The Swale area takes in the central area of north Kent, including the towns of Faversham
and Sittingbourne, plus the Isle of Sheppey with it’s port of Sheerness.
Faversham is a quaint old market town, with an equally quaint market place. It’s a historic
place, with many old shops, and the oldest brewery in Kent. Nearby are several pretty
villages,, as well as the ‘creek’ area - the inlets from the Swale where there are a myriad
of waterways, wildlife, and peaceful walks. Faversham also once was home to a thriving
gunpowder industry, and the remains of the old
powder mills can still be seen just outside the town.
The Isle of Sheppey is linked to the rest of Kent by
two bridges - the older lifting bridge, and a swish new
one that carries the main A249. The main settlements
are around the north and west coasts, where you’ll find
the historic ports of Sheerness and Queenborough. The
rest of the island is fairly barren, & much is given over
to nature reserves (as well as three prisons!).
The rest of the area also has some delightful villages,
and pleasant countryside. There are a number of open
gardens, and the National Fruit Collection at Brogdale
to visit, plus the old Kemsley railway line.
The main attractions are shown below, or in the pages
linked in the box on the left.