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Castles & History, Parks & Walks

Riverside Leisure Area and Gordon Promenade

Family Friendly
Free

Gravesend's Thames riverfront: Fort Gardens, Gordon Gardens and lake, and the Gordon Promenade, with a cafe, play area and river views.

About Riverside Leisure Area and Gordon Promenade

The Riverside Leisure Area takes in Fort Gardens (home to New Tavern Fort and the Milton Chantry), Gordon Gardens with its ornamental lake and statue of General Gordon, the Gordon Promenade along the river front and the Canal Basin marina. There is a children’s play area by the lake, a privately run cafe on the promenade, and public toilets by the cafe and by New Tavern Fort. National Cycle Route 1 runs along the promenade and on along the Thames and Medway Canal towards Higham.

New Tavern Fort and the Chantry Heritage Centre open on weekends from April to September (12 noon to 5pm) and on bank holiday Mondays. Fort Gardens is locked half an hour before sunset.

Accessibility

The council says the area is mainly wheelchair accessible via paved paths, although gradients may exist in some areas. Public toilets by the cafe and by New Tavern Fort.

Where it is

Details checked against the venue on 28 October 2026. Opening times change, so confirm before you travel.

What's on here

Eat and drink in Gravesend

Butchers & BakersCafés

Vegan Antics

Based in Gravesend

Vegan bakery and café on Windmill Street, Gravesend, baking plant-based cakes, cupcakes and doughnuts, with custom cakes and UK delivery.

Verified Oct 2026

Pubs

Three Daws

Based in Gravesend

Historic riverside pub at Gravesend Town Pier with Thames views, food, local real ales, quiz nights, live music and a function room.

Verified Oct 2026

Farm Shops & Producers

Silverhand Estate

Based in Henley Street

Vineyard and winery at Luddesdown: English wines, tours and tastings, cellar door and online wine shop.

Verified Nov 2026

Restaurants

The Gandhi

Based in Gravesend

Indian restaurant on West Street, Gravesend, open since 1996, with table bookings, online ordering and outside catering.

Verified Oct 2026

Guides that mention Riverside Leisure Area and Gordon Promenade

GuideBeaches & Coast, Parks & Walks

Riverside walks on the Thames and the Medway

Last verified 29 Oct 2026

Riverside walks and waterfront parks on the Thames from Dartford to Cliffe and on the Medway from Rochester to Rainham.

GuideFood & Drink

Eating and drinking in North Kent

Last verified 29 Oct 2026

Pubs, cafes, restaurants and a brewery taproom in Gravesend, Dartford, Northfleet and Swanley: what each serves, where, and when it opens.

GuideCastles & History, Parks & Walks

A riverside and heritage day in Gravesend

Last verified 29 Oct 2026

A walking plan for Gravesend's riverfront and history: St George's and Pocahontas, the Town Pier, Fort Gardens, plus the woods near Cobham and Shorne.

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Cobham Wood and Darnley Mausoleum

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National Trust woodland near Cobham, open dawn to dusk, around the 18th-century Darnley Mausoleum (mausoleum closed for winter).

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Family Days Out, Parks & Walks

Shorne Woods Country Park

Shorne

Kent County Council country park near Gravesend: woods, wetlands and meadows, an eco visitor centre and cafe, play areas, fishing lakes and easy access trails.

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Dog Friendly
Family Friendly

Castles & History

Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara

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One of the largest gurdwaras outside India, opened in Gravesend in 2010, with three prayer halls and two langar halls.