faversham beer tour

Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre & Brewery Tour

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

SHEPHERD NEAME VISITOR CENTRE & BREWERY TOUR: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• (0.14 mi) The Sun Inn
• (0.09 mi) The Quay
• (0.29 mi) Gladstone House
• (0.22 mi) Stone Street
• (0.22 mi) Brickmakers Cottage
• (0.01 mi) Fay's Place
• (0.03 mi) Havishams Coffee House & Sandwich Bar
• (0.04 mi) ASK Italian
• (0.06 mi) The Bear Inn

Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre and Brewery Tours

Britain's oldest brewer can be found in Faversham, Kent, where beer has been produced for over 850 years.

The Shepherd Neame Brewery, set in the centre of this historic market town, is open to visitors who wish to discover more about this proudly independent family company and its wide range of award-winning beers.

The Visitor Centre is set in a beautifully-restored medieval hall house and from here, you can join a guided tour which will take you through the heart of this busy working brewery to see how beer is made from barley to bottle and from hop to hand-pump! Taste natural mineral water from the brewery's well, try some malted barley and smell locally-grown Kentish hops.

The tour covers all aspects of brewing from raw material to distribution. Vehicles from the brewery's historic fleet are on display, along with a recreated cooper's workshop, bygone pub signs and a collection of hop-picking memorabilia.

At the end of the tour there's also the chance to sample some of Shepherd Neame’s fine Kentish Ales during an enlightening tutored tasting - audience participation encouraged! Finally, visit the Brewery Shop and pick up a souvenir, gift and some beer. A range of evening tours for those looking for a night out with a difference are also available.

Find out more about Shepherd Neame here .

Please note that due to the industrial nature of the brewery, it is only open to visitors aged 18 years and over.

Brewery tours currently run Wednesdays to Saturdays.

Brewery Tour and Tutored Tasting is priced £22.50 per person.

Participants must be over 18 years of age.

Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre and Brewery Tours 17 Court Street Faversham Kent ME13 7AX

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Opening Times

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Experiences

Shepherd Neame Brewery Tours

Discover the secrets of Britain's oldest brewer

Shepherd Neame, Court Street, Faversham, UK

Book Here - https://www.shepherdneame.co.u...

Our award-winning guided tour takes visitors around the Faversham Brewery site to learn about the ancient art of brewing. See brewing and fermentation vessels; taste natural mineral water from the brewery’s well; try some malted barley and smell locally-grown Kentish hops. The 80 minute tour also includes a visit to the Old Brewery Store, housed in the old wines and spirits store, which features impressive displays of historic delivery vehicles, a recreated coopers’ workshop, bygone pub signs and a collection of hop picking memorabilia. It ends back in the Visitor Centre with a tutored tasting of Shepherd Neame’s Kentish ales and speciality lagers, before visitors have the chance to visit the Brewery Shop and pick up a souvenir, gift or some of their favourite beer.

Tour Shepherd Neame in Faversham, Britain’s Oldest Brewery

by The Foodie Travel Guide | Sep 12, 2015

Shepherd Neame Brewery Tour, Faversham, Kent

Rich in history, Britain’s oldest brewery has stayed true to its roots still sourcing around 95% of its hops from Kent. Go on the Shepherd Neame brewery tour to get a real taste of Britain’s brewing heritage and to hear its fascinating story.

Shepherd Neame Brewery Tours, The Faversham Brewery, 17 Court Street, Faversham, Kent. ME13 7AX

Website:  www.shepherdneame.co.uk

Find more  Foodie Things To Do in Whitstable . Discover more  Brewery Tours .

The Foodie Travel Guide

Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures. 

Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre and Brewery Tours

Britain's oldest brewer can be found in Faversham, Kent, where beer has been produced for over 850 years.

The Shepherd Neame Brewery, set in the centre of this historic market town, is open to visitors who wish to discover more about this proudly independent family company and its wide range of award-winning beers.

The Visitor Centre is set in a beautifully-restored medieval hall house and from here, you can join a guided tour which will take you through the heart of this busy working brewery to see how beer is made from barley to bottle and from hop to hand-pump! Taste natural mineral water from the brewery's well, try some malted barley and smell locally-grown Kentish hops.

The tour covers all aspects of brewing from raw material to distribution. Vehicles from the brewery's historic fleet are on display, along with a recreated cooper's workshop, bygone pub signs and a collection of hop-picking memorabilia.

At the end of the tour there's also the chance to sample some of Shepherd Neame’s fine Kentish Ales during an enlightening tutored tasting - audience participation encouraged! Finally, visit the Brewery Shop and pick up a souvenir, gift and some beer. A range of evening tours for those looking for a night out with a difference are also available.

