Gillingham Area Guide

If you’re looking for a home with peaceful countryside and the attractions of the city on the doorstep, property in Gillingham has everything you need. Situated close to the Kent coast, Gillingham is home to a diverse and welcoming community and with London 45 minutes away by train, day trips and commuting are easy.

Welcome to Gillingham

Located close to the River Medway, Gillingham is a thriving town with a population of over 100,000. It’s a retail hub for the local community, with supermarkets and independent stores, plus a fantastic selection of pubs, bars and restaurants. There are plenty of parks and peaceful green spaces too, from Capstone Farm Country Park in Chatham to the North Downs Way.

Gillingham is just the ticket for families

Property in Gillingham attracts families who want to be close to both London and the Kent countryside. There are some excellent secondary schools in the local area, including Chatham Grammar, Rainham School for Girls, Rainham Mark Grammar and Brompton Academy. For younger kids, there’s Woodlands Primary School, Napier Community Primary and Nursery Academy and Brompton Westbrook Primary.

Getting around in Gillingham

Gillingham offers quick and convenient transport into London. You’ll find trains to St Pancras and Victoria every hour, with journey times of just 45 minutes and 55 minutes respectively. London Bridge is only slightly further, with direct trains taking only 1 hour 23 minutes, and this service departs hourly too.

A short history of Gillingham

The settlement at Gillingham is thought to date back to the 7th century, but the town first rose to prominence thanks to its connections with the naval dockyards at Chatham. Following the closure of the docks as a naval base in 1984, the town reinvented itself as an important centre for local shops and businesses. One of its most significant claims to fame is as the birthplace of William Adams, the Elizabethan navigator who was the first Englishman to reach Japan.

Sport and Outdoor activities in Gillingham

Gillingham boasts an impressive sporting pedigree, with Gillingham FC enjoying popular local support. The town also has its own golf club, while Riverside Country Park is home to cycle and walking routes for all ages and abilities. For indoor workouts, the Black Lion Leisure Centre at Medway Park boasts various fitness facilities, including a swimming pool.

Dining and Days Out in Gillingham

Gillingham is home to a thriving food and drink scene, with local favourites including Rowlands Bistro, the Bollywood Buffet and Ela Kendra Greek Restaurant. Pubs are also well-represented, with The Ship Inn, The Star and The Cricketers all highly rated. Property in Gillingham benefits from many family-friendly attractions nearby, including Fort Amherst, the Royal Engineers Museum and the Dockside Shopping Centre, where bargain lovers can shop 'til they drop.