Faversham, a quiet market town – steeped in history?
Come and join one of our guided Town Walks to learn even more about Faversham’s rich heritage. Faversham is home to more than 450 listed buildings, many with very interesting stories, but only one place in England has more listed buildings per square kilometre… be sure to ask which it is!
Each of our Town Guides brings an individual approach to their walk. They have their own particular interests that illustrate the walk, whether it is from a literary, architectural or people direction, but they all share their love and pride in Faversham with enthusiasm. The guides know the town's hidden gems, the long bricks of Gatefield Lane, pargetting in West Street and the stories of many of the town’s residents from long ago.
The walks take between one and a half and two hours and are not physically demanding, although part of the walk may involve cobblestones underfoot.
We start at the Visitor Information Centre based at 12 Market Place, opposite the iconic Guildhall. The walks include many quirky places, as well as the Market Place. Court Street has many interesting buildings and you will discover which monarch was held captive here and another who was alleged to have had his face slapped by the mistress of the house. Abbey Street is described as “one of the finest medieval streets in Britain” and every building has a tale to tell or a feature to admire; the existing architecture spans many centuries and is lovingly preserved today. Learn about monarchs, saints and the infamous murder case that prompted a 16th century play that is still performed by, amongst others, The Royal Shakespeare Company.
The Abbey Physic Garden stands in the grounds of the Old Grammar School and the school, now Freemasons’ Hall, is a fine example of a Tudor building. St Mary of Charity Parish Church is larger than some cathedrals and, in Kent, is exceeded in size by only Canterbury and Rochester cathedrals and, allegedly, Maidstone Parish Church, (formerly part of the Archbishops Palace). Its crown spire, visible for miles around, is one of only eight in the UK, and the design was chosen as a response to the many accidents in the local gunpowder industry. Inside, see the painted column dating from 1306 and the tomb that allegedly holds the remains of King Stephen.
Our guided Town Walks are an ideal fun and educational way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this unique market town, a town of Kings! Walks start at the following times – just turn up and join us!
| Every Saturday morning from 1 April to 28 October* pre-booking is not required | |
| *Note - not on Coronation Weekend or Hop Festival weekends |
Cost: Adults £5.00, accompanied children £3.00 - free for Faversham Society members
Email townwalks@favershamsociety.org to request further information about any of our walks.
Group bookings and enquiries
Group tours can be arranged for any weekday, including visits to the Heritage Centre and Museum, by calling Antony Millett on 01795 483289 or 07771 184441 or by email at townwalks@favershamsociety.org . Timings and content of tours can be tailored to the needs of your group. If your members have any particular interests then please advise us beforehand and we will try and include these in your walk.
Group visits - minimum of 10 people or £50
Arriving by Coach
The coach drop-off and pick-up is in Leslie Smith Drive, ME13 8PW.
Adults: £5.00 Children: £3.00
Address
Walking with History in Faversham
Visitor Information Centre
12 Market Place
Faversham
Kent
ME13 7AE