Find out more about Shepherd Neame here .

Please note that due to the industrial nature of the brewery, it is only open to visitors aged 18 years and over.

Brewery tours currently run Wednesdays to Saturdays.

Brewery Tour and Tutored Tasting is priced £22.50 per person.

Participants must be over 18 years of age.

Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre and Brewery Tours 17 Court Street Faversham Kent ME13 7AX

• accessibility Accessibility

Opening Times

Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre & Brewery Tour

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre & Brewery Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.22 km) The Sun Inn
• (0.14 km) The Quay
• (0.47 km) Gladstone House
• (0.35 km) Stone Street
• (0.36 km) Brickmakers Cottage
• (0.02 km) Fay's Place
• (0.05 km) Havishams Coffee House & Sandwich Bar
• (0.06 km) ASK Italian
• (0.10 km) The Bear Inn

Visit A Brewery

Brewery Tours and Information

Our award-winning guided tour takes visitors around the Faversham Brewery site to learn about the ancient art of brewing. See brewing and fermentation vessels; taste natural mineral water from the brewery’s well; try some malted barley and smell locally-grown Kentish hops.

The 80 minute tour also includes a visit to the Old Brewery Store, housed in the old wines and spirits store, which features impressive displays of historic delivery vehicles, a recreated coopers’ workshop, bygone pub signs and a collection of hop picking memorabilia.

Shepherd Neame is Britain's oldest brewer - and while 1698 is the Brewery's official founding date, there is clear evidence that its heritage pre-dates even this period.

Shepherd Neame Limited The Faversham Brewery 17 Court Street Faversham Kent ME13 7AX Tel: 01795 542016

Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre & Brewery Tour

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre & Brewery Tour Guide - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Shepherd Neame brewery

The Shepherd Neame brewery was founded in 1698 and local records indicate that commercial brewing has taken place on the site since 1573. Shepherd Neame is recognised as Britain’s oldest brewery that has been continuously operated by the same family for over 300 years.

The brewery holds a rich heritage and is known for producing exceptional ales and beers that are available in over 300 Shepherd Neame pubs in southeast England.

Brewery tours allow visitors to learn about both the brewery’s history and the brewing process and you can enjoy a beverage at the end of the tour.

What to see on the Shepherd Neame brewery

Visiting the Shepherd Neame brewery provides an opportunity to explore this historic brewing site and gain insight into the art of traditional brewing methods. The brewery tour offers a comprehensive and informative experience for beer enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

During the brewery tour, visitors can expect to see the entire brewing process firsthand. Knowledgeable guides take guests through each step, from the selection of the finest ingredients to the fermentation and packaging of the beers. The tour includes visits to the mash tuns, fermentation vessels, and the iconic oak vats, where Shepherd Neame’s distinctive ales are aged to perfection. Visitors can witness the skill and precision that goes into crafting each batch of beer.

Aside from witnessing the brewing process, visitors can also explore the brewery’s fascinating history. The tour provides insights into the Neame family’s longstanding involvement in the brewing industry and the evolution of the Shepherd Neame brand over the centuries. Exhibitions and displays showcase the brewery’s historical artefacts, including vintage brewing equipment and memorabilia.

The tour concludes with a tasting of Shepherd Neame’s ales and lagers.

Visiting the Shepherd Neame brewery

The Shepherd Neame brewery is located in Faversham’s town centre and most points of interest in the town centre are no more than a five-minute walk from here.

Guided tours operate twice a day (at 11am and 2pm) Wednesday to Saturday.

Visitors must not wear open-toed or high-heeled shoes and all visitors must be at least 18 years old.

Because much of the tour takes place in an historic building, tours are not suitable for disabled visitors in wheelchairs.

Tours run for approximately 80 minutes but it is best to allow at least two hours to give you a little more time to enjoy a drink or two at the end of the tour.

• Guided tours (paid)

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UK / South East / Kent

Shepherd Neame Brewery

17 Court Street, Faversham, Kent, ME13 7AX

Our award-winning guided tour takes visitors around the Faversham Brewery site to learn about the ancient art of brewing.

See brewing and fermentation vessels; taste natural mineral water from the brewery’s well; try some malted barley and smell locally-grown Kentish hops. The 80 minute tour also includes a visit to the Old Brewery Store, housed in the old wines and spirits store, which features impressive displays of historic delivery vehicles, a recreated coopers’ workshop, bygone pub signs and a collection of hop picking memorabilia. It ends back in the Visitor Centre with a tutored tasting of Shepherd Neame’s Kentish ales and speciality lagers, before visitors have the chance to visit the Brewery Shop and pick up a souvenir, gift or some of their favourite beer.

