Country Parks and Open Spaces

Whether it’s bluebells in Spring or the changing colours of autumn, Gravesham is a place for all seasons. From country parks and ancient woodlands to evocative marshes and smuggler’s coves that have inspired painters and writers for generations, there’s plenty here to explore.

This is a place where you can be in the middle of a bustling riverside town one minute and immersed in some of Kent’s most beautiful countryside the next. How you experience it is up to you.

Pack a picnic and explore it all yourself or sign up to one of our growing range of outdoor activities and experiences to add an extra dimension – from vineyard tours to guided walks and heritage tours that bring both nature and history to life.

Experience our country parks

Shorne Woods Country Park makes an ideal day out for all the family with play and picnic areas, a trim trail and orienteering, fishing, waymarked trails and an Easy Access Trail suitable for prams and wheelchairs.

It’s one of Kent’s most popular country parks with events and activities throughout the year – from arts and crafts sessions to showcasing your inner athlete on the weekly 5k Park Run. Don’t forget to visit the eco-friendly visitor centre and restaurant too.

At Jeskyns Community Woodland, you get to experience a landscape being created.
Discover newly planted woodlands that are fast taking shape, ponds that dogs will love to dip in and orchards and wildflower meadows that will get you away from it all for a while. There’s 360 acres to walk, cycle or ride in all, including a dog activity trail that will your pooch through its paces. There’s lots for families too from the Fairy and Elf village to the Gruffalo trail.

Follow the Darnley Trail and you’ll be in Cobham Wood and Mausoleum, set within the Kent Downs National Landscape, and grazed today by a friendly herd of Highland cattle.

From picturesque Cobham Village where you’ll find pubs linked with Charles Dickens why not spend a while in Ashenbank Wood, for beautiful Spring walks complete with a Bronze Age barrow and the remains of four Second World War bunkers.

Experience an urban stroll or head to the river

Relax in the more formal parks and open spaces within the town. Gordon Gardens and promenade with its riverside views and colourful floral displays and Woodlands Park with its children’s play areas.

Gaze out across the Thames valley from a vantage point at Gravesend’s Windmill Hill or experience the views across the estuarine marshes from Higham and Shorne, walking in the footsteps of Charles Dickens who lived and explored here.

Nestling at the foot of the hill on its northern side is Windmill Gardens where you will find ornamental gardens, a bowling green and tennis courts.