For October's CAptain’s Mate of the Month, we head to the charming and historic Faversham Creek in Kent, a delightful drying-out creek that makes the effort to visit worthwhile. Faversham is Kent's oldest market town and the Town Quay is just a five minute walk from the moorings at Iron Wharf. Faversham old town center is a twenty-minute walk.
The CAptain’s Mate 'overview' tab notes that the approach is part of the charm, taking you past the Shipwrights Arms - an ideal spot to pause for a drink if time and tide allow - before leading into the town's medieval centre.
History
CA member Ian Wilson visited in July 2025 and reflects that the approach rewards visitors with, "An interesting historical town with all the shops, pubs and restaurants you might expect."
The CAptain’s Mate 'info' tab highlights the availability of local restaurants and supermarkets, along with two of the most complete medieval streets in the UK - Abbey Street and West Street – making this a particularly atmospheric place to explore.
Approach and Berthing
The creek is not particularly well-marked, but with plenty of soft mud there is no great penalty for leaving the channel on a rising tide. Ian visited on a Spring tide and shares that Iron Wharf provides reliable pilotage notes, although he does recommend, "departing on a rising tide for a smooth trip back to the Swale!"
Some sources suggest that free berthing is usually available at the Town Quay on the east side of the creek. However, Ian reports a change that currently, "Berthing is only feasible at Iron Wharf due to silting at Town Quay.
"The town council told me that they have no berths at the Town Quay until dredged. However, Toby at Iron Wharf is welcoming and will raft you outside his Thames barge, Ironside. Flat rate £12 per night."
Facilities at Iron Wharf are basic although sufficient, with toilets and showers and water by hose (no electricity). Ladders are available to manage deck height differences.
CAptain’s Mate of the Month locations
Each month we feature a CAptain’s Mate location to inspire your cruising adventures and display the vast depth of information on the app. 2025 feature:
- January - Palmeira, Ilha do Sal, Cape Verde
- February - Christiansø, Denmark
- March - Muxia, Spain
- April - Rab, Croatia
- May - Port St Charles, Barbados
- June - La Rochelle, France
- August - Épernay, River Marne, France
About CAptain’s Mate
CAptain’s Mate was voted as the 'Equipment Innovation of the Year' at the 2022 British Yachting Awards. Available on iOS, Android and web, the exclusive to members app provides an unrivalled breadth of information and cruising reports covering 8,000+ locations in 100+ countries around the world. It features up to date, accurate and trusted location data on anchorages, marinas, ports, harbours, boatyards along with their facilities and amenities.
23 September 2025