With a rich history that includes its role as the last resting place of Native American princess, Pocahontas, its age-old links with the river Thames and plenty to see and do, there’s more to Gravesend than meets the eye. Those in the know tell us what they love best about the town and its surrounding areas
KATE O'MARA
Kate is Marketing Manager of local hospice charity, ellenor. She moved from Orpington to Gravesend in 2006, after falling for a local lad at university, and together they have three children aged 9, 11 and 13.
Kate’s Local Life
Gravesend really does have so much to offer - from the world’s oldest remaining cast-iron pier to Europe’s largest Gurdwara, and there’s plenty to do here with children.
Have your cake and eat it
No84 cafe on Parrock Road is like a little hub of happiness – for delicious cakes, the scrummy homemade quiche, or just a cuppa and a catch up, there’s no place quite like it.
Open Daws
If you love pub grub, a live band and a true sense of history, The Three Daws inn on the Town Pier is for you. Dating from the 1400s, it also offers an amazing view of the River Thames – the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of rose.
Our gorgeous gurdwara
Gravesend’s Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara is a must-see. Its architecture is beyond beautiful and with such a welcoming Sikh community, I highly recommend a tour inside. At night, lit up, it’s magical!
Arty activities
St George’s Arts Centre in the shopping centre has wonderful, eye-opening displays of local art and creative workshops for adults and families, while LV21 on St Andrew’s Quay is a floating art space packed full of fun - just look out for the big red ship!
Christoph Bull
Historian Christoph regularly leads tours of sights and sites in Gravesend and surrounding areas . He lives in Chalk, just outside the town with his family.
Christoph’s Local Life
‘Gravesend has all the facilities you’d expect of a town, plus the Thames, marshes and great nearby villages and landscapes to explore. And its history and folklore continue to fascinate me.’
Food with history
If you like to combine good food with wonderful surroundings, go for tapas and paella at Latin American restaurant Rico Sabor in the Heritage Quarter. It’s housed on the ground floor of the Old Town Hall, a 19th-century building whose origins date back to the 16th century.
Exploring local heritage
The oldest building in Gravesend, Milton Chantry in Fort Gardens, Commercial Place, dates from 1322. It’s done well to survive over the centuries in the face of fires and planning fashions, and today the Heritage Centre there is full of interesting exhibits and info.
Tunnels and more
Just next door to the chantry is the New Tavern artillery fort, which dates mostly from the 18th century and was in use until World War Two. Its tunnels – fascinating to explore – are open at weekends.
Top views
You won’t find any windmills on Windmill Hill these days– the last one was demolished in 1890s - but you will find a lovely spot from which there are great views across the Thames, with formal gardens, too.
SHAMINDER BEDI
Having spent 25 years working in social services for Kent County Council, Shammi was awarded an MBE in 2005 for services to the community. Originally from India, he moved to Gravesend aged 11. He lives with his wife and has grown up children.
Shammi’s local life: ‘I remember when I first arrived here all those decades ago, I headed down to the river – and it felt like I was on holiday! Over the years I could have moved elsewhere, but Gravesend has always felt like home’
Walking and wheels
Our Cyclopark on Watling St is brilliant for cyclists of all abilities. I think Olympians have trained here in the past, but I like to come here just for walks. There’s a skatepark plus a play area for children, too.
Arts venue
The Woodville on Woodville Place is a great local arts centre, with a cinema and a programme of theatre and music. I founded the Jugnu Bhangra dance group back in the 1970s and, as well as performing all over the world, we’ve danced here, too, sharing Punjabi culture with local audiences.
Curry favourites
We’re spoiled for choice in Gravesend –I’ll head for Aroma of Punjab on Milton Road or Chattorey’s on Wrotham Road – lamb and goat curries are my favourites.
Sweets and samosas
Virdee Stores in Arthur St was the first Indian sweet shop in Kent, and still remains very popular fifty years later. Treats include sticky jalebis and their world-famous besan, plus savoury snacks like pakoras and samosas.
MARK HARRIS
The sixth generation to work on the family farm, Mark manages Broadditch Farm Shop on New Barn Road. He lives in the Gravesham village of Meopham – reputedly the longest in England - with his wife, Lisa, and children aged 17 and 21.
Mark’s local life
‘We’re in easy reach of the ‘chimneys’ if we want town action, but with beautiful countryside too – and the villages have a real sense of community.’
Great for a walk
Camer Park in Meopham used to be a country estate, but now it’s a country park anyone can enjoy. Our dog seems to enjoy coming here just as much as we do!
Swimming and more
When our children were young, they enjoyed swimming lessons at Cygnet at Northfleet, and there’s also the Cascades Leisure Centre in Thong Lane – a couple of good, local fitness venues.
Home sweet home
On record as far back as the 8th century, Meopham has plenty of ancient buildings and we’ve even got a rare, six-sided smock windmill in our midst! The pubs are good too: with its oak beams and open fire, The George on Wrotham Road is traditional and welcoming.
Quality meat
You’ll need to venture beyond Gravesham, but down a lane in the village of Hartley Bottom is Glovers – their beef and lamb comes from animals reared in open pasture on their fourth-generation farm. We stock their meat too - these days, we’re all far more consciousness of where our food comes from and they’re an excellent source.
