Faversham, Kent. (May 21)

As long weekends go, this was just about perfect!

Emma and I headed off to explore the area around Faversham Creek, Sandwich and its nearby Bay. Camping of course. Lots of outdoor exercise and al fresco eating.

The local Kent scenery is simply jaw dropping and unmistakably of the region. Orchards, hops, fruits or vines at every turn, and so many old timber framed buildings. This place is wonderful! Steeped in history.

Our favourite moment of the weekend was discovering the northern end of Sandwich Bay – towards Stour of Pegwell. A huge expanse of sand heading up towards the Stour estuary, way beyond Princes Golf Club. You are not permitted to venture all the way as it’s a protected nature reserve. The wildlife here is diverse but fragile too – so it’s good to see such efforts are being made. For the last mile or so before the reserve we were often the only people on the beach (save for a few Bass fishermen, hardy swimmers or dog walkers). Hard to believe the pictures were taken on a bank holiday Monday! I had been tipped off about this quiet stretch of beach by an old work mate of mine, Russ Timpson last Friday, just ahead of Emma’s arrival at the campsite. Russ and I had popped there to give his black Labrador a leg stretch.

Indeed almost everywhere we went this weekend, Emma and I found masses of elbow room. The bikes help get you to places others don’t venture!

Now we couldn’t come to the coast without sampling some local fish and chips! We found a great little fish bar in the village of Sandwich and ate outdoors on the edge of the Stour. Great quality and another recommendation from Russ!

Our favourite meal of the weekend by a long margin was on Saturday night at a lovely Italian restaurant called Posillipo in Faversham. The quality was simply off the scale, and the location – just perfect, right on the edge of The Creek. The sublime weather made it special.

I could wax lyrical about this area now, along with the wonderful campsite we found.

The local pub in the village of Painters Forstal, called the Alba is best described as “traditional” with a quirky but friendly landlord. My London accent was getting stronger by the minute talking to him! Me thinks I drank too much ale on Sunday night!

Anyway the hot days gave way to more seasonal night-time temperatures (8 degrees) but with the log burner in the tent, that didn’t matter! I also got to try out my new full size 5m circular Rag Rug, thanks to the generosity of my old workmates! A wonderful leaving present after spending three years with them in the West Country – a lovely gift to remember my time there. We are keeping the cottage in Somerset for a while yet, and plan to head back there next weekend. It’s pretty much booked up now between now and October between us, family and friends.

If anyone ventures into these parts of Kent, be sure to check out The Bear Inn at Faversham, the 1698 Kentish Ale is a knock out! At 6.5% it ought to be! I think the Inn is owned by the local brewery “Shepherd Neame”.

So much rich history around this area to discover too. It also made me realise just how many amazing places we have on our own doorstep. Everyone here is also being super cautious over COVID, both locals and visitors and the topic is not far from any conversation.

With the weather threatening to turn on Wednesday, I packed up the tent this morning and headed back towards Emma’s, but not before visiting one of the oldest vineyards in the region – called Biddenden. A tour around the vines and a couple of nice bottles to bring home.

So end of a fantastic long weekend. Roll on the summer!

Oh post script. I know – I know. The beard and dodgy specs. My kids and family haven’t stopped pulling my leg for days! More Harry Potter than John Lennon! Or perhaps even Baldrick?