Discover Kent’s Hidden Gem VISITOR GUIDE 2018/19 GRAVESEND

www.visitgravesend.co.uk Visitor Guide 2015/16 Visit our website Join us on www.visitgravesend.co.uk facebook.com/visitgravesend Find further information about the area, events listings, online accommodation booking on our tourism website. twitter.com/visit_gravesend

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Acknowledgments Want to feature Details and information contained in your business with this visitor guide have been supplied by accommodation providers, attraction Visit Gravesend? managers and other hospitality businesses. If you’ve liked our guide and Please note that Visit Gravesend cannot are interested in taking a accept responsibility for any errors, space in next year’s brochure, omissions or subsequent alterations. please get in touch with We hope you will enjoy your stay, visits to the us. Spaces are available to local attractions, and events in the Borough. accommodation providers, But if you are not satisfied, please take up the visitor attractions, event matter with the manager immediately so they organisers, and any other have the opportunity to address the problem. hospitality businesses.

36Telephone:www.gogravesham.comwww.visitgravesend.co.uk 01474 33 76 00 Email: [email protected] Visitor Guide 2018/19 Welcome to

GRAVESEND Guide 2018/19

Gravesham has been welcoming The borough has two leisure centres, visitors for centuries and today remains Cascades and Cygnet, which provide a well-connected place for the tourist great sports facilities for all the family. and those on business. The high speed In addition, Cyclopark is a world class rail link has brought Gravesend closer BMX and cycling facility worth a visit. to London and the river offers the opportunity to take more leisurely routes This year, Gravesham is excited to from the new pontoon. launch three brand new historic tours for groups. These are conducted by the The borough is as diverse and council’s own accredited tour guides. cosmopolitan as its people, Gravesend is full of historic and There’s always plenty to do in the cultural connections. borough and it makes a convenient base from which to venture further Charles Dickens lived here and took afield in Kent and London. inspiration from our villages and marshland walks as well as the town. Cllr Jordan Meade Cobham Hall with its famous landscaping Gravesham Lead Member for and extraordinary architecture was the Heritage, Tourism & Youth home of cricket’s Ashes and the first English settlers of the New World departed from the piers of Gravesend. Gravesend boasts one of the oldest Contents Chartered Borough Market in Kent and celebrated its 750th birthday in February. 04 Town and Villages After undergoing a major refurbishment with the assistance of £1.8m Coastal 06 Countryside Communities Funding the market is a 08 Walking and Cycling building of historic importance and a thriving shopping location. 10 History and Heritage General Gordon stayed in the town 12 Fun and Entertainment and devoted huge energy to creating 14 Heritage & Outdoor Events schools and improving local amenities. Both are remembered with statues in 16 Riverside Events the borough. 17 Town Centre Events Up to date, the magnificent Sikh 18 Arts & Culture Events Gurdwara is the largest in Europe and attracts admirers from all over 20 Accommodation the globe.

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Gravesend Riverside Pier and Pontoon

Town and Villages Discover Kent’s Hidden Gem

Discover more about Gravesend’s Featuring well-known High Street unique and historic position on chain stores and a good variety the River Thames and its role as a of independent shops, two maritime gateway to the Port of shopping centres, Gravesend London. No other town in Kent can Town Centre boasts a wide offer the Thames-side ambience of range of good value shopping. Gravesend. Enjoy walking, cycling or horse-riding in the exceptional local Visit the Gravesend countryside and popular country Heritage Quarter and parks and meander around the Gravesend’s old High charming local villages of Cobham, Street upon which Higham, Shorne, Meopham, Gravesend Borough Vigo and Luddesdown with their Market, Chartered 1268, is pleasant pubs and restaurants. located. This is a bustling shopping and street food market Visit one of Kent’s great estates at adjacent to the Old Town Hall. Cobham Hall and take a stroll in Cobham Park’s historic landscape. Then head for the ‘big name’ Invade Gravesham’s unique stores in the main shopping street ‘cluster’ of defence heritage and of New Road and the adjoining wonder at the craftsmanship of shopping centres at Thamesgate the Sikh Temple and the serenity of and St George’s Centre. historic churches in the borough.

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Gravesend Riverside

Owletts, Cobham

Further afield is the regional shopping centre Bluewater.

