Car Hire Gravesend

Gravesend has fantastic road links, courtesy of its convenient location close to the A2 and M2 motorway. It takes roughly 15 minutes to travel from the centre to the A2, which connects Gravesend with nearby major towns such as Dartford. For those flying in, the town is served by London City Airport, which is less than 40 kilometres away, typically taking around 45 minutes to reach by car.

Driving out of town to discover landmarks and locations nearby is easy. Take the A2 westbound to reach London in just over an hour, depending on the time of day you travel. Also, be aware of congestion charges if you’re driving in the city centre.

Other places of interest include the Cathedral city of Canterbury, which is only an hour or so’s drive south-east via the A2 and M2. If you’re planning on heading north, the nearest bridge is the Dartford Crossing, which is a toll road.

Gravesend town centre operates a one-way, ring road system, which you need to follow. When parking up, there are several council-run pay and display car parks across town. Charges apply from Monday through to Saturday, during the day, though it’s also free outside certain hours.

Speed limits are signposted in miles per hour, the same as on all UK roads. Within the centre it’s usually 30mph (48km/h), while major dual carriageways and motorways outside of Gravesend typically have a maximum of 70mph (112km/h).

That said, the A2 and M2 also have stretches with average speed limits enforced and some lower limits, so always check signs. 

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 16^th and 17^th-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.

See all the sights of the English south and more when you choose car hire in Gravesend. Book direct online with us.