Gravesend Town Pier and Pontoon

Gravesend Town Pier and Pontoon provide the provide the perfect spot to experience wonderful panoramic views of the river at all times of the day and into the evening. Built in 1834, this former passenger pier, designed and built by William Tierney Clark, is the oldest cast iron pier in the world and one of the most important historic structures in Gravesend. Originally, the main point of embarkation for passenger steamers to and from London, the pier declined in use with the coming of the railway. Over three million passengers were served between 1835 and 1842. It sits on the site of the original Town Quay, which was mentioned in the Domesday Book and replaced a timber pier which only stood for a year before being burned down during protests by locals unhappy at losing their fees for rowing passengers out to ships. The Grade II listed Town Pier has been restored to its traditional role as a 'gateway' to the town of Gravesend from the River Thames. A new pontoon provides access for a range of river craft, barges and paddle steamers. Take a stroll along the pier located at the bottom of the High Street and out over the river. Pause to imagine what it was like for those leaving England for a fresh start thousands of miles away in the New World. You can also sail up and down the River Thames from the newly installed pontoon, if you choose to, or hop aboard the pleasure craft that depart from here, include Uber Boat by Thames Clippers which now owns the pier and operates special sailing to (and from) the heart of London - with plans for a daily commuter service in the coming years. At the entrance to the pier sits the 450-year-old Three Daws pub, once a favourite haunt of smugglers who made use of its tunnels. Today, it remains a popular refuge for music, food and refreshment after a stroll along the riverside. For more historic landmarks like these, make Gravesham your destination.