Gravesham has an excellent and increasing variety of great places to eat and drink. Whether you are looking for an inventive Indian restaurant or fine modern Mediterranean cuisine with panoramic views of the River, Cobham Mausoleum an award winning Fish & Chip restaurant or good food in the smart surroundings of a village restaurant, a traditional public house within a ball’s throw of a cricket pitch or a local café, then you will be able to find somewhere with great food, affordable prices and attention to service. If you are looking for local, fresh and seasonal produce why not start by attending Gravesham’s monthly Farmers’ Market at Gravesend High St. Gravesend Borough Market, visiting a farm shop or making contact direct with local food producers in the Borough.

Pocahontas Statue, Gravesend

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Luddesdown Countryside Discover Kent’s Hidden Gem

Nestling between the River Thames Plan your visit to include a Estuary wetlands of international walk or cycle to or around importance and the North Downs, one or more of the the countryside to the east villages of Cobham, and south of Gravesend is an Higham, Luddesdown, exceptional Area of Outstanding Meopham, Shorne National Beauty containing ancient and Vigo. Call in to woodland and country parks, absorb the peace of an historic villages of windmills, country ancient country church houses and cricket on the green. or enjoy refreshment in one of the many Trace the numerous literary and historic public houses. film connections this area has and especially with the life and novels of The diverse and vibrant landscape Charles Dickens, England’s renowned of the Kent Downs stretches along novelist. An area which he called ‘the the Thames escarpment of the fairest spot in the Garden of England’. North Downs on the eastern side of Gravesham. It forms a section of the

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AONB that extends across Kent from Cobham its Surrey border following the North Downs to Canterbury and on to Dover. Comprising the dramatic chalk escarpments to the south of Vigo and the secluded dry valleys, networks of lanes, historic hedgerows, ancient woodlands and traditional orchards of Meopham, Cobham and Luddesdown, the AONB boasts locally distinctive villages, unique and precious wildlife and sites of historic and cultural interest. All these were designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1968.

Enjoy stunning views of the Thames Higham Estuary and Marshes from Chalk Marshes to the east of Gravesend. Internationally recognized for the importance of its marine and terrestrial habitats, they are part of the North Kent Marshes along the15 km, south bank of the Thames Estuary.

Many birds can be seen on the coastal grazing marsh, salt marsh and mudflats, such as breeding, passage and wintering waterfowl and farmland birds; supporting struggling species, such as Lapwing and Redshank, nationally rare Meopham and scarce plant species, as well as endangered, vulnerable and rare invertebrate species.

The Saxon Shore Way offers a walk along the Thames from Gravesend or Cliffe Pools. Cyclists can also visit the Chalk Marshes nature reserve using the Sustrans track, which runs alongside the Thames & Medway Canal to the south of the reserve.

Meopham Windmill www.visitgravesend.co.uk 07 Visitor Guide 2018/19 Walking and Cycling Discover Kent’s Hidden Gem

With a cluster of country alongside the Thames & Take your bike along the parks, community Medway Canal, follow National Cycle Route woodland, and historic sections of the long that weaves its way parklands, Gravesham distance Saxon Shore across town or enjoy the provides quality outdoor Way, Wealdway, the network of bridleways on activities. North Downs Way or horseback. discover the Darnley The Cyclopark is Gaze out across the Thames Trail within the historic showcased as Kent’s valley from a vantage point landscape of Cobham newest multi sports at Gravesend’s Windmill Park and enjoy the activity venue, offering Hill or experience the numerous secluded first class BMX, cycling, views across the estuarine country footpaths that skateboarding, running marshes from Higham and criss-cross the area. and extreme sports Shorne. facilities, and provides the Relax in the more formal With access to the Kent ideal venue for a family parks and open spaces countryside further afield, day out. within the town. Gordon Gravesham is an ideal Gardens has colourful Walk in ancient base to explore so much floral displays and woodland at Cobham more. Woodlands Park with its and Ashenbank Woods, children’s play areas.

