Discover Gillingham in Kent
Gillingham in Kent lies beside the River Medway in Kent, a stone’s throw from the south-east coastline. It is a diverse and important town, serving many nearby towns and villages.
It is perhaps best known for the neighbouring Chatham Historic Dockyard, a maritime museum on the site of a former royal naval dockyard. It is one of the area’s most popular visitor attractions – famous for its three ships (the HMS Gannet, HMS Cavalier and HMS Ocelot) and a variety of exhibits showcasing its rich past and the activities once undertaken there. It is also destined to become a World Heritage Site thanks to its historic importance. Other attractions include seafront swimming complex Strand Leisure Park and Cobtree, with its wooded parks, playground and picnic areas.
Outside Gillingham various countryside environments offer opportunity for walks and rural pursuits, including Riverside Country Park and Upnor Castle. Nearby coastal attractions include Gillingham Marina and Fort Amherst. Brompton Barracks and its Royal Engineers Museum celebrates the famous corps.
Gillingham is easily accessed via the M2 motorway – and as a result it’s a popular location for businesses. It’s also the largest retail centre in the area, with Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre and Dockside Outlet Shopping Centre both offering a range of high street stores and independent boutiques. Large street markets take place each Saturday and Monday – the busiest in the area. The town is just over an hour from London by road and just 50 mins by train.