled streets

This enchanting medieval market town inKent is the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend escape, boasting winding narrow streets, a plethora of independent shops to discover, and an array of fantastic eateries and pubs. Faversham may be rich in history, with its ancient port, maritime industry and hop-growing heritage, but it's also brimming with contemporary attractions that today's visitors will love.

The town offers a wealth of shopping opportunities and businesses, a theatre, thrilling events and activities, and a vibrant market, which proudly proclaims itself as "Kent's oldest". There are also beautiful scenic spots, such as Mount Ephraim Gardens, which will soon be ablaze with autumnal hues.

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And let's not forget the locals' passion for hops and beer, so much so that they host an annual Faversham Hop Festival. Unfortunately, you've just missed this year's event, so make sure to plan ahead for next year.

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The first record of hops being grown in Faversham dates back to 900AD, so don't miss out on sampling some local brews during your visit.

Prepare yourself for picturesque street scenes straight from a fairy tale, featuring properties so quaintly old-fashioned they're delightfully askew, and seemingly moulded perfectly out of shape. You might even spot homes painted in a spectrum of colours.

There's no uniformity here, with each house unique in these winding streets. Youngsters will adore the Faversham Miniature Railway – it's the only nine-inch gauge railway open to the public in the UK and is operated by volunteers.

Brogdale Farm, located just 1.8 miles outside the town, offers a steam locomotive ride through its stunning orchards for only £2 per person. As previously reported by Kent Live, Brogdale is home to the National Fruit Collection and boasts over 4,000 varieties of fruit trees, making it a must-visit spot.

As you stroll through Faversham, you can't help but be captivated by its historical charm. Depending on which official site you read, the town has between 300 to 450 listed buildings.

Many homes are beautifully decorated with multi-coloured hanging baskets, trailing flowers, and charming front gardens.

Faversham's historic market place is also home to galleries, inns, independent shops, and tea rooms. From here, you could embark on a walk and take in the expansive views of the estuary, its mud flats, wild flowers, and boats.

You might also catch sight of the marshes, pubs, churches, and an abundance of birdlife. Faversham was named one of the top 10 UK destinations in June this year, scoring highly across various categories including the number of independent shops, cultural landmarks, top-rated restaurants, local music events, TikTok popularity, and average summer temperatures.

A study by Betway found that 86 per cent of Faversham's restaurants had earned ratings of four stars or higher on TripAdvisor. Additionally, 85 per cent of its cultural landmarks received a four-star TripAdvisor rating or higher.

Another essential destination is Faversham's markets, predominantly located in the Market Place and along Court Street. The backdrop is breathtaking, featuring the town pump, Guildhall and historic medieval structures.

Several markets operate at different times and days: the Charter Market; Best of Faversham; and Antiques and Vintage - plus a Triple Market Weekend, allowing visitors to explore all three during the opening weekend of each month.

Numerous shops offer distinctive presents, regional handicrafts and artisan goods, alongside well-known high street brands.

Among the town's concealed treasures is Standard Quay, situated by the creek and within walking distance of the town centre. This former trading port was purchased by the Earl of Faversham in 1677.

Visitors can stroll beside the waterway, observing traditional vessels and craft, barges, plus fishing boats and tugboats.

The quay has undergone revitalisation and offers excellent retail opportunities for any requirement, from meat suppliers and fish merchants, seasonings and herbs, dairy products, furnishings and memorabilia, to vintage English implements, beauty products, artwork, antiques and much more.

Guests will discover additional aspects of Faversham's heritage and displays, whilst dining and refreshing themselves at numerous establishments, including the Secret Garden Tea Room serving locally-sourced, homemade cuisine.

There's a constantly evolving programme of activities — or as Visit Swale puts it, there's "always something happening".

History enthusiasts, take note! The Oare Gunpowder Works Country Park is a must-visit. Here, you can delve into Faversham's past as the hub of the explosives industry, including its role in producing gunpowder for the iconic battles of Trafalgar and Waterloo.

Faversham also boasts a rich maritime history. A shipyard was set up in 1916 to build barges for landing craft. From 1916 to 1969, over 1,200 ships were constructed and launched from this quaint town.

Adding to the mix of history and hops is the Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre at its renowned brewery on Court Street. This brewing company, the oldest in Britain, has been crafting beer in Faversham since 1698.

You can learn more about its brews and their creation process. Why not join a guided tour of the brewery, admire the historic buildings, and naturally, stock up on your favourite beers in the shop?

As you'd expect, Shepherd Neame operates numerous pubs in Faversham. Consider dropping by The Sun Inn on West Street or The Bear Inn in Market Place. If you're driving to Faversham, there are ample car parks available, including Central Car Park, Partridge Lane Car Park and Queen's Hall Car Park, all conveniently located.