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Gravesend

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City
—°14
Gravesend (United Kingdom)
ℹ️

Practical info — Gravesend

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit the statue of Pocahontas in the grounds of St George's Church, marking her final resting place.
  • Take the historic passenger ferry across the Thames to Tilbury for great views of the river traffic.
  • The town's maritime heritage is best explored by walking along the Gordon Promenade.
  • For quick access to London, use the High Speed train which takes less than half an hour.

🍽 Food

🍽
Riverside Fish and Chips

Grab a classic portion of fish and chips to eat while watching the boats along the promenade.

🍽
Traditional English Tea

Find a cozy cafe in the Heritage Quarter for a proper afternoon tea with scones.

🍽
Pub Fare

Check out the historic riverside taverns for a hearty Sunday roast and local ales.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Gravesend Borough Market

One of the oldest chartered markets in Kent, great for street food and independent stallholders.

🛍
High Street Shops

Browse the historic High Street for small boutiques, vintage finds, and bakeries.

🧘
Windmill Hill

Climb up to this park for fantastic panoramic views over the town and the River Thames.

🧘
Shorne Woods Country Park

Just outside the town, it provides tranquil woodland walks and a lovely eco-visitor centre.

Gravesend, a historic town in Kent on the south bank of the River Thames, is steeped in maritime heritage. For centuries, it was the first port of call for shipping entering London, a role that shaped its identity. This legacy is embodied by the Gravesend Town Pier, the oldest surviving cast-iron pier in the world, offering views of the bustling river traffic. The town holds a unique place in history as the final resting place of Pocahontas, the Native American princess, who was buried at St George’s Church in 1617; a bronze statue now stands in her honour. The town centre is a mix of old-world alleys and modern retail spaces, with a historic market that dates back to the 13th century still in operation. For a dose of nature, the nearby Shorne Woods Country Park provides extensive woodland trails. Gravesend has a compelling blend of history, from its global maritime connections to its link with a legendary figure, all while serving as a busy urban hub with close ties to London.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C556912161818151286
Rain mm615148385155586344727169

Geography

Population
54,263
Coordinates
51.44170, 0.36860

Facts

  • Located on the River Thames.
  • Part of Kent.
  • Population approx 74,000.
  • Final resting place of Pocahontas.
  • Historic market square.
  • Important commuter town.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Gravesend (14)

Town Pier🏺 historical

Opened in 1834, this is the world's oldest surviving cast-iron pier and a landmark of the Thames riverfront.

Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara⛪ religious

One of the largest Sikh temples in Europe, constructed from hand-carved stone and featuring remarkable domes.

St George's Church⛪ religious

Famous as the burial place of Pocahontas, featuring a bronze statue of the Native American princess.

Milton Chantry🏺 historical

Gravesend's oldest building, dating back to the 14th century when it was part of a leper hospital.

Windmill Hill🌿 nature

A popular spot for views across the Thames, named after the post-mills that once stood on its summit.

New Tavern Fort🛡️ fortress

An 18th-century artillery fort designed to defend the Thames from French naval attack.

Gravesend Promenade🎡 recreation

A wide riverside walk featuring ornamental gardens, a children's play area, and views of passing ships.

Canal Basin🏺 historical

The western terminus of the Thames and Medway Canal, now a yacht marina surrounded by modern apartments.

Fort Gardens🎡 recreation

Award-winning gardens located within the grounds of New Tavern Fort, often hosting community festivals.

Gordon Lake🌿 nature

Gordon Lake in Gravesend.

The Woodville🎭 culture

A multi-purpose theatre and entertainment venue in Gravesend.

Cold War Bunker🏛 museum

Former Cold War nuclear bunker of the Royal Observer Corps in Gravesend.

St Andrew's Arts Centre🎭 culture

Arts centre in a former listed church in Gravesend.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Pocahontas buried?
She is buried at St George's Church in Gravesend, marked by a commemorative statue.
What is Gravesend Pier?
It is the world's oldest cast iron pier, built in 1834.
Is there a ferry across the Thames?
Yes, the Tilbury-Gravesend Ferry connects the town with Tilbury in Essex.
What is the Guru Nanak Darbar?
It is one of the largest Sikh temples (Gurdwara) outside of India.
How do you get to London?
The high-speed train service takes only about 24 minutes to reach St Pancras.
Gravesend: where is it located?
Gravesend is located in United Kingdom, United Kingdom.
Gravesend: what is there to see?
Highlights include Town Pier, Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, St George's Church.
Gravesend: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Gravesend: why is it worth visiting?
Gravesend, a historic town in Kent on the south bank of the River Thames, is steeped in maritime heritage.
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