Gravesend Area Guide

Gravesend Local Area Guide

With its own train station and a ferry terminal that crosses the River Thames and takes residents and visitors north and into Essex, Gravesend makes use of its central position through access to London and Essex, as well as out towards the North Downs in Kent. Designed to help prospective buyers picture life in Gravesend, this area guide covers all the main points of focus you need to consider when viewing properties with local estate agents in Gravesend.

Where is Gravesend?

Gravesend is located on the south bank of the River Thames, directly opposite Tilbury in Essex and at the very north edge of Kent. It is recognised as being the eastern limit of Greater London’s built-up footprint and falls under the Diocese of Rochester. Somewhat of a melting pot of city and country life, the location of Gravesend means it is just as well placed for access to the North Downs and Kent coastline as it is to the city of London. It is popular with commuters who work in London, as such seeing significant investment through the formation of rail connections to the city and more.

Is Gravesend a Nice Place to Live?

The wonderful thing about life in Gravesend is that it combines city living and a more laid-back country lifestyle perfectly. Because it is geographically considered to be a part of Kent, Gravesend is connected to beauty spots like the North Downs and is also right next to the Thames Estuary which brings its own beauty to the town. Quality of life plays a major role in establishing whether somewhere is a good place to live or not. And with many of the properties for sale in Gravesend boasting river views, with quick access to green spaces and urban landscapes, the unique surroundings and plethora of things to do make this an exciting place to live.

Is Gravesend Safe?

For those considering a move to Gravesend with family in tow, safety is of the utmost concern. While like with any area, Gravesend’s urban location means that it has a level of crime in and around the town, for the most part, the community vibe renders this a safe and friendly place to live. London has a bit of a reputation when it comes to crime rates and bad press around the safety of residents; however, Gravesend benefits here from being well out on the very eastern border of the Greater London footprint.

Primary and Secondary Schools in Gravesend

Gravesend is home to a wide selection of schools, including state schools and independent schools offering both primary and secondary education. Popular independent schools in Gravesend include Bronte School and St Josep’s, while some of the reputable secondary schools in the town include Gravesend Grammar School, Northfleet School for Girls, Northfleet Technology College, and Mayfield Grammar School.

Public Transport Links in Gravesend

With Gravesend so well placed between London and Kent, you won’t be surprised to learn that transport in and around Gravesend is good. But you might not expect to hear just how integral the ferry terminal is to the town’s residents! As well as the national rail connection from Gravesend, residents can also access Essex direct by ferry from the Town Pier or can use one of the local bus services to travel towards Bluewater, Dartford, and beyond. The roads in and out of Gravesend provide the most flexibility to residents who want to travel, with Gravesend just minutes from the main A2 road that heads north and south.

History of Gravesend

The history of Gravesend is interesting to track, as it covers not just the town’s name and its connections to London, Essex, and Kent, but also how the town has been used by residents. The market that remains in the hub of Gravesend is one of the oldest in the country, while the Milton Chantry which was built in 1310 is the oldest building still standing in Gravesend – combining history and architectural grandeur. A few other historical sites of note in and around Gravesend include a statue of Pocahontas, the inspiration behind the Disney film, who spent her final days in Gravesend; and the remains of a fort that was first built for defence by Henry VIII. Suffice it to say, booking yourself on a historical walking tour of Gravesend is certainly not a bad idea if you are considering a move to the area!

Things to do in Gravesend

With Gravesend centred between Kent’s countryside, London’s city landscape, and the blend of city and rural views that span Essex, there is lots to do – for residents of all lifestyles.

Best Parks and Green Spaces

Green space is one of the biggest draws for those considering a move to Gravesend. Not only does the town itself enjoy several country parks including the award-winning Shorne Country Park, but Gravesend is also within close travel distance to the North Downs and the Thames Estuary. Countless trails and family-friendly experiences are available across the country park and sites like Cobham Wood, Jeskyns Community Woodland, and Ashenbank Wood.

Shopping

For those who consider retail therapy an intrinsic part of their local experiences, Gravesend is ideally located for access to the nearby Bluewater Shopping Centre in Dartford, and for access to London if you prefer the hustle and bustle of the city. If you want to keep it local, Gravesend has plenty of shops itself – including a high street and a regular farmer’s market that brings together local producers to connect with the community.

Restaurants, Bars and Pubs

Gravesend is a known hotspot for dining experiences, inspired by cuisine and chefs from all over the world. Some of the recommended eateries in and around the town include the Julius Caesar local Italian restaurant, Three Daws Riverside Inn with its classic British menu, and Mad in Italy – serving some of the best Italian recipes mixed with excellent produce. For those who prefer to go out for a coffee, Lakeview 360 is a café that makes the most of its riverside location, while No 84 Tearoom offers a comfortable location to catch up with friends.

Entertainment

Aside from the green spaces to visit and the historical landmarks worth visiting, Gravesend offers a selection of entertainment options for its residents. The Woodville venue combines live music with a cinema and theatre productions, while local sport remains a big deal with Gravesend managing its own Cricket Club, Rugby Union, and Rowing Regatta. If you are more into the historical sites and prominence of Gravesend, you might be interested to learn more about the connections between Gravesend and popular authors including Charles Dickens and Arthur Conan Doyle, both of whom mentioned the town in their works.

What Is Property in Gravesend Like?

Gravesend is a town that boasts great access and direct links with London, Essex, and Kent, and as such is considered a coveted and sought-after place to live. Its property pool spans detached homes, properties with gardens, terraced houses, bungalows and apartments. The average asking price of properties across Gravesend is elevated by the town’s prominent and convenient position, plus its direct access to rural landscapes and tranquil countryside. For a town that offers the best of both worlds, capturing city and country living, prospective residents have lots to choose from in terms of property.

Buying or Renting in Gravesend

Because Gravesend is considered a part of the commuter belt, there are always properties for sale and properties to rent in Gravesend. Working with a reputable estate agent can help you to first identify your specific needs from your property and then decide on details like the budget and where in town you’d like to live. Despite the rolling nature of commuters, and the ever-changing landscape of life around the outskirts of London, Gravesend benefits from the grounding of its community vibe and the neighbouring green spaces that give it a timeless feel for families from all walks of life.

Should I Move to Gravesend?

Gravesend is the perfect place to call home, if you consider yourself someone who values family life and a quieter community feel, but who also wants to enjoy the close proximity to the hustle and bustle of the city. With so much history in and around Gravesend, it seems as if almost every corner of the town has a story to tell – making this a unique and highly sought-after place to live.