GET OUTTA TOWN
The historic riverside town that deserves to be a top weekend break destination – with Britain’s oldest brewery
Plus, the top 3 staycations spots to visit in 2024
HOLIDAYMAKERS heading to Kent are likely to visit places such as Canterbury, Margate and Whitstable - but there are plenty of other destinations that deserve some attention.
One of those places is a medieval market town, which was named in the Doomsday Book and is home to Britain's oldest brewer.
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Located halfway between Sittingbourne and Canterbury, the riverside town of Faversham has been described as "underrated" by visitors.
Filled with listed buildings, cobbled lanes and picturesque shopfronts, Faversham is packed full of history.
One place in Faversham that holidaymakers need to visit is Shepherd Neame - the oldest brewer in Britain.
According to , Shepherd Neame has been brewing beers since 1698 - although some historians believe beers were being brewed in the town for a lot longer.
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Those visitors who want to learn more about the brewing process can book themselves onto a guided tour of the brewery.
During the 80-minute guided tour, visitors will learn how the beer is fermented.
Visitors will also be able to sample some natural mineral water from the brewery’s well, and take part in a tasting session too.
Tours cost £22.50 for a full-paying adult.
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The award-winning brewery has been praised by visitors, with a 5/5 star rating on TripAdvisor from more than 2,000 reviews.
One person wrote: "A very interesting tour of the brewery. Martin was a knowledgeable and entertaining tour guide.
"The tour was topped off with a tasting of six beers, which was a great experience."
While another added: "Such a good experience and amazing to walk around a place with so much history."
A third person wrote: "A funny and informative tour."
Faversham is home to over 300 listed buildings, including Arden’s Cottage on Abbey Street and the Kings Manor in the Market Square.
To learn more about the town's history, visitors should head to The Fleur de Lis Heritage Centre.
Located on Preston Street, the small museum provides a full history of the Kent town from its early roots as an Iron Age settlement to its prosperity during the Elizabethan Era.
In the 19th century, Faversham became the centre of the explosives industry in the UK, with the town even manufacturing gunpowder for the battles of Trafalgar and Waterloo.
While the gunpowder-making process is explained in the free museum, the best place to learn more about the history of gunpowder is Oare Gunpowder Works Country Park.
The Green Flag park, which is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument, is a 25-minute walk from the centre of Faversham.
Not only can visitors learn more about the history of gunpowder, it's also home to plenty of habitats and wildlife.
Entry to Oare Gunpowder Works Country Park is free.
Such a good experience and amazing to walk around a place with so much history
Other nearby attractions include Mount Ephraim Gardens.
The Edwardian garden is a 10-minute drive from Faversham and it has a Japanese rock garden.
Back in the Kent town, Faversham Town Walks run 90-minute guided tour, which start at the Town Hall at 12pm.
Hungry holidaymakers will want to grab a bite to eat at the Monument - a 19th century pub.
While the pub was first established in 1803, its building has been in Faversham for over 400 years.
Faversham is a 70-minute drive from central London, and it's a 20-minute drive from Canterbury.
Direct trains operate between London St Pancras International and Faversham, with journeys taking roughly two hours.
One-way tickets between London and Faversham cost £30 for a full-paying adult.
There are plenty of other underrated and unassuming dotted throughout the UK, including Painswick in the Cotswolds.
Painswick, Cotswolds
Often dubbed the "Queen of the Cotswolds" by travel experts and tour operators, Painswick has also been called the "most magical" town in the UK by holidaymakers on TikTok.
Even though Painswick is fairly small, there are several sites for day trippers to explore including St Mary's Church.
The church lies in the heart of the town and is surrounded by a churchyard dotted with graves, tombs, and 99 Yew trees.
Hawes, Yorkshire
Meanwhile, a small town in Yorkshire has captured the hearts of visitors thanks to small waterfalls that flow between the old stone houses.
Gayle Beck, near the confluence of the River Ure, gushes through the streets of Hawes - a tiny market town in the Yorkshire Dales.
Read More on The Sun
Hawes topped the list of the "most charming" towns in the county, which was put together by .
They raved about its quaint streets and homes, while also speaking highly of its sights and history.
Best staycation locations for 2024
1. Bristol
The arty harbour city was the top spot on the list and is bursting with culture and trendy cafes scattered along the River Avon.
A bubbling hub for creatives, Bristol is the birthplace of street artist Banksy, and you can admire some of his best early works on a free walking tour.
2. Hull
The Humberside port city started to get recognition last year, and it has a thriving nightlife scene - if that's something you're after.
The old town is crawling with history and classy buildings, whose walls have many stories to tell and The Deep is a fascinating aquarium attraction.
3. Isles of Scilly
Just off the Cornish coast, it's easy to see why the archipelago made it into the top three.
Here, you can expect golden sandy beaches where you will be able to spot dolphins beyond the shoreline, as well as seafront pubs serving up hearty grub.
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