Faversham’s Hidden Creekside Gem:
Just a short walk from Faversham’s historic Market Place is the gorgeous Abbey Street – known as the ‘finest medieval street in the South East’ – it actually contains a fascinating selection of properties spanning across the centuries. Abbey Street provides a beautiful tree-lined approach to Standard Quay, which is located at its far end and nestled alongside Faversham Creek.
Many towns have their hidden treasures and Faversham is no exception. Although considering the increasing number of people visiting Standard Quay, it’s becoming the worst kept secret ever!
Much of the appeal is its attractive, weather boarded buildings and very special Creekside setting. Views up the Creek take in the iconic Oyster Bay Building, which features in many visitor photos of Faversham, along with boats and barges moored alongside the Quay. It is home to classic ships as well as traditional fishing boats, tugs and overnight moorings of all sorts.
The views across the Creek to Faversham Marshes are beautiful – particularly on a lovely sunny day. When visiting Standard Quay, it’s worth joining the footpath that takes you along the Creekside to Iron Wharf, where you can admire hundreds of boats in and out of the water, many being worked on by local boat builders.
Standard Quay itself contains some very appealing businesses, popular among visitors. There are a number of antiques and vintage businesses, selling everything from old Beano albums, to dining tables, to vintage tools and everything between. Pierre & Dom has a fine selection of vintage pictures, paintings, photos and prints and Aladdin’s Cave, as its name implies, includes an eclectic collection including tea sets, vintage clothing, jewellery and more.
There are also a number of shops selling fresh produce including the Butcher of Brogdale, Herman’s Plaice Fishmongers and Salt & Spice, which as well as blending its own spice mixes, sells wonderful fresh fruit and veg.
If you need a break and fancy some breakfast, lunch or tea – then the Secret Garden Café at Standard Quay is a lovely spot to enjoy freshly prepared, locally sourced food. If the weather is being kind, there’s a peaceful outdoor garden where you can enjoy your meal. The café is dog-friendly too – ideal if you’re also enjoying a walk along the Creek.
The Anchor Pub at the bottom of Abbey Street is traditional inn with a great atmosphere – cosy in the winter but with a large sunny garden to enjoy in the summer. It offers a wide selection of drink and food – family plus dogs are very welcome.
For anyone looking for a longer walk around this area of Faversham, the ‘Earth, Wind and Water Walk’ combines the best of Faversham’s countryside and coast and you can easily join the route from Standard Quay. There are longer and shorter versions of the walk, to suit all energy levels.
Walk details: https://www.visitfaversham.org/site-files/walks/earth-wind-and-water.pdf
Faversham’s tradition of shipbuilding goes back several hundred years and Standard Quay played an important role in Faversham’s maritime history. Between 1916 and 1969, Faversham built and launched over 1200 ships. One of Standard Quay’s classic ‘barn’ buildings, dating back to the 18th century, is the temporary home of the Cambria Thames Barge Exhibition.
Parking at Standard Quay is free and many visitors use it as a base to explore Faversham, as the town centre is only a ten minute walk away. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can hire a Surrey Bike and explore the area by pedal-power!
If, after reading this, you fancy spending time at Standard Quay, the Customs House offers luxury B&B accommodation and is located overlooking the Creek and marshes. https://www.visitkent.co.uk/accommodation/customs-house-45218/
If you’re not staying overnight, Standard Quay is still a lovely Faversham attraction for visitors and day trippers and the perfect place to explore surrounding the countryside and the beautiful market town that is Faversham.
For more information on Standard Quay visit http://standardquay.co.uk/
More information on the history of Abbey Street: https://www.faversham.org/history/places/abbey-street
Article courtesy of www.visitfaversham.org
