This Thames-side market town has strong ties to Pocahontas, who was buried here in 1617. The 1834 Town Pier and maritime history reflect its role as London's gateway.
Gravesend lies 21 miles from central London on the south bank of the River Thames. You'll find the world's oldest cast iron pier, explore a 14th-century chantry, and visit Pocahontas's grave at St George's Church. The town has a 13th-century market, two Victorian piers for river cruises, and one of Europe's largest Sikh temples.
Getting to Gravesend
High-speed trains from London St Pancras reach Gravesend in 24 minutes. The Tilbury-Gravesend ferry crosses the Thames regularly, connecting Essex with Kent. Uber Boats by Thames Clipper run river services to London, while local buses connect to nearby towns like Dartford and the Medway Towns.
Town Center and Market
The market has operated since 1268, with vendors selling food, local produce, and crafts throughout the week. At HATCH @Gravesend market, you'll find street food from multiple countries. The High Street's cobbled paths lead past independent shops and cafes in Georgian and Victorian buildings. Look for the Clock Tower on Harmer Street, built in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's golden jubilee.
Thames Riverside
The cast iron Town Pier dates from 1834 and remains intact as the oldest of its kind worldwide. Royal Terrace Pier, built in 1844, received its name when Princess Alexandra arrived here in 1865. From the promenade, you can watch container ships and boats navigate the Thames while looking across to Essex.
Medieval and Georgian Architecture
Milton Chantry retains its original medieval timber roof from 1322, despite serving many different purposes over the centuries. St George's Church, rebuilt in 1731, contains Georgian columns and a memorial to Pocahontas. At New Tavern Fort, modified by General Gordon in 1865, you can see the original gun emplacements pointing toward the Thames.
Parks and Activities
Cyclopark has BMX tracks, skate parks, and running groups you can join. Walk through 288 acres of ancient woodland at Shorne Woods Country Park, which includes marked trails and a visitor center. Jeskyns Community Woodland combines walking paths with meadows and an orchard. Take a guided tour of the Cold War Bunker to see underground command rooms from the 1950s.
Local Culture and Festivals
Visit the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara to see its marble interior and decorative details. In April, watch the Vaisakhi festival bring music and processions to the streets. Join the River Festival in July for boat races and waterfront activities. In winter, walk through the Light Festival to see illuminated art installations throughout the town center.
