Christmas in Faversham & Canterbury

Mentioned in the Domesday Book, Faversham is one of England's most historic market towns nestled between the rolling hills of the North Downs and the North Kent marshes. The world famous Cathedral city of Canterbury is just ten miles away. Today we visit both    with coffee and lunch at an historic old pub in Faversham before an afternoon of shopping and sightseeing in the heart of Canterbury.  

Come and meet the guide at 10-30am in Faversham for morning coffee and biscuits included in the tour fee before exploring this compact town on a gentle and fascinating stroll to see some of the 475 listed buildings – all within very short compass of the pub.  

Faversham is one of the few places outside London where a king and his queen were buried. We discover the finest mediaeval street  in England, an old-world chemist with mortar & pestle shop sign and the art deco cinema. Faversham is enormously attractive and compact so you are never far from cover and we don’t overdo the walking at all. On Tuesdays and Fridays there is a market here just a few steps from the lunch pub. 

Back to the historic old pub with its hop garlands and old inglenook fire place in the heart of the pedestrian conservation area for a tasty roast chicken lunch or vegetarian option included in the tour fee leaving individuals to pay for their choice of bar drinks, hot drinks and desserts if they’ve room.  

It only takes a short while to drive over to Canterbury. Your folk can opt to enjoy an independent afternoon of shopping. From Debenhams, Mappin & Webb and Fenwicks through the High Street names to a whole host of individual boutique type shops there’s plenty of choice here. Others might opt to stay with the tour guide for a city trail that will pick out some of the exquisite details in the historic narrow streets. There is a tiny German-style Christmas market each year in Canterbury – just enough to give you a flavour of the continent near which we’ll stop for refreshments before heading for home at 4-45pm. Alternatively you can come and start the day in Faversham at noon for an early lunch and head home from Canterbury at 5-30pm. You could also opt to stay in Canterbury to attend a choral evensong at Canterbury Cathedral which takes place most days at 5-30pm – the best way to appreciate the cathedral in all its glory.   

Gentle walking

Available weekdays throughout November and December 2011. 

Adults & Seniors: £18.95

Price valid 1st April 2012 to 31st March 2013

Coach Mileage: 10   

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