Please note you have to be 18 years and over to participate in a brewery tour.

Opening Times

Wednesday - Saturday

11.00 - 14.00

Check our website or call our office on; 01795 542016 to check availability.

£22.50 per person

Beer and Food Evening at Shepherd Neame Brewery

Join us for an entertaining evening that features a six-course “Beer Dinner” and showcases seven beers of a variety of styles.

Ale Sampler Suppers at Shepherd Neame Brewery

A night out with a difference with Britain’s oldest brewer.

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Shepherd Neame Brewery

Name Shepherd Neame Brewery Address 11 Court St, Faversham ME13 7AX Contact Telephone 01795 542016 Website Shepherd Neame Brewery Tours Description Shepherd Neame’s award-winning guided tour takes visitors around the Faversham Brewery site to learn about the ancient art of brewing. See brewing and fermentation vessels; taste natural mineral water from the brewery’s well; try some malted barley and smell locally-grown Kentish hops. The 80 minute tour also includes a visit to the Old Brewery Store, housed in the old wines and spirits store, which features impressive displays of historic delivery vehicles, a recreated coopers’ workshop, bygone pub signs and a collection of hop picking memorabilia. It ends back in the Visitor Centre with a tutored tasting of Shepherd Neame’s Kentish ales and speciality lagers, before visitors have the chance to visit the Brewery Shop and pick up a souvenir, gift or some of their favourite beer.

Website by Zonkey

Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre & Brewery Tour

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre & Brewery Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

• (0.22 km) The Sun Inn
• (0.14 km) The Quay
• (0.47 km) Gladstone House
• (0.35 km) Stone Street
• (0.36 km) Brickmakers Cottage
• (0.02 km) Fay's Place
• (0.05 km) Havishams Coffee House & Sandwich Bar
• (0.06 km) ASK Italian
• (0.10 km) The Bear Inn

Top Things to Do in Faversham: Kent’s Oldest Market Town

By: Author Angela Price

Posted on Last updated: July 15, 2023

Kent is overflowing with charming towns and villages, and one that is bursting with history and character is Faversham.

Listed as Kent’s oldest market town, Faversham dates back to medieval times and has buildings to prove it. In every inch of Faversham Town, you will find a listed historic building as it has a whopping 500 of them. Half-timbered and some painted in lovely pastel colours, these Tudor and Georgian buildings can be found at every turn.

Faversham is also the home of Britain’s oldest brewery, Shepherd Neame, and so as you may expect, Faversham is also full of pubs. The Castle Inn on West Street has been serving pints since 1450!

There are many things to see and do in Faversham and the surrounding area. In this post, I will highlight the best things for you to discover.

This travel guide may contain affiliate links – please read my  disclaimer and privacy policy for more information.

Do you need to arrange travel insurance, car hire or accommodation? Please check out my  resources page  to help you plan your trip.

Table of Contents

How to Get to Faversham in Kent

London Victoria to Faversham Railway Station – 1 hour 15 minutes

Central London to Faversham – 2 hours

Best Things to See in Faversham

Faversham guildhall.

On the site of Kent’s oldest market, mentioned in the Doomsday Book , this iconic 16th-century building is at the centre of the community. In medieval times it was where the local tradespeople assembled to sell their wares.

Nowadays, the Charter Market is here on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. The market sells clothes, trinkets, fresh plants and flowers, fruit and vegetables.

Don’t miss the first and third Saturday of each month when the Best of Faversham craft, arts and artisan food market is in Preston Street.

The first Sunday of each month sees the popular Faversham Antiques and Vintage Market arrive in town.

Historic Pubs in Faversham

Attention beer lovers! Britain’s oldest brewery is in Faversham, so you can imagine how many pubs are scattered around the town and surrounding area – a lot!

You can enjoy a drink in The Bear, the oldest surviving pub from the Middle Ages in Faversham, dating back to the 13th century. I’m just hoping the beer isn’t quite as old!

Looking for a Shepherd Neame Pub in the area? Check out the list of best pubs in Faversham.

Shepherd Neame Brewery Tours

If you can’t get enough of the Kentish beer, you can check out the Shepherd Neame visitor centre and book to take a tour of Britain’s oldest brewery dating back to 1698.

The brewery has been at the centre of the community for the last 400 years and has been family-run since 1864.

Wander Around Faversham’s Lanes

Whether you visit Faversham on a market day or when the town is quieter, it is an endearing place to wander around.

