Best time to go: I would recommend to go on a sunny summer day if possible. If not spring and autumn are good times to visit as well.
General advice: This plan works as a day trip or as a weekend escape depending on how long you want to spend in each town, but both are small and easy to get around. You can go by train from London and it only takes 1 hour to Faversham and 30 min to Rochester (approximately). Trains depart from Kings Cross, Stratford International and Victoria. If you want to go for a day trip, you can buy one ticket return directly to Faversham and ask at Rochester if they can let you out for a few hours to explore the town so you don’t have to buy multiple tickets.
Day 1: Faversham
Faversham is a historic market town perfect for an escape to the country. First thing to do in Faversham is to visit the famous brewery "Shepherd Neame” that is actually Britain's oldest brewer. You can do a guided tour of the brewery which also includes a tasting or just make sure that you try their beer at one of the local pubs.
Faversham streets and town centre are particularly nice and it’s worth having a walk around the streets admiring the pretty houses. Of course, don’t forget to visit the iconic Guildhall that stands in the very heart of Faversham.
After exploring the centre, I would recommend to have a short walk to the creek and the standard quay. At the standard quay a great place for lunch is "Papà Bianco”, order one of their incredible pizzas. A nice cafe with a great terrace in the same area is "The Secret Garden Cafe”. If you fancy a drink, pop by the “Anchor Inn” which has a great beer garden.
If you have travelled by car, you can also visit the nearby Mount Ephraim Gardens and stay the night at this beautiful state. In Mount Ephraim Gardens there are 10 acres of picturesque Edwardian terraced gardens, plus a grass maze, nature trail and a tearoom. If you travelled by train and want to visit the gardens, the best option is to take a bus (number 3 from North Lane - Stop M) and get off at Wood's Garage and walk 10 minutes.
The recommended hotel is "The Sun Inn”, offering cosy rooms and a great location just inside Faversham’s historic centre. Even if you don’t stay here, it is worth going to the beer garden!
Day 2: Rochester
Just 30 min by train from Faversham you will find Rochester. In Rochester you cannot miss the castle, the cathedral, the bridge and the high street.
You can start by visiting the castle, the 12th-century stone tower is the castle's most prominent feature and one of the best preserved in England. You can visit the inside of the castle and from the tower you will get amazing views of the river, the bridge and the cathedral.
Rochester Cathedral is England's second oldest and was founded in AD604 by Bishop Justus. The present building dates back to the work of the French monk Gundulf in 1080. In the cathedral you can admire the Textus Roffensis, the only existing written copy of the first code of English law and one of the most important books in England.
I would recommend to have a walk around the High Street which is full of nice restaurants and cute independent shops. If you are hungry, get a burger at "Chuck and Blade Burgers”, delicious! Another great option is “the Cheese Room Deli & Cafe” that has a covered courtyard. For a drink, go to "The George Vaults” beer garden.
Comments