Take a Guided Tour of Faversham – Kent’s ‘Market Town of Kings’
What better way to discover more about Faversham’s fascinating and sometimes surprising past than to be guided personally by an enthusiastic and experienced local historian?
Join one of our Guided Town Walks to learn more about Faversham’s rich heritage and about the people who have walked these streets before us - both those who have lived here and those who were passing through.
Did you know that Faversham was the site of one of the most infamous witch trials in Kent during the 1640s? Or that it is the only town granted the privilege of using the three lions of England on its town crest? Or that we are home to more than 450 listed buildings, many with very interesting stories to tell? Only one place in England has more listed buildings per square kilometre!
Each of our Town Guides brings something individual to their walk. They each have their own interests and experiences and their own anecdotes to share. Just as no two groups of visitors are identical, so no two town walks are ever exactly the same!
The walks take between one and a half and two hours. They do not involve long distances and are not physically demanding. Part of the walk may, however, involve cobblestones underfoot.
Saturday Mornings and Bank Holiday Mondays
These walks leave from the Visitor Information Centre opposite the iconic Guildhall. They take you to many quirky and interesting buildings, many with links to wider national history. You will hear about one king who was held captive in Court Street and another who was alleged to have had his face slapped by the mistress of the house! You’ll visit Abbey Street, named after the building that once dominated the townscape, described as “one of the finest medieval streets in Britain”. Here, every house has a tale to tell, whether a grisly secret or an architectural feature to admire. Learn about monarchs, saints, merchant adventurers and the infamous murder case that prompted the 16th century play that is still performed by, amongst others, The Royal Shakespeare Company.
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! If your stay in Faversham is of short duration, a Guided Town Walk will provide you with an enjoyable summary of the town’s unique history. If you are fortunate enough to be here for longer, then it will provide many suggestions for places that merit a return visit and longer exploration during your stay,
For full schedule and further details, see Faversham Society Walking with History Guided Walks
Summer Walks Programme
What better way to enjoy summer in Faversham than by taking one or more of our seasonal guided walks? We’re celebrating high summer by offering a short programme of walks on different themes and at different times in addition to our regular Saturday morning schedule.
Please book in advance either online or in person (in advance for evening walks) at the Visitor Information Centre. The Bank Holiday Monday walk can be paid on the day.
Wednesday 23rd July – departs 6.30 pm - Murder and intrigue: The sorry tale of Alice Arden
You’ve heard the podcasts – you’ve read the book and heard the talk! This walk offers the chance to re-examine the Arden story on the very spot where it happened. Meet at the Visitor Information Centre, 12 Market Place
Wednesday 6th August – departs 6.00 pm - Summer Evening Stroll
Enjoy our regular ‘Walking with History’ route in the relaxed conditions and long shadows of a summer evening. Meet at the Visitor Information Centre, 12 Market Place
Tuesday 12th August – departs 6.00 pm - Faversham's Victorian legacy. What did the Victorians do for us?’
Quite a lot, it seems! Join Mary on this summer evening walk of discovery to learn more. Meet at the Visitor Information Centre, 12 Market Place
Bank Holiday Monday 25th August - ‘Exploding with History - Faversham’s Gunpowder Heritage’ – with Catherine
This walk includes a visit to Chart Mills and explores the impact of the gunpowder industry on the town’s history and built environment.
Pre-booked Group Walks
These can be arranged for any weekday, morning or afternoon (subject to Guide availability) for groups of 10+ people [or minimum £50].
We can arrange for optional visits to the Heritage Centre and Museum where opening times coincide.
Timings and content of these tours can be tailored to the needs of your group. If your members have any particular interest, then do let us know and we will try to plan your walk with these in mind.
To book, or to request further information, contact Catherine Lee, Town Walks Coordinator on 07570 866391 or by email at townwalks@favershamsociety.org.
Departure Point
We usually suggest the Alexander Centre (17 Preston Street, Faversham ME13 8NZ) as an ideal location for booked groups to meet their guide. It provides a comfortable space for the Group Leader to confirm the itinerary and numbers, and to finalise payment. More importantly, here visitors can get a hot drink, relax and use the facilities in advance of their walk. For larger groups, we would appreciate pre-ordering of drinks and a single payment to avoid a delayed departure.
Food and Drink: If you are planning to have lunch in Faversham either before or after your walk, the town offers numerous options. We will be happy to advise at the time of your booking and help you make advance arrangements to avoid disappointment and ensure an enjoyable and successful visit.
Arriving in Faversham: The Alexander Centre is only a short walk from Faversham Railway Station.
Recommended Carpark: Queens Hall Car Park, Forbes Rd, Faversham ME13 8QE (Long Stay). Again, only a short walk from the Alexander Centre.
Coach Drop-off: Coaches may drop off passengers at Lesley Smith Drive, ME13 8PW adjacent to Central Carpark. Drop-off and pick-up times in the town are limited to a maximum of 15 minutes, Please note the 15-minute limited waiting time: we will try to ensure that your timetable is adhered to.
Catherine Lee, Town Walks Coordinator
07570 866391
townwalks@favershamsociety.org
Adults: £5.00 Children: £3.00
Address
Walking with History in Faversham
Visitor Information Centre
12 Market Place
Faversham
Kent
ME13 7AE
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