Shorne Village Hall, DA12 3EA

Join local historian Christoph Bull for an illustrated talk.
Shorne Local History Group invite you to this lively exploration of Gravesend a hundred years ago- event is open to all.

Begins: 2pm

Cost: Requested donations for non-members of £5

No need to book-just turn up.

The Masonic Hall, 25 Wrotham Road, Gravesend DA11 0PA

Lecturer: Brian Slater

According to one leading architect, "the modern architectural drawing is interesting, the photograph is magnificent, the building is an unfortunate but necessary stage between the two". Architecture + Photography = Art introduces photographers who crystallised the architects' vision in images that are both works of art in their own right and shape our opinion of the buildings they depict. These photographers include Dell and Wainwright from Britain, Julius Shulman in the United States and Lucien Herve in France. The lecture also examines photographers who recorded rural churches, barns and cottages to create a lyrical vision of Britain. 

St Mary's Church Hall, DA11 7LL

The Gravesend Historical Society invites you to a historical talk.

The Darnley family of Cobham Hall were noble and powerful, but things didn't always go as they intended. Paul Kingman tells the interesting stories of the Mausoleum and the Toe Monument in Cobham Park.

Members free. Visitors welcome, voluntary donation of £3.

For further information, please ring Hon. Secretary: Sandra Soder - 01474 363998

Gad's Hill Place, Higham, ME3 7PA

Gad's Hill Place, former home of Charles Dickens, Higham, Kent.

When he was a boy Charles Dickens and his father took a walk through Kent. On the Gravesend Road they passed a house called Gad's Hill Place. Young Charles was very impressed. He bought the house in 1856 and lived there until his death in 1870. Gad's Hill is a Grade 1 listed 18th Century house with alterations made by Dickens to accommodate his family's needs. Whilst at Gad's Hill Dickens wrote his last four novels, including Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities. He died at Gad's whilst working on his final book, The Mystery of Edward Drood.

During your tour you will have the opportunity to visit the ground floor of the house, stroll in the garden and enjoy tea and biscuits in the conservatory.

Meadow Room, Cobham, DA12 3BZ

Cobham Gardeners Society invite you to an interesting talk.
Cobham Gardeners’ Society’s fourth talk of the year is Wednesday 8th October.  Dr John Hughes' talk explores how Monet's style of painting evolved and how the love of his garden was such an important part of his life and painting.  Entrance to the talk is free for members and just £3 on the door for non-members, who are most welcome.  For further information email cobhamgs@hotmail.co.uk

Membership of Cobham Gardeners’ Society, is only a modest £10 for the year – money you get back from free entry into all Gardeners’ expert speaker talks and massive savings of up to 50% on quality plants at local garden centres. For further details of all Gardeners’ activities contact cobhamgs@hotmail.co.uk

Cobham Woods and Mausoleum, DA12 3AP

Open especially for Heritage Open Days this beautifully restored 18th-century mausoleum, set in a peaceful wood pasture, is designed by architect James Wyatt.

Set within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Cobham Wood is one of the few ancient wood pastures remaining in the UK. Comprising of open grassland and mature trees, this Special Site of Scientific Interest is grazed by Highland Cattle.

Standing at the highest point of the site is the restored Mausoleum, featured in the BBC's Restoration programme in 2003.

Owletts, DA12 3AP

Open especially for Heritage Open Days, this Charles II house is an extraordinary example of a Kent country home and family home of the renowned architect Sir Herbert Baker.

Explore the rooms and grounds of Owletts, an impressive 17th-century manor house and a fine example of Kent vernacular architecture. The influence of celebrated architect Sir Herbert Baker, born here in 1862, is evident throughout the house.

As well as the spectacular architecture and interiors, you can explore the gardens. The lawns are highlighted by some signature trees, such as the Cedar of Lebanon that Sir Herbert planted on Christmas Day, the winter before he died. His son, Henry, planted a walnut tree in the 1990s.

There is a grass tennis court, and if you explore beyond into the Filbert Platt you'll find apple and cobnut trees, a willow dome planted in 2013, a wishing tree for hanging ribbons on, and a swing large enough for adults to enjoy.

St George's Church, DA11 0DJ

The story of the Native American presence in England, with stories, songs, and dialogue. Presented by Native American singer, teacher and facilitator, Rafael Montero, with a ceremony of remembrance by the statue of Pocohontas in the church grounds.