08 www.visitgravesham.com EVENTS/EXHIBITIONS/MEMBERSHIP/GROUPS AND VENUE HIRE/EVENTS/ EVENTS/EXHIBITIONS/MEMBERSHIP/GROUPS

UNIQUE VENUERIVERSIDE AVAILABLE FOR HIRE

EVENTS/EXHIBITIONS/MEMBERSHIP/GROUPS EVENTS/EXHIBITIONS/MEMBERSHIP/GROUPS ST ANDREWS ARTS CENTRE Royal Pier RD, Gravesend, Kent DA12 2BD GRAVESHAM ARTS For full Details of EVENTS/EXHIBITIONS/ MEMBERSHIP/GROUPS AND VENUE HIRE see graveshamarts.co.uk EVENTS/EXHIBITIONS/MEMBERSHIP/GROUPS AND VENUE HIRE/EVENTS/ EVENTS/EXHIBITIONS/MEMBERSHIP/GROUPS Visitor Guide 2018/19 History and Heritage Discover Kent’s Hidden Gem

Discover thousands of years of Gravesham’s heritage, from its early settlement to the present day, including the story behind the names Gravesend and Gravesham by visiting the virtual museum at www.discovergravesham.co.uk.

The River Thames and other connecting transport routes between London and Europe and from Britain to the rest of the World; arrivals, departures, visitors and settlers have all played a significant role in shaping Gravesham and its heritage.

Discover the riverside haunts of smugglers and Gravesend’s role as the gateway to the Port of London. View some of the unique places and fine architecture on the river, in the towns of Gravesend, Northfleet and in the beautiful countryside plus historic parishes of Shorne, Higham, Cobham, Luddesdowne, Meopham and Vigo.

Find out more about the people that have strong historic links with the area:

Pocahontas, the native North American General Gordon, the Victorian hero and Indian, whose remarkable story grew celebrity who was based in the town out of the first English settlement at and left his mark on its defence and Jamestown in Virginia and is buried social heritage. at St George’s Church, Gravesend.

Sir Herbert Baker, the celebrated Charles Dickens lived and died at Edwardian architect and associate of Gad’s Hill Place, Higham and drew Sir Edwin Lutyens lived at Owletts, inspiration from the area, its people, its now in the ownership of the National buildings and the North Kent Marshes Trust at Cobham. extensively within his novels. Many of The Honourable Ivo Bligh, the 8th those places and Earl of Darnley, who in 1833 led the the countryside victorious English cricket team against he loved to Australia bringing home the ‘Ashes’ to walk in can Cobham Hall - the ‘home’ of Kent cricket. be seen and The first recorded game of cricket in experienced England being played there in 1776. today.

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Find more about some of our local ‘heroes’ influential in the area’s history and development - Robert Pocock, George Matthews Arnold and David Varchell; or pioneers in technological improvement in the important Thameside industries of cement and paper - William Aspdin and Karl Ekman.

Gravesham has a fascinating cluster of historic defences that have been a feature of the Lower Thames and its Since the arrival of migrants from the estuary since the Iron Age and exhibit Indian Subcontinent from the late a range of historic defences from the 1940’s onwards, the Sikh community 14th to the 20th centuries. Gravesend’s has grown significantly to become Tudor Blockhouse, New Tavern and the second largest Sikh population Shornemead Forts constructed against in the South East and is developing the threat of foreign invasion and a remarkable heritage here in to protect the river route to London. Gravesham with the opening of Take the Crossfire Trail between the major new Guru Nanak Darbar New Tarvern Fort and Tilbury Fort Gurdwara, the largest single site Sikh to appreciate the thinking that lay temple complex in Europe. behind these defences and visit the Cold War bunker in Woodlands Park, An 8 foot high bronze statue of the late a 20th century response to the threat Squadron Leader Mahinder Singh Pujji of nuclear bombardment. Each of DFC has been unveiled in St Andrew’s these sites tell a story about a stage in Gardens to commemorate those Britain’s defence and the rise and fall of around the world who served alongside various defence technologies over the Britain in all conflicts. centuries. Take a step back in time on one of As the last and first point of contact for a number of guided tours and audio many departing from and arriving on tours arranged throughout the year to England’s shores. From high-ranking help you discover and appreciate the Royalty to lowly migrants, many have area’s rich and fascinating history. contributed to Gravesham’s past.

