Kent is bursting with fresh, local, lovingly made produce, and it’s all here waiting for you to try. Sample wines made from grapes grown just down the road, dine in luxury as you eat veggies picked just a stone’s throw away, and enjoy a warm welcome from the community that works so hard to make this county such an abundant place. A trip to just one of Kent’s market towns is enough to leave you feeling fed, refreshed, and more relaxed than ever (and, lucky for us, there’s one round every corner!). For a few days of moseying around, sampling delicious produce, and seeing how much there is on offer here, step into Kent and prepare for an unforgettable delight to the senses.
Faversham
We couldn’t talk about Kent’s market towns without starting off with the oldest one in the county. Just an hour’s direct train journey from London, Faversham’s Charter Market awaits and, can we just say, it is a true foodie’s paradise. Running every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, the market (mentioned in the Domesday book!) is full of wonderful goodies – not only mouth-watering food, but fresh plants and flowers, fruit and vegetables, clothes, and trinkets too. A 20-minute walk down the road will have you at Macknade, a local hub of produce that’s been at the forefront of Kent’s food and drink scene for 175 years. To explore all of this and more, why not stay the night at one of Keepers Cottages properties, Keepers Lodge – with an outdoor swimming pool, alfresco dining area, walks and cycles nearby, you, family and friends are in for an unforgettable overnight stay.
Curious Brewery
Ashford
While not the oldest in Kent, Ashford’s markets have been running since the Middle Ages, giving them that know-how that you can only get from almost 2000 years of practise! The market is open every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday (with several other markets on throughout the month), so head on down to the Lower High Street, and see for yourself the wealth of tastebud temptations on offer. Mix together traditional with modern as you make your way over to Curious Brewery, proudly creating some of the freshest and most local brews around. Stay for dinner, or head down the road to Boys Hall, fit with boutique rooms and restaurants to give you the perfect place to rest your head, or simply carry on the foodie fun!
Canterbury
With so much history in the city, we just had to include Canterbury, with the remains of its old markets being re-invented and still shining through today. You can best discover the richly diverse produce that’s grown and made in the area in the hustle and bustle of the Goods Shed. Open Tuesday-Sunday, with its “farm-to-table” style restaurant boasting a delicious menu, this is the place to be for all your farmers market needs. Head further into the town, and you’ll find even more markets dotted along the high street, providing fresh and colourful wonders, and sitting against the backdrop of the stunning Canterbury Cathedral.
Rochester
Grab the totes and get ready for some farmers market magic! Every 3rd Sunday of the month, you can bask in the delights of the Rochester Farmers Market, full to the brim with every veggie, fruit, pastry, bread, and cake you could dream of. Wander the stalls (particularly tempting on those warm, sunny Sundays we’re starting to see!) and pick up something to take home for the family – don’t worry, we won’t tell if you end up eating it on your way back! If you’re looking for something a bit more quirky to find some unique crafts and collectibles, be sure to check out the Rochester City Village & Artisan Market, held every 2nd Saturday of the month.
Maidstone
A visit to Maidstone is incomplete without a walk around the market buildings – quaint, historic, and (most importantly) filled with the best local crafts. Wander through the colonnaded walkways, that instantly give you that charming, old-town vibe, browsing independent shops and cafés until your heart’s content. Within the Royal Star Exchange, you’ll find Frederic Bistro, a hotspot for any of you Francophiles who love a warm pastry and fresh, rich coffee. Further along, you’ll find Maidstone Distillery, proudly distilling some of Kent’s finest spirits, and offering exclusive tours of the site for those with a penchant for finely made, sustainably focused, tipples! Finally, to get your market fix, you’ll find a range of food, drink, crafts, flowers, and more at the Lockmeadow Complex. Once you’re done, stop off for a bite to eat at the Old Boat Café where you can enjoy organic, locally sourced dishes while sat gazing out on the River Medway.
Tunbridge Wells
The Tunbridge Wells area is absolutely brimming with wonderful, locally made goodies to enjoy throughout the month. Nestled amongst the historical Pantiles on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, you’ll find seasonal produce to enjoy from the market as you wander the quaint streets of Royal Tunbridge Wells, taking in the mix of old and new in this stunning spa town. Plus, with food from around the world, sustainable options around every corner, and two breweries (we recommend the Pig and Porter for those musical, vibrant tastes, and Fonthill Brewery for its great atmosphere and brilliant brews), you’re set for an amazing market break. For somewhere a little quieter, just down the road you’ll find lovely Cranbrook, with shops like Oast & Rye, Blighty’s, and Duck & Dog, that have that real “ooh let me just go have a quick look” effect. Tunbridge Wells, here we come!
Hythe
For those afternoons where all you want is to sit back and watch the water flowing by, taking in the sunshine with a drink in hand (and a snack in the other!), look no further than the Hythe Farmers Market. Running every week from 9am-3pm, Tuesdays are now your day to get yourself down there and grab yourself some local delights! Enjoy what’s on offer at the bustling, vibrant market before heading down to the waterfront and enjoying your stress-free afternoon. Make sure to make the most of the day and wander down to Hythe Beach, where you can soak up the rays and truly relax.
Sandwich
For a truly Kentish market experience, Sandwich is the place to be this season. Situated in the heart of the Guildhall (definitely one to check out for all you history buffs), you’re set for a morning of browsing produce grown right here in the county. Bring the cameras, as the winding streets and independent shops of the town are most certainly insta-worthy. Check out nearby Delf Farm shop, where you can find even more seasonal produce to take home with you. And hey, if you do have a penchant for the past, make sure to head up the road to newly re-opened Richborough Roman Fort & Amphitheatre for an adventure-filled day from times gone by.
Sevenoaks
The picturesque town of Sevenoaks is one of our favourite places to spend a sunny afternoon, with its beautiful buildings, stunning natural landscapes, and welcoming community. Running every Saturday, you’re sure to find something special, whether that be a handmade, one-of-a-kind craft, a freshly baked treat, or a gift for a friend. While you’re there, Knole Park is a must visit, offering amazing views, diverse wildlife, and rich history as Kent’s last medieval deer park.