The very first English colonies were established where Native Americans lived, and from that time some found their way to England at different times, often by being brought here against their will. The story of the Native American presence in England is not well known, but Gravesham has a particular connection through the fact that one of the first Native American immigrants to England, Princess Pocahontas, died here.

Rafael Montero is an Indigenous American singer, teacher, facilitator and activist living in England, who has researched the story of different Native Americans who have come to England, right up to the present day. This will be an interactive presentation, with stories, songs, and dialogue. It will end with a short walk to St George’s churchyard where there is a statue of Princess Pocahontas, and Rafael will lead a short remembrance ceremony according to Native American traditions.

The event will be family-friendly, and suitable for all ages, and will last 90 minutes, including the walk and ceremony.

Pre-booking not required.

Gad's Hill Place, ME3 7PA

Gad's Hill Place, former home of Charles Dickens, Higham, Kent.

When he was a boy Charles Dickens and his father took a walk through Kent. On the Gravesend Road they passed a house called Gad's Hill Place. Young Charles was very impressed. He bought the house in 1856 and lived there until his death in 1870. Gad's Hill is a Grade 1 listed 18th Century house with alterations made by Dickens to accommodate his family's needs. Whilst at Gad's Hill Dickens wrote his last four novels, including Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities. He died at Gad's whilst working on his final book, The Mystery of Edward Drood.

During your tour you will have the opportunity to visit the ground floor of the house, stroll in the garden and enjoy tea and biscuits in the conservatory.

Tours: 1pm-2pm & 2:30pm-3:30pm

Holly Hill Car Park, DA13 0UB

This walk retraces the journey made by William, priest of Dode, to St. Benedict’s church in Paddlesworth when Dode church ceased to be used as a parish church in 1367 after the Black Death wiped out the entire village.

This circular walk conveniently starts at 12:30pm from Holly Hill car park (DA130UB), where our guide will meet you. From here it's a short walk to Dode church where William’s Walk to St. Benedict’s church in Paddlesworth commences. The architectural style of Dode and Paddlesworth churches is characterized by their simple, Norman-era design, featuring uncoursed flint with ashlar dressings and round-arched windows. Dode Church, specifically, is known for its two-cell structure, small single-light windows, and a restored east-end window. Both churches, once thriving settlements, were largely abandoned after the Black Death in the 14th century. The walk down takes about an hour and leads through beautiful, ancient woodland and farming fields with magnificent views of the Kent countryside. At. St. Benedict's you are welcome to stay for a tour around the building on the architecture, between 3pm and 4pm.

Please note that steep slopes and some challenging terrain put some physical demands on this hike. Wearing suitable shoes is highly recommended! The walk back from St. Benedict's to the car park will be unaccompanied.
Alternatively, you can visit both churches by car or bike. Dode Church will be open to visitors between 12 and 3pm. Please note that parking facilities at Dode are very limited and we'd therefore recommend parking at Holly Hill whenever possible. There is plenty of parking at St. Benedict's.

Pre booking required - jacobinevanlaar@gmail.com 

Gordon Gardens, DA12 2BT

Join local historian Christoph Bull for a riverside walk.

Learn about the Princess Alice disaster, a tragedy linked to Gravesend, among other tales about our maritime past!

Please meet at the General Gordon Statue in Gordon Gardens and the walk ends at The Three Daws Riverside Inn.

Higham Congregational Church, ME3 7JE

For Heritage Open Days the main display will be at the Congregational Church plus there will a talk.
A small display will be at St Mary’s Church.

On Saturday 13th September a display will feature images of Higham and Andrew Rootes will be giving a talk about the Architecture found in the village. A small display of images from Lower Higham will be featured at St Mary’s Church and both churches will be part of the Kent Ride and Stride fund raiser.

Both displays will be open between 11 am and 4pm. The talk by Andrew Rootes will take place at 2.30pm.

Pre booking not required.

Silverhand Estate, DA13 0XE

Spend a lovely two hours with lovely host Jenny Price, walking around Silverhand Estate learning about all the butterflies that are on site.

Jenny will take you through step by step on how to use I.D. guides, how to identify butterflies, how to record findings and why Civitan science surveys like this are important. 

The estate is home to some rare butterflies such as the Adonis Blue and the Chalk Hill Blue as well as more common species such as the Peacock and Red Admiral. 

This event will run between 10am -12noon on Saturday May 31st and Saturday September 13th. 

Please note this event is weather reliant. If the weather is wet, the event will be cancelled and moved to another date with 24 hours notice. 