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If you enjoy live music and theatre, If you prefer more active fun then why arts, sport or fitness activity then take not visit one of the borough’s leisure a look at the range of leisure and centres. Cascades and Cygnet both entertainment activities available in have swimming pools, sports halls, Gravesham. dance and health facilities. Meopham Leisure Centre, Fleet Leisure football The Woodville Theatre is one of the centre, golf courses, ten pin bowling, larger arts and entertainment venues tennis courts, bowls and cricket as in North Kent, providing a regular well as children’s play areas are other programme of theatre, music, physical activities you can enjoy. If comedy and exhibitions. you prefer to watch sport. Why not visit Gravesham Arts Council is responsible Ebbsfleet United and support the local for the series of exhibitions, meetings football team. and concerts held at the St Andrew’s Arts Centre on the riverside and annual festivals of speech, music and arts. The Gravesend Theatre Guild provides a vibrant programme of musicals and drama. The borough also hosts open air theatre in the summer. The historic Light Vessel (LV21), moored at St Andrew’s Quay, is a GUIDED TOURS permanent feature of the town’s Go on a tour and discover Gravesend’s fascinating history. riverside landscape. The vessel hosts Our accredited Gravesham Tourism Guides are fully trained to events and is a floating arts venue with take British and International groups on a journey through time! regular workshops and exhibitions. RIVER WALK PEOPLE & PLACES POLITICS & FAITH

Each walk is an hour long and the cost of a tour is £7 per person. Tours will only run with a minimum 10 people. For more information and to book please contact Visit Gravesend Tourism department on 01474 33 72 02 or email [email protected]

12 www.visitgravesend.co.uk Visitor Guide 2016/172015/16 e no ho to entertain FREE EVENING PARKING FROM 6pm 50 YEARS WEDDINGS GRAVESEND & PARTIES GREAT SHOWS AT THE WOODVILLE GREAT CINEMA

Scott Ritchie Productions Ltd & KD Theatre Productions Ltd LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Present

IN THE HEART OF GRAVESEND Bringing Professional Entertainment to Gravesham. . . www.woodville.co.uk ND PM & PM STANDARD2 TICKETAPRIL PRICE £16.50 THE3 (INCLUDES £1.50 BOOKING6 BOX FEE) OFFICE CONCESSION PRICE £14.50 (INCLUDES £1.50 BOOKING FEE) 08442 439 480 26 BOX OFFICE: 08442 439 480 | WWW.WOODVILLE.CO.UK www.gogravesham.com 2931 Woodville Place Gravesend DA12 1DD WITW-TOUR POSTERS.indd 2 26/01/2018 22:01 Visitor Guide 2018/19 Heritage & OutdoorEvents Milton Chantry & New Tavern Fort Cobham Wood and Mausoleum Riverside Leisure Area, DA12 2BH Cobham, Kent, DA12 3BS Milton Chantry has had many different uses Wildlife enthusiasts, walkers and people with and is one of a few surviving buildings of this a historic interest will enjoy visiting Cobham type. It contains a number of well-preserved Wood and Darnley Mausoleum. Having architectural features from the 14th to 19th almost 190 acres of woodland pasture, it’s centuries along with a variety or displays the ideal location for a stroll in the Kent relating to the heritage of the Borough. countryside. On the first Sunday of each month you can also visit the mausoleum in a Located close the Thames, New Tavern Fort was designed to defend London against an beautifully restored state. enemy fleet. Experience life underground Dates: Open on specified Sundays until and follow in the steps of the Victorian September. artillery men. To fully experience these two Please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ sites, take our new fun interactive audio tours cobham-wood-and-mausoleum - you never know what you might discover! for full details Dates: Saturdays and Sundays from 7 April Price: FREE until 30 September. Also open on Bank Holiday Mondays. Tours of Gad’s Hill Place Time: 12noon - 5pm Rochester Road, Higham, ME3 7DS Price: FREE entrance to the Chantry; £1 to When he was a boy Charles Dickens and enter the tunnels. his father took a walk through Kent. Along Gravesend Road they passed a house called Cold War Bunker Gad’s Hill Place. Young Charles was impressed Wrotham Road, Gravesend, DA11 7LF and bought the house in 1856. He lived there until his death in 1870. You can visit Dickens Guided tours of the town’s cold war bunker. house and enjoy a tour of the premises by one Dates: Friday 11 May, 8 June, 6 July, 10 Aug, of the Dickens fellowship guides. 7 Sept, 12 Oct, 9 Nov, 7 Dec. Dates: Sat 12 & Sun 13 May, 7pm Time: Sat 9 & Sun 10 June, Price: Adult £5, Child £3, Family of 4 £14 Sat 14 & Sun 15 July, Book: 01474 337600 Sat 11 & Sun 12 Aug, Sat 8 & Sun 9 Sept, Owletts National Trust Sat 13 & Sun 14 Oct. The Street, Cobham, DA12 3AP Times: 1pm, 2.15pm and 3.30pm Visit this delightful Charles II house. Owletts Price: £9.50 (includes cream tea) and its gardens were most famously owned by Sir Herbert Baker, whose architectural £5 for children (6-12yrs), influences can still be found in the house. Under 6’s FREE Dates: Every Sunday from 1st April to 23rd Book: Booking essential at Gravesend September Visitor Centre on 01474 33 76 00 Time: 11am-5pm (last admission at 4pm) Please note: Public transport via Arriva Bus Price: Adults £4, Children £2 190, offers a limited service on Sundays.

