The home of Britain’s ‘oldest brewer’, the Shepherd Neame Brewery (established 1698), Faversham is a hop-growing area with a fascinating past. This market town was a flourishing port until silt halted the largest ships. At one time it was also the country’s most important producer of gunpowder. It now has a gunpowder mill restored to its near-working condition. The town has no fewer than 400 listed buildings, including the 16th century Guildhall. Its heritage centre is housed in a 15th century former inn. Close by is the Brogdale Horticultural Trust – home to the largest collection of fruit trees and plants in the world.