Your Guide To Gravesend: Where to Stay, Eat, Drink & Explore
THE INSIDEGUIDE TO GRAVESEND
An unassuming treasure trove of heritage and age-old stories, Gravesend’s riverside setting has long shaped a town defined by connection and culture.
While at first glance the town of Gravesend may present itself as a developed destination that has leapt into the modern world of industrialisation and growth – built upon its riverside location alongside the River Thames, just a stone’s throw from the shores of Essex – its rich collection of historical tales in fact ranks among some of Kent’s finest.
Combine an historic heart comprising a Cold War bunker, connections to Victorian author Charles Dickens, the burial site of Pocahontas and the largest Sikh temple in Europe, not to mention extensive military and maritime heritage, and you have a destination steeped in story and significance.
Vibrant history and culture aside, Gravesend’s pockets of idyllic woodland, endless opportunities for family adventure and diverse array of global cuisine hotspots offer something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking action-packed fun, much-needed outdoor serenity, a colourful cultural experience, or are keen to uncover the many hidden chapters of its past, Gravesend offers excitement and discovery at every turn. WORDS BY MIA CHAPMAN
“Gravesend captivates me with its rich maritime history and timeless charm along the Thames. Its Victorian architecture, cobbled streets and riverside views give the town unique character. I love strolling through the historic promenade and visiting the Pocahontas statue for reminders of its global connections. Gravesend blends heritage and beauty, making it a place where history truly lives.”
Michael Pearce, venue manager at The Woodville
TOP GRAVESEND PICKS
Top Adventure
An exhilarating entertainment venue with a fantastic array of activities – solve mind-bending escape rooms, battle it out in laser tag, sing your favourite tunes in private karaoke or aim for bullseye with axe throwing.
Top History
A thought-provoking bronze statue stands in the grounds of St George’s Church in memory of Native American figure Pocahontas, who was buried here after her death in 1617 during a return voyage to Virginia.
Top Outdoors
Situated amongst 49 acres of parkland, this unique multi-activity venue and inspiring charity offers endless options for action and adventure – from challenging road circuits and racetracks to play parks and inclusive fitness studios.
SUMPTUOUS STAYS
Off-grid woodland camping that invites its overnighters to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and disconnect from the everyday. Stay in an idyllic bell tent or pitch up deeper in the woods beside the firepits.
Set in the beautiful hamlet of Upper Bush, only a short drive from Gravesend’s town centre, this picturesque country cabin sleeps two guests and comes complete with cosy furnishings, a wood-burning stove and outdoor seating.
Conveniently located for nearby hotspots and transport links, this delightful country hotel comes fully equipped with peaceful lakeside rooms, delicious on-site dining and all the modern amenities needed for the comfiest of stays.
TOP PUBS IN TOWN
Driven by a passion for accessible, well-crafted beers, Iron Pier showcases top-notch cask bitters, pale ales, imperial stouts, wheat beers and saisons in its own taproom, alongside a rotating lineup of ciders, wines and spirits.
A family and pooch-friendly public house perfect for crisp, cold tipples and enjoying a wealth of entertainment and relaxed get-togethers. Promising the warmest of welcomes, a sun-trap garden and a joyous events calendar.
Dating back as early as the 1400s, this mighty historic riverside inn is a proud asset to the local community. Enjoy lively quiz nights and cocktail evenings, brilliant pub grub and great real ales.
COFFEE BREAK
Powering the Gravesend commute with excellent coffee and hassle-free bike repairs, this pioneering coffee shop with a difference is the locals go-to for breakfast bites to kickstart the day and unmissable warming and iced cuppas.
Instagrammable and deliciously sweet vegan bakery and café that’s long been a Kentish favourite for its irresistible baked goods, vegan brunches and decadent desserts that pair perfectly with a fresh brew or cream tea.
Charming coffee shop and eatery offering a wide array of teas, coffees and homemade cakes, including gluten-free options, alongside a delicious lineup of light bites from breakfast through to lunch.
DIVINE DINING
A more recent addition to Gravesend’s dining scene serving up vibrant menus of freshly cooked fare from across the Mediterranean including France, Spain, Italy, Greece and Morocco. Expect chargrilled steaks, fresh fish, pasta and paella, alongside a crowd-pleasing drinks list made up of cocktails, local cask ales and wines.
A hearty, feel-good Italian restaurant aiming to transport diners to the bustling streets of Rome or the rolling hills of Naples with its vivid, authentic plates. Sip on a fine Italian wine and tuck into fresh pastas laden with classic sauces or a perfectly cooked oven-fired pizza.
A rustic, family-friendly restaurant inspired by the warming atmosphere of European dining, Alto Gusto brings together the finest of Italian and European cuisine to create delectable dishes that pay tribute to time-honoured culinary traditions, while pushing the boundaries of both flavour and technique.
CULTURAL HOTSPOTS
Prided as Gravesend’s cultural heartbeat, this buzzing multi-purpose hub offers a dynamic programme of theatre, live performances, community projects, gallery exhibitions, cinema and live broadcasts within its main auditorium, intimate studio space and Blake Gallery, which is named after British painter and illustrator Sir Peter Blake. The venue also boasts multiple bars and a bistro for a pre-theatre bite.
Recognised as the oldest building in Gravesend, Milton Chantry is all that remains of a leper hospital built in 1322 by Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke. The building today houses a fascinating collection of items displaying the town’s heritage, including a selection of Roman finds, and is usually open weekends and bank holidays from April until September.
Holding an unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovative winemaking and environmental stewardship, and impressively reaching two remarkable milestones as the UK’s largest single organic vineyard and the first UK vineyard to reach carbon-negative status, Silverhand Estate is a pioneering vineyard, farm and winery nestled in the Gravesend village of Luddesdown, known and loved for its growing collection of award-winning sparkling wines.
MUST-SHOP STORES
Set across 470 acres and farmed by the Harris family for over 170 years, Broadditch produces an exceptional array of wheat, barley, oats and vegetables, with much of this carefully grown harvest showcased within its celebrated farm shop alongside other locally sourced produce.
Situated in nearby Greenhithe and credited as Europe’s most innovative retail and leisure destination, Bluewater invites visitors to explore over 250 stores and 60 eateries, plus top attractions including the thrilling Hangloose Adventure and a 17-screen cinema.
OUTDOORSY SPOTS
Walk, play, ride, cycle or simply soak up the scenery amongst 360 acres of woodlands, meadows and orchards. Complete with a network of surfaced walking trails, children’s play areas, a welcoming café and even an activity trail for four-legged friends, Jeskyns is a hit with little ones, pets and grown-ups for its expanse of green space and numerous activities to take part in along the way, such as visiting the Fairy and Elf Village and saying hello to The Gruffalo and his friends.
With an eco-friendly visitor centre and restaurant powered through fully renewable energy at its heart, Shorne Woods Country Park is a thriving hub of adventure and community development. Join its popular calendar of park events – from natural arts and crafts sessions to countryside walks and running events – go fishing at the lakes, or run wild with some friendly orienteering.
The historic Fort Gardens, Gordon Gardens, promenade and the Canal Basin Marina, alongside play areas, a café and recreational facilities make up this well-loved town green space. The promenade and surrounding gardens also regularly play host to a myriad of town events including festivals and community regattas.
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