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From West Kingsdown to Southfleet - Time: 11.30am Meet at the corner of The a journey of history & mystery. Grove opposite Gravesend Clock Illustrated talk with supper Tower. Date: Monday 23rd April 2018 Price: £4 per person pay on the day. Speaker: Christoph Bull For more information call 07702287147 Time: 6pm at Reliance Restaurant, Queen Street, Gravesend Amazing Swanscombe: puritans, Price: £15 per person including supper pollution & politics Booking essential 01474 533593 Astonishingly interested town on your doorstep – few know its historical importance. Lord Darnley’s Gravesend (Guided walk Date: Monday 15th October 2018 & Evening meal) A walking tour exploring the links between Speaker: Christoph Bull Cobham Hall stately home and the town of Time: 6pm at Reliance Restaurant, Queen Gravesend. Street, Gravesend Come and see some parts of the town you Price: £15 per person including supper may have missed. Walk last about 1.5 hours. Booking essential 01474 533593 Date: Friday 11th May 2018

Guide: Christoph Bull The Kaiser’s War Time: Meet: 7pm outside Somerset Arms, The version of WWI we are taught is not Darnley Road, Gravesend. necessarily correct – there is always Meal afterwards at Clarendon Royal Hotel, Gravesend another opinion. Plenty of local references included. Price: £18 per person including 2 course meal. Date: Monday 26th November 2018 Booking essential 01474 362221 Speaker: Christoph Bull Time: 6pm at Reliance Restaurant, Queen Cobham village and parish: Street, Gravesend a Kentish gem Price: £15 per person including supper Cobham is an absolute delight – but how Booking essential 01474 533593 many know anything about its past. Date: Monday 25th June 2018 Grim Gravesend Speaker: Christoph Bull Understanding Christmas for the bad, sad and mad of old Gravesend. Poverty, crime, Time: 6pm at Reliance Restaurant, Queen disease and unemployment for our ancestors Street, Gravesend Date: Monday 3rd December 2018 Price: £15 per person including supper Booking essential 01474 533593 Speaker: Christoph Bull Time: 6pm at Reliance Restaurant, Queen Street, Gravesend Gravesend Victorian Dream Walk Price: £15 per person including supper Date: Wednesday 25th July 2018 Booking essential 01474 533593 Guide: Christoph Bull

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Gravesend Town Regatta Poppy Picnic Riverside Leisure Area, DA12 2BS Fort Gardens, DA12 2BS Annual rowing races on the Thames fronting A Charity based fundraising event providing the Promenade. Shore events, charity stall, family fun, live music, stalls & classic vehicles food vendors and live entertainment. Date: Sunday 15th July Date: Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 June Time: 12 – 6pm Entry by donation Time: 10 Fort in the Forties Fort Gardens, DA12 2BS Gravesend Riverside Festival Gravesend’s wartime weekend, fun for all Riverside Leisure Area, DA12 2BS with vintage stalls, living history and live music. Family fun event including live music, Dates: Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 September entertainment and Gravesend’s Summer Time: 10.30am – 5pm Regatta on the Thames. Plus Vintage Price: £2.00 entry Country Fayre in Fort Gardens. Date: Saturday 14 July Gravesend Firework Display Time: 11am -7pm Riverside Leisure Area, DA12 2BS Dates: Friday 2 November Festival Funfair – Fri 13, Sat 14, Sun 15 July Time: 8pm

