Historically significant, oft-mentioned in literature and right at the mouth of the Thames, Gravesend has plenty of things to keep you occupied. We just picked five of them...

News Shopper: St George's Church and the statue of Pocahontas

Pocahontas

Her story’s inspired a Disney movie and a statue dedicated to the native American princess who saved the life of pioneer Captain John Smith and died in Gravesend is in St George’s Churchyard in Church Road.

News Shopper: From coffees and sandwiches to slap-up meals, authentic Italian Deli in Gravesend ticks all boxes

Ciao Bella

Divizia in Queen Street is the place to go for authentic Italian food in north Kent. The shop has a luxurious deli choc-full of goodies and also covers all the bases from a snack or an ice cream to a slap up meal.

News Shopper: Billy Whenman was the first cyclist to test out the track at Gravesend’s Cyclopark

Wheely good

Just off the A2, the Cyclopark in Wrotham Road boasts a 2.9km tarmac main track plus other bits and bobs for cyclists, like an off road track and an excellent cafe. You can take part in all sorts of activities like renting different types of bikes or regular runs. It’s also home to some high level cycling events.

Going underground

Gravesend is home to an impressive 13-room underground cold war bunker, which was built in 1954. It was designed to be an underground command post from which the town’s emergency response would be coordinated after a nuclear attack. Scary stuff. Go to gogravesham.co.uk

News Shopper:

Good Gurdwara

The new Gurdwara, off Trinity Road, is one of Kent’s most striking buildings. The beautiful spiritual home of Gravesend’s big Sikh community is well worth a visit.