Gravesend is a quaint and quiet town that punches above its weight when it comes to activities for visitors.
Whether you’re here on business or spending a relaxing break at the waterside, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.
Parks and recreation
Though the town itself is quite compact, there are plenty of fun outdoor activities and green spaces to explore during your stay. Shorne Woods Country Park is 288 acres of prime parkland – about a third of the size of New York’s Central Park – just waiting to be explored.
It’s only a 15-minute drive out of the centre and contains play areas for children, several different walking routes – with varying difficulty levels – and even hosts a weekly park-run you can take part in on Saturday mornings.
If it’s a historical adventure you’re looking for, take a trip across the River Thames on the Gravesend-Tilbury Ferry and visit Tilbury Fort. The ferry departs regularly during the day and takes you a short walk away from the fort itself – a 16th and 17th-century artillery position that has been preserved for the public to visit.
Discover the intriguing underground passages that the gunners had to scurry through when protecting the fort from attack, and see the original Guardhouse building, transporting you back in time.
Shopping splendour
While you’re visiting Gravesend, retail therapy is in no short supply. The town houses the Gravesend Borough Market, located close to the Heritage Quarter in the centre. Its location is incredibly picturesque, overlooking the nearby River Thames, and it has recently undergone a significant refurbishment.
This is one of the most historic markets in all of Kent and houses a huge variety of different traders. You’ll find stalls selling fresh local produce, handmade arts and crafts as well as other interesting products. Pick up a local snack, such as a delicious ‘gypsy tart’, or a traditional souvenir.
For something a little more epic, try the impressive Bluewater Shopping Centre. It’s only a 15-minute drive and contains big name brands in abundance. There are restaurants within the facility if you need to take the weight off your feet after stocking up on products from your favourite stores. Best of all, parking is completely free.
Must-see neighbours
No trip to Gravesend is complete without a quick visit to its illustrious neighbour, London. The iconic capital of England, there’s almost nothing you can’t experience while you’re there. Take a spin on the London Eye and gaze upon the sensational views of the capital as it sits next to the River Thames, which flows out towards Gravesend.
There’s also the thriving Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and nearby Trafalgar Square, which has the National Art Gallery close to it for culture aficionados. London is situated less than 50 kilometres away, with the journey taking one hour to reach the centre of London via the A2. Look out for congestion charges if you’re driving into the centre itself.
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