The Masonic Hall, 25 Wrotham Road, Gravesend DA11 0PA

Lecturer: Rupert Dickens

The Dutch graphic artist M C Escher achieved cult statue in the 1960's, featuring on album covers, book jackets and posters. Since then the popularity of his space-distorting geometrical constructions has soared, with exhibitions all over the world attracting hundreds of thousands of people. This lecture will explore the diverse and surprising source of his inspiration. Be prepared for a journey which takes in Leonardo da Vinci drawings, Piranesi's dark fantasies, the Islamic art of Granada and the discoveries of modern mathematics. 

St Mary's Church Hall, DA11 7LL

Retired shipwright, David Patient, author of Tilt Boats & Hatch Boats of Gravesend & The London River 1555 - 1865 will tell the story of maritime Gravesend in the days of sail!

Members - free. Visitors welcome - £5. 

Car Parking available to members at St George’s School, Meadow Road, DA11 7LS using PIN previously notified.  Visitors: please park on Wrotham Road or nearby.

 For further information, please ring Hon. Secretary: Sandra Soder, Telephone 01474363998

Silverhand Estate, DA13 0XE

Get to know the picturesque location of Luddesdown and its meadows and vineyards.

A guide will walk you around the estate, giving you a brief history of the area, the grape varieties we planted and how we grow and process them. You will also get to enjoy the surrounding meadows and learn about the flowers and animals that call these vineyards their home. You will learn their roles on the vineyard, as well as the conservation work we are undertaking around the site. 

We will end the tour at the Silverhand Cellar Door where you can enjoy a guided tasting of three wines produced by the Estate. 

This is an outdoor walking event with moderate hill climbs that will take place come rain or shine. We advise wearing appropriate footwear and clothing to suit the weather. 

This event will run between 1130am - 2pm on Saturday 30th August and Sunday 31st August.

Silverhand Estate, DA13 0XE

Get to know the picturesque location of Luddesdown and its meadows and vineyards.

A guide will walk you around the estate, giving you a brief history of the area, the grape varieties we planted and how we grow and process them. You will also get to enjoy the surrounding meadows and learn about the flowers and animals that call these vineyards their home. You will learn their roles on the vineyard, as well as the conservation work we are undertaking around the site. 

We will end the tour at the Silverhand Cellar Door where you can enjoy a guided tasting of three wines produced by the Estate. 

This is an outdoor walking event with moderate hill climbs that will take place come rain or shine. We advise wearing appropriate footwear and clothing to suit the weather. 

This event will run between 1130am - 2pm on Saturday 30th August and Sunday 31st August.

Gad's Hill Place, ME3 7PA

Gad's Hill Place, former home of Charles Dickens, Higham, Kent.

When he was a boy Charles Dickens and his father took a walk through Kent. On the Gravesend Road they passed a house called Gad's Hill Place. Young Charles was very impressed. He bought the house in 1856 and lived there until his death in 1870. Gad's Hill is a Grade 1 listed 18th Century house with alterations made by Dickens to accommodate his family's needs. Whilst at Gad's Hill Dickens wrote his last four novels, including Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities. He died at Gad's whilst working on his final book, The Mystery of Edward Drood.

During your tour you will have the opportunity to visit the ground floor of the house, stroll in the garden and enjoy tea and biscuits in the conservatory.

Gad's Hill Place, ME3 7PA

Gad's Hill Place, former home of Charles Dickens, Higham, Kent.

When he was a boy Charles Dickens and his father took a walk through Kent. On the Gravesend Road they passed a house called Gad's Hill Place. Young Charles was very impressed. He bought the house in 1856 and lived there until his death in 1870. Gad's Hill is a Grade 1 listed 18th Century house with alterations made by Dickens to accommodate his family's needs. Whilst at Gad's Hill Dickens wrote his last four novels, including Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities. He died at Gad's whilst working on his final book, The Mystery of Edward Drood.

During your tour you will have the opportunity to visit the ground floor of the house, stroll in the garden and enjoy tea and biscuits in the conservatory.

Chalk Parish Hall, DA12 2ND

Join George Lockwood for an interesting talk about 'Plants to Encourage Wildlife'.

All welcome to enjoy a talk organised by Chalk Village Gardeners Club.

Members - free

Visitors - £3

Annual membership £17. For more information - www.chalkvillagegardenersclub.co.uk

The Lost Village of Dode, DA13 0XF

In this talk, carefully crafted and constructed for this special place at a special time, Dodes Keeper and storyteller, Doug explains the Celtic concept of ‘The Wheel of the Year’.