Cobbled lanes, half-timbered buildings and independent shops all add to Faversham’s charm.

Explore West Street in Faversham

A short street but packed with medieval charm.

Pastel-painted half-timbered buildings are now home to businesses and families alike. Enjoy outside dining at one of the pubs or cafes that line West Street.

Fancy staying the night in Faversham? The Sun Inn on West Street is a 14th-century Inn boasting rich character, original inglenook fireplaces, oak beams and a courtyard garden.

Check rates and availability for The Sun Inn

Meander along Abbey Street in Faversham

Once the historical dwelling place of noblemen and the clergy, Abbey Street is not to be missed on a trip to Faversham. The road is lined with delightful medieval half-timbered houses decorated with climbing roses, hanging baskets and potted plants.

This area was also the home to Faversham Abbey, founded in the 12th century. The abbey was destroyed in the mid-16th century due to the dissolution of monasteries during Henry Vlll’s reign.

Around the back of Abbey Street, you will find the original Queen Elizabeth Grammar School built in oak.

Take a Moment at St Mary’s Church Faversham

The medieval St Mary of Charity Faversham is all that remains of the Faversham Abbey buildings and is extremely special.

It holds the tomb of  King Stephen  and is one of the few churches outside London where an English king is laid to rest.

Walk back along Abbey Street until you reach the pink half-timbered cottage next to the Anchor Pub and turn left.

Explore Maritime History at Standard Quay

This charming area by Faversham’s winding tidal creek has a few independent shops selling antiques and bric-a-brac. An information centre and a couple of cafes are scattered around the quay.

Visitors can buy the catch of the day at Hermans Plaice, a perfect name for a fishmonger!

Standard Quay was once a bustling maritime port, and the evidence of that is still to be seen. It boasts one of the oldest warehouses in Britain, built from materials taken from the ruins of the original Faversham Abbey.

Products such as wool, oysters, and hops would have arrived up the creek by boat and stored in the traditional warehouses now home to local businesses.

The Customs House is now a holiday home featuring ten bedrooms and five bathrooms. Fancy holding a family get-together in this historic building?

Check out the rates and availability for Customs House.

I hope this post on Faversham Kent has inspired you to visit this medieval market town.

There are also some great experiences to discover in the Faversham countryside . Or why not add a visit to one of Kent’s castles or seaside towns to your itinerary?

Faversham has something for everyone to enjoy!

Looking for somewhere special to eat in Faversham? Head to The Quay Restaurant

Other places to see in Faversham

Doddington Place Gardens

Macknade Fine Food Hall

Brogdale Fruit Farm

Oare Gunpowder Works Country Park

Oare Marshes Nature Reserve

Shepherd Neame Brewery Tour

Belmont House and Gardens

Maison Dieu Medieval Hospital

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

Kent Towns Near Faversham

Canterbury – The home of the world-famous cathedral.

Looking for more things to do in Kent? Find some great suggestions  here.

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Tuesday 17th of August 2021

What a charming town! I hope I can get back to England to explore more one day. Lovely post Angie.

Sarah Wilson

Saturday 14th of August 2021

When the sun is shining, England is a beautiful place. I don’t go back very often these days but I do love the historic towns and half timbered buildings. I’m not sure I’ve ever been to Faversham. I’ve certainly been near there.

Interesting history and an eclectic blend of buildings through time. Certainly looks like a delightful place to visit, to appreciate its long history and stop for a beer.

What a gorgeous place & I can't believe Faversham has never been on my radar...especially with all those pubs. During current circumstances, I am always on the lookout for gorgeous places here in the UK, so you have just added Faversham to my list!

You're right, the town oozes with charm. I would love to wander down those narrow alleyways, stop in at a pub and brewery, visit the Guildhall and some of those cute neighbourhoods of West Street. It's great that it is so central for other day trips too.

BREWERY TOUR AND STAY OFFER

Enjoy Dinner, Bed & Breakfast, plus a tour of Britain’s Oldest Brewer  for just £125 per couple

• Two course dinner
• Bed and breakfast
• Morning or afternoon tour of Shepherd Neame brewery, Faversham
• Available Monday to Friday
• £125 for two people!

Looking for a bit of luxury?  Ask about upgrading to a superior room for just £25

Participating venues: 

The Sun Inn , Faversham 01795 535 098 The Dog & Bear , Lenham 01622 858 219 The Millers Arms , Canterbury 01227 456057

TO BOOK please call your chosen venue

Find out more about our award-winning  BREWERY TOUR