Please be aware that this timetable is provisional and Waverley Paddle dates, times and trips may be subject to change. For more information on prices and booking call Steamer Trips Gravesend Visitor Centre on 01474 33 76 00. Gravesend Town Pier Pontoon, DA11 0BJ The Waverley Paddle Steamer is visiting Gravesend again this year. This vessel is the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world. Magnificently restored with towering funnels, timber decks, gleaming varnish and brass. River Thames and Sail through Tower Bridge Friday 21 September 2.30pm-5.15pm Saturday 22 September 3.00pm-7.45pm Sunday 23 September 5.30pm-10.15pm Tuesday 2 October (one way) 6pm Friday 5 October 12noon-4.45pm Saturday 6 October 2-6.30pm Cruise River Blackwater Tuesday 25 September (coach return) 10am-6.30pm Monday 1 October (coach return) 12noon-8.30pm Cruise Thames Forts Thursday 27 September 12.15pm-5.30pm Cruise River Medway Sunday 30 September 12.15pm-10.15pm Twinkling Thames – London Tower Pier Evening Cruise Saturday 6 October (one way) 7.30pm-9.30pm Cruise Red Sand Fort Sunday 7 October 11.45am-5pm

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Vaisakhi Festival South East England Strongest Man Starts at the Gurdwara in Saddington New Road, Gravesend, DA11 0AD street and through Gravesend town Come and see the South East’s strongest centre and biggest men competing for this title The annual and colourful Sikh procession Date: Sunday 2nd September through Gravesend. Time: 11am to 4pm Date: Saturday 14 April FREE event & FREE parking in council car parks Time: TBC Diwali Festival Annual Scouts Association St George’s Gravesend Community Square and Day Parade Town Centre, DA12 1AU Town Centre and Community Square This Hindu festival is one of the India’s biggest Annual Parade and Service to festivals and celebrated as festivals of lights. Commemorate St George’s Day with both Date: Saturday 10 November the Scout Association and Guide Association Time: TBC represented. Date: Sunday 22 April Remembrance Centenary Time: TBC Community Square, DA12 1AU Special Centenary Remembrance St George’s School Parade commemoration with Beacon Lighting. Town Centre and Community Square Date: Sunday 11 November A celebration of Saint George’s Day with Time: TBC street performances, children’s parade and entertainment on the Community Square. Christmas Light Switch On Date: Monday 23 April From Gravesend Community Square to Time: from 10am Gravesend Borough Market Parade and Lights Switch On finale by the Festival of Eid market. Community Square, DA12 1AU Date: Friday 16 November The festival will mark the end of Ramadan. Time: 4pm Date: Saturday 23 June Time: 2-4pm Christmas Events Gravesend Town Centre and Gravesend Northfleet Carnival Borough Market, High Street, DA11 0AZ Begins at Springhead Industrial Park, Christmas events and entertainment in Northfleet, DA11 8HL Gravesend Borough Market and Gravesend Town Centre. For more information visit Northfleet Carnival is a community run www.christmasingravesend.co.uk procession for Gravesend and Northfleet and is now in it’s 48th year! It starts at Springhead Dates: Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 December, Industrial Park and continues throught the Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 December town centre finishing at the Riverside Leisure Saturday 15 December, Saturday 22 Area. and Sunday 23 December Time: TBC Date: Saturday 7 July Time: 1pm - 3.30pm approximately. www.visitgravesend.co.uk 17 Visitor Guide 2017/182018/19 Arts & Culture Events

Octoberfest Gravesend Art Group Exhibition Best Western Manor Hotel, DA12 5UQ St Andrew’s Art Centre, DA12 2BD Date: Saturday 25 August - Saturday 1 An evening of German entertainment and September food in typical Octoberfest style! Time: Saturdays from 10.30am to 5.30pm, A fun packed evening of traditional food , and Sundays10.30am to 4pm music and dancing, Price: FREE with a traditional Oom Pah Band! Date: Sat 6th October The Marlowe Singers Time: 7pm Easter Concert Book at Manor Hotel Reception 01474 353100 St George’s Church, DA11 0DJ Sacred traditional and light music from around the world including Russia, America, Gravesham Arts Group Events France, Spain, England, and Italy Date: Saturday 24 March The Arts Society Gravesend Lecture Series Time: 7.30pm The Masonic Hall, Gravesend Price: £8 per person including Hockney at 80: by John Iddon refreshments, Under 16s go free 18Date:www.visitgravesend.co.uk Tuesday 10 April 2018 (pay on the door)