Eight dates, eight turning points in the seasons, which meant so very much to our distant ancestors.

Times upon which their futures, their very lives depended, but dates that were subsequently and purposefully ‘highjacked’ by an emerging Christian religion and more recently reimagined by neo-Pagans as feast days, celebrations and holidays with little thought to their original meaning and importance.

This thought provoking talk explores each of the eight ‘Sabbats’, their original meanings, and their relevance (or lack of it) in todays busy, secular world.

A little talk, story if you prefer, to spark the imagination!

To avoid people booking tickets and not attending, we have implemented a small charge of £5.00 plus booking fee with all proceeds being donated to our chosen charity for the year which is St Benedicts Church, Paddlesworth.

Please email becky@dodevillage.com if you have any queries.

The Gardeners Arms Public House, ME3 7AS

Join local historian Christoph Bull for an illustrated talk with lunch.

Meet :11am at The Gardeners Arms, 2 Forge Lane, Higham ME3 7AS

Cost: £18 for both talk and lunch

Booking Essential: sarahluchgardenersarms@gmail.com or 01474 823337

You will enjoy discovering the largely unknown history of Chalk Parish-come and be amazed and amused.

Cobham Hall, DA12 3BL

All welcome to enjoy an evening summer stroll in the magnificent grounds of Cobham Hall.

Enjoy an evening summer stroll in the grounds of Cobham Hall.

Booking in advance is not required - pay on arrival.

£8 per person

enquiries@cobhamhall.com or Tel: 01474 823371

Corner of The Grove, DA12 2RG

Join local historian Christoph Bull for a guided walk.

 Meet: 11.30am on corner of The Grove, Gravesend-opposite Clock Tower

Cost: Free-but a donation would be welcomed.

No booking required, just turn up and see how Gravesend changed character from a tourist attraction to an industrial town. Opportunity to visit the wonderfully restored Zoar Chapel (now The Hope Church) in Saddington Street and discover the first Sikh Gurdwara (Temple). The walk lasts about 1.25 hours.

Fort Gardens, Gravesend

The end of June brings the  Nao Santa Maria, a tall ship representing Christopher Columbus's flagship to our Town Pier.

Join well-known local historian, Christoph Bull for a guided walk following The Thames shore from General Gordon's statue to the Town Pier - many forgotten stories recounted.

Meet at the start of the walk at General Gordon's statue in Gordon Gardens, off the Promenade.

Time duration: 1 hour

Gravesend Town Pier

We are pleased to be hosting a photographic exhibition by Martin Verrier on the 28th & 29th of June at the Town Pier overlooking the river.

Martin will be giving a talk on the 28th June during his exhibition about the photographs and the many interesting stories that go along with them.  

Martin has documented and photographed the Port of Sheerness and has a collection of images of the ship repair yard and many stories gleaned from the tug crews, especially the engineers in the repair yard when their vessels arrived for refit.

Martin has recorded images over so many years, of an industry which has all but disappeared. 

St Mary's Church Hall, DA11 7LL

The Gravesend Historical Society invite you to a talk by Rebecca Clarke.

Rebecca Clarke tells the interesting story of her family member Arnold Clarke, a Gravesend boy who served on H.M.S. India in World War 1 and unusually was interned in Norway.

Members - free, visitors only £3.

For more information please ring Hon Secretary Sandra Soder 01474 363998.

Corner of Thong Lane/Rochester Road, DA12 4LB

Enjoy an Historical Circular Walk from Chalk to Shorne.

As part of Gravesend Historical Society Footpaths Programme 2025 join local historian Christoph Bull for an interesting guided walk full of local history.

Please meet at the corner of Thong Lane/Rochester Road, Chalk DA12 4LB.

Donations welcome. More details - 07702287147

The walk is open to all to discover our wonderful locality.

Silverhand Estate, DA13 0XE

This guided walk will explore the great diversity and beauty of the wild plants growing around the Silverhand Estate

 Dr Mark Spencer will explain the regionally important populations of wild plants that the vineyard aims to protect. You will engage with nature and the wild plants; learn how they are a vital part of the farming landscape. 

This is a great opportunity to meet and have questions answered by Dr Mark Spencer, Forensic Botanist. 

The walk is uphill, but at a steady space. We advise wearing appropriate footwear and clothing to suit the weather. 

Wildflowers of Luddesdown will run between 10am -12noon.

The event may be postponed if the weather conditions are extremely wet; your safety is paramount to us.