Explore the Faversham countryside in the Kent Downs

Despite having driven past Faversham many times on my way to Kent's beautiful coastal areas, the medieval market town and surrounding area, nestled deep in Kent's North Downs, had never been on my radar.

When I was invited to work with Kent Downs on their #findyourspace #ExperienceKent campaign, I jumped at the chance to highlight some of the fabulous things to do in the Faversham area and the glorious Kent countryside.

You can read about my experience in this post.

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First Stop: Macknade Food Hall Faversham

Address: Selling Road, Faversham, ME13 8XF

My first stop was at Macknade Food Hall, a family-run fine food farm shop in Faversham that has been in operation since 1847. It also has stores in Ashford and Tunbridge Wells.

Macknade is a one-stop destination to buy the best local Kent produce from the Garden of England. The range of products is incredible. From sumptuous Kent fruit and vegetables to the local Kent honey and freshly baked bread, there is so much to choose from that you won't leave empty-handed!

Macknade even has an in-house butchery supplying the finest local meats. Mouthwatering sausages are a real favourite with shoppers, and meat marinades are made using produce from the farm shop, ensuring the freshest flavours.

The wine and beer store was impressive, stocking over 90 wines from around the world, as well as local sparkling wines, and a huge selection of local Kentish beers.

The outdoor space at Macknade has a chilled vibe and offers an outdoor seating area, as well as street food vans, similar to what you would expect to find in London. I will certainly be returning to try it out one evening.

Breakfast at Macknade

I was fortunate to enjoy breakfast at The Cafe at Macknade. I'm a bit of a coffee connoisseur and was pleased that the flat white was served perfectly, with a real depth of flavour. I ordered cinnamon toast with added banana, and again, it was delicious and came with a really generous serving.

Most of the produce used in the cafe is from local Kent suppliers, which makes eating at Macknade even more of a draw. From field to farm shop ensures that Kent's farming communities are supported and diners know exactly where their meal originated. Perfect in every way!

Kent products at Macknade are interspersed with international delicacies. A recent addition was a Korean food section, which is selling well.

Additionally, unusual items, such as red bananas from Ecuador, are now stocked. As a banana lover, I was interested in exploring the fruit's potential medicinal benefits. All I can say is ask the greengrocer for more details!

Mouthwatering Kent Produce

Of course, I had to buy some goodies for myself before I left Macknade. I stocked up on honey from the North Downs, coffee from Margate, lemon curd with lavender from Wye and the most delicious pear and ginger juice from Maidstone.

And for the man in my life - a selection of beers from Kent. Brewed in places like Romney Marsh, Whitstable and Tonbridge, it is great to taste beers produced near home.

Buying honey produced locally to where you live can help ease hay fever symptoms and supports local beekeepers

Next Up: Doddington Place Gardens

Address: Church Lane, Doddington, Faversham, ME9 OBB

Open 11 am-5 pm every Sunday, Wednesday, Friday and Bank Holiday Mondays from Easter Day until the end of September.

Entry prices are £14.00 for adults / £4.00 for children (2026 prices).

My next stop was Doddington Place Gardens, a 20-minute drive from Macknade.

Doddington Place is listed as one of Britain's finest Historic Houses and was once owned by the Croft family (of the sherry and port fame). It is still privately owned and has been in the Oldfield family for the last century. Its gardens are open to visitors twice a week.

My visit to Doddington Place couldn't have coincided with better weather.

The temperature was in the high 20s, the sun shone, and the flowers looked magnificent.

Amicia Oldfield was my guide around the gardens. Hearing about the gardens and family history connected to this historic house in Kent was fascinating.

There are many different areas to discover at Doddington Place Garden.

From the formal borders packed with alliums and roses and the pond area in the Sunk Garden to the renovated Edwardian rock garden with stunning views across the North Downs. No wonder Kent is called the Garden of England.

Wandering the pathways led me to the Folly Walk and Spring Garden, where shaded areas provided a moment to escape the heat.

Admire the amazing clipped yew hedges

One thing that makes Doddington stand out from the crowd is the strange bulging shapes of the clipped yew hedges planted before the First World War.

I immediately thought of Alice in Wonderland when I saw them and half-expected the Queen of Hearts to appear with her croquet stick at any moment!

The head gardener has cut small doorways in the hedge to allow children to step inside the undergrowth and play out their own magical fantasy.

As I visited in June, the Woodland Garden was awash with colour from the rhododendrons and azaleas. It was magical to wander through the dense woodland and listen to the birdsong.

After circumnavigating the gardens twice, I enjoyed tea and cake on the front lawn. But my day hadn't finished just yet. I decided to play around with my new iPhone and capture images on different settings. What do you think?

Finishing The Day: Exploring the town of Faversham

To finish off my day, I headed into town. You can read my full review here: Top Things to do in Faversham: Kent's Oldest Market Town.

So next time you are heading from London on the M2 motorway, admiring the beautiful North Downs scenery, make sure to turn off at junction 7 for Faversham. You won't want to miss one of the best towns in Kent.

Other things to do in Faversham

Brogdale Fruit Farm

Oare Gunpowder Works Country Park

Oare Marshes Nature Reserve

Shepherd Neame Brewery Tour

Belmont House and Gardens

Kent Coastal Towns Near Faversham

Driving times from Faversham

Broadstairs - 20 minutes

Herne Bay - 25 minutes

Margate - 35 minutes

Kent Castles Near Faversham

Driving Times from Faversham

Dover Castle - 30 minutes

Leeds Castle - 30 minutes

Deal Castle - 40 minutes

Walmer Castle - 50 minutes

Please pin for future Kent travel inspiration