Inspiral Night Walking Festival Summer Concert Date: 19 – 22 April 2018 St George’s Church, DA11 0DJ Emma Burgess: INSIDE THE MIND Light, summer music, including favourites from musicals of stage and screen - The Journey To Now Date: Saturday 7 July St Andrew’s Art Centre, DA12 2BD Time: 7.30pm Date: 14 – 20 May 2018 Price: £8 per person including refreshments, Under 16s go free Gravesham Arts - Annual Art (pay on the door) Competition St Andrew’s Art Centre, DA12 2BD Munchies on the Meadow 2018 – Family Date: 7 and 8 July 2018 Food Festival Meadow Room, Cobham, DA12 3BZ Jack Messam - Marine Art Exhibition St Andrew’s Art Centre, DA12 2BD This is a family food festival like no other, celebrating everything that is great about 21 July 2018 Date: Kent. Come and enjoy produce from over 80 local producers, suppliers and artisans set in Thames Barge Match - Exhibition & the beautiful village of Cobham. Activities Date: 5 May St Andrew’s Art Centre, DA12 2BD Time: 11.30am to 6pm Date: 21 July 2018 Price: Tickets are £2 per person For more details and tickets at www.meadowroom.org.uk 18 www.visitgravesend.co.uk Visitor Guide 2018/19

Summer Outdoor Theatre Movie on the Meadow 2018 – Outdoor Nurstead Court, Meopham, DA13 9AD Family Movie Night We are pleased to welcome back Meadow Room, The Street, Cobham, Changeling with two fabulous outdoor DA12 3BZ performances in the beautiful setting of Cobham’s annual family-friendly outdoor Nurstead court. movie night! Pre-show entertainment starts Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward from 5.30pm with the film starting at dusk Date: Tuesday 31 July (around 7.15pm). Time: 7.30pm BBQ - Popcorn - Glowsticks - Beer & Wine - Measure for Measure by William Hot & Cold Drinks Shakespeare – Date: TBC Date: Tuesday 7 August Time: 5.30pm Time: 7.30pm Price: Tickets are £2 per person and will be available at Cobham Prices: Adults £20 / Over 60’s £15 / Child £10 Community Stores and The Little Transaction fee’s & terms and Shop, Sole Street conditions apply to all tickets. Refunds will only be administered on cancellation of a performance prior to commencement. Booking via The Woodville Box Office 08442 439 480 or www.woodville.co.uk

Visitor Guide 2015/16 Visitor Guide 2016/17 AV E S E N Come and R Est. 1268 D G BOROUGH discover... MARKET Gravesend Borough Market Gravesend Borough Market is becoming the shopping experience of choice, offering a wide variety of market stalls. OPENING TIMES Tuesday to Saturday: 9am – 5pm / Sunday 10am – 4pm

www.gravesendboroughmarket.co.uk

26 /gravesendboroughmarket.Kent @GravesendMarket www.gogravesham.com Visitor Guide 2018/19 Accommodation star ratings explained

Whatever the purpose of your stay, Gravesham offers a range of quality visitor accommodation to suit your requirements. Whether it’s a B&B in Gravesend and close villages, or a hotel with fishing and golf activities nearby, you’ll be glad you based yourself here. We are passionate about promoting local tourism businesses. We also recognise that visitors have the right to be fully informed, with clear and accurate information about accommodation and expect an appropriate level of standards and service. This can be demonstrated by properties’ inclusion in various accredited assessment schemes such as Visit England, the AA or the Kent Accommodation Scheme. In the absence of any form of accreditation, we in partnership with Visit Kent, have developed a pilot scheme called “Standards Charter”, which acts as a platform for start-up businesses. It enables us to work with businesses that are equally committed to quality principles and this is an approach adopted by many other destinations. You can be confident that all properties listed have been checked out for quality and have signed up to a code of conduct to deliver high standards of customer service.

1 star – Simple, practical, no frills 2 stars – Well presented and well run 3 stars – Good level of quality and comfort 4 stars – Excellent standard throughout 5 stars – Exceptional with a degree of luxury

Some local properties may not have signed up to the Star rating scheme; however, they have joined the Kent Accommodation Scheme. The Kent Accommodation Scheme (KAS) is an entry scheme to assess tourist accommodations in Kent and make sure they are fit for purpose, legal, safe and clean. The scheme works alongside the existing National Quality Standards (star rating schemes) of Visit England and AA Hotel Services.

