Kent

Thames Trek

Choose a town or city below to view all business in that area

Overview

Mix Thames Estuary and wildlife views with maritime history from Gravesend head inland to Rochester. Chase back to the estuary and the Isle of Sheppey before winding round Milton Creek and making for the cathedral city of Canterbury. Escape the crowds to head to the coast before relaxing at Herne Bay.

Gravesend

Explore the ancient maritime town of Gravesend, with its range of historic defences dating back to the 14th century. Check out the Tudor Blockhouse, New Tavern and Shornemead Forts. Trek the Crossfire Trail or visit the Cold War bunker in Woodlands Park.

Rochester

Be sure to explore the splendour of Rochester Cathedral and Rochester Castle or trace the Dickens’ story with a self-guided tour. Nearby The Historic Dockyard Chatham is a great place to take in maritime history with a WWII destroyer and Cold War submarine to view as well as the 18thc Rope Works.

Queenborough

Explore Queenborough’s small harbour dating from Saxon times. The town remains unspoilt and you can relax in one of the pubs or restaurants before exploring the historic high street and wide selection of shops. Nearby you will find Sheerness with its Blue Flag beach and family attractions.

Elmley

Elmley is part of the Isle of Elmley, part of the Isle of Sheppey. An important nature reserve with waterways and meadows you can relax and spot many varieties of birds. Also discover the landscape that inspired Great Expectations and the house where King James II was imprisoned.

Milton Creek

Relax and enjoy the green space that is Milton Creek Country Park, complete with a tidal inlet. The 128 acres offer a range of walking trails and wildlife habitat where you can escape and get away from it all.

Canterbury

Explore the cobbled streets, ancient Roman walls and timber framed houses of Canterbury, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral built in 597 A.D., the site of the murder of Thomas Beckett in 1170, the tomb of the Black Prince and marvel at the stone carvings and stained glass windows.

Herne Bay

The traditional seaside town of Herne Bay is a great place to escape and enjoy a family day out. Take in Herne Bay Pier, Herne Bay Museum and the Clock Tower. Discover nearby Whitstable, a charming old maritime town to sample their world famous oysters!

Child FriendlyCyclingFree to Do+4 more

Overview

1

Gravesend

2
7.7 miles

Rochester

3
21.2 miles

Queenborough

4
3.6 miles

Elmley

5
16.0 miles

Milton Creek

6
28.3 miles

Canterbury

7
8.3 miles

Herne Bay

What to see and do…

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Leeds Castle | Kent

Broomfield, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL

Elham Treehouse | Kent

Elham Treehouse, Upper Park Gate Farm, Elham, Kent, CT4 6NE

Franciscan Gardens Canterbury | Kent

60 St Peters Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BE

Eastbridge Hospital Canterbury | Kent

Eastbridge Hospital, 25 High Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BD

Goat Walking at Wild Woodland Retreat | Kent

Hawes Farm, Clavertye, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6YE

Wild Woodland Retreat | Kent

Hawes Farm, Clavertye, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6YE

Glamping in Kent | Kent

Camping & Glamping in Kent, Durlock Road, Guilton, Kent, CT3 2HU

Hangloose Adventure | Bluewater

Bluewater Parkway, Dartford, Greenhithe, Kent, DA9 9ST

About the Thames Trek Trail

Distance: 85 miles
Cities / Towns: 7
Number Of Businesses: 29

Starting less than 30 minutes from London you can explore the Thames Estuary, from the ancient town of Gravesend before pushing on to explore the maritime history of Rochester and Chatham.

Heading out to the Isle of Sheppey you can take in Queenborough, the Milton Creek Country Park and Elmley, part of the Isle of Elmley.

Head towards the cosmopolitan city of Canterbury with its historic Canterbury Cathedral and Roman Walls.

To escape the crowds make for the Kent coastal towns of Whitstable and Herne Bay to relax and while away the day.

Child Friendly
Cycling
Free to Do
Pet Friendly
Shopping
Sporting
Wheel Chair Access

Maritime History

Visit Rochester, Gillingham and The Chatham Historic Dockyard on the River Medway to explore years of maritime history through museums, many exhibits and displays. From Victorian ropery to Cold War submarines you’ll spend hours delving into the nautical and industrial past.

Canterbury Capers

The world famous towering Canterbury Cathedral stands in the city of Canterbury, one of medieval Europe’s great centres of pilgrimage. Enjoy the buzz in the town and take in the River Stour and the St. Augustine’s Abbey, part of the World Heritage Site.

Coastal Peace

Slip away from the rush of everyday life and visit the charming, unspoilt coastal towns of Whitstable and Herne Bay to relax and chill. Sample the local seafood, check out the galleries and enjoy a quiet drink in one of the restaurants or bars.

Also Nearby

Leeds Castle | Kent

Broomfield, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL

Elham Treehouse | Kent

Elham Treehouse, Upper Park Gate Farm, Elham, Kent, CT4 6NE

Franciscan Gardens Canterbury | Kent

60 St Peters Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BE

Eastbridge Hospital Canterbury | Kent

Eastbridge Hospital, 25 High Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BD

Goat Walking at Wild Woodland Retreat | Kent

Hawes Farm, Clavertye, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6YE

Wild Woodland Retreat | Kent

Hawes Farm, Clavertye, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6YE

Glamping in Kent | Kent

Camping & Glamping in Kent, Durlock Road, Guilton, Kent, CT3 2HU

Hangloose Adventure | Bluewater

Bluewater Parkway, Dartford, Greenhithe, Kent, DA9 9ST

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