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Best Western Manor Hotel Premier Inn – Budget Hotel Hever Court Road, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 5UQ The Woodlands, Wrotham Road, Gravesend, Telphone: 01474 35 31 00 Kent, DA11 7LF Telephone: 08715 27 84 74

Premier Inn – Budget Hotel The Inn on the Lake Hotel Hevercourt Road, Singlewell, Gravesend, A2 Shorne, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 3HB Kent DA12 5UQ Telephone: 01474 823 333 Telephone: 08709 90 63 52

Hopewell Self-catering 217 Downs Road, Istead Rise, Kent, DA13 9HW Telephone: 01474 83 20 52

Manor Hotel Jessamine House Standards Hever Court Road Gravesend Kent DA12 5UQ 4 London Road, Northfleet, Kent DA11 9JE Charter Tel: 01474 569 868 EAT DRINK SLEEP

Chestnuts B&B Standards North Leigh, Gravesend Road, Higham, Charter Kent, ME3 7DX Tel: 01474 82 27 16 With 64 bedrooms, an onsite Restaurant and two small function rooms, we are the perfect venue The Clarendon Royal Hotel to accommodate your wedding guests, host an Royal Pier Road, Gravesend DA12 2BE Standards Afternoon Tea , Funeral Tea , Private Dining or Telphone: 01474 362221 Charter Anniversary Celebration

All details are on our Website Travelodge - Budget Hotel We’re here to help, why not give us a call Coldharbour Road, Gravesend, Kent, DA11 8AB Tel:01474 353100 www.bw-manorhotel.co.uk Telephone: 02031 95 35 31 Eating Out in

Gravesham Gravesend Cold War Bunker Wrotham Road, Gravesend Gravesham has great places to eat and drink. Whether you are looking for 2018 Guided tours now booking April 6, May 11, June 8, July 6, August 10, an Indian restaurant, Mediterranean September 7, October 12, November 9, cuisine with panoramic views of the December 7. All tours at 7pm River, an award winning Fish & Chip Tickets - (booking essential) Adult :£5 restaurant, a village restaurant, a Children under 14: £3 traditional public house or a local café, Family 2+2: £14 Call: 01474 337 600 you will be able to find somewhere [email protected] Email: GRAVESEND In Person: Visit Gravesend Information Desk, COLDWAR with great food and affordable prices. Gravesend Borough Market, DA11 0AZ Thurs – Sat 9am – 5pm, Sun 10am - 4pm Gravesham Borough Council’s policy Important Information: is to score all restaurants from zero to This site is not accessible for wheelchair users or those with walking difficulties five. Scores can be found at www.scoresonthedoors.org.uk/ council/gravesham-borough-council. Entry Price Chantry Heritage Centre - Free New Tavern Fort - £1

Chantry Heritage Centre

For an extensive list of 4 and 5 rated and New Tavern Fort

places to eat in Gravesham please visit dio Open to visitors u urs A o www.visitgravesend.co.uk/places-to-eat t until 30 September 2018 12noon - 5pm Weekends only

Fort Gardens, Commercial Place, Gravesend For further information visit www.visitgravesend.co.uk 22 www.visitgravesend.co.uk Telephone 01474 33 76 00

www.gogravesham.com 23 Visitor Guide 2018/19 Visitor Information Centre

/VisitGravesend @Visit_Gravesend Visit_Gravesend

Our Visitor Information desk is located

within Gravesend Borough Market, High Street, Gravesend and can Contact Us provide the following services: You can visit us at our visitor Information desk located in Gravesend Borough Market Bookings for local events, boat and coach High Street trips. Gravesend UK and local accommodation search and Kent DA11 0AZ bookings. Our opening times are Friendly and knowledgeable advice on Thursday to Saturday: 9am – 5pm where to go and what’s on in Gravesham Sunday 10am – 4pm A selection of souvenirs, maps, guides, brochure and bus, train and tide Email: [email protected] timetables. Telephone: +44 (0)1474 33 76 00 Advance booking for hire of shopmobility scooters and wheelchairs for visitors who require them.

Gravesham Borough Council works with national and local tourism partners including Visit Britain, Visit England, Tourism South East and Visit Kent.

GRAVESEND