Art exhibits inside Gravesend Town Pier.

Gravesend’s historic Town Pier has opened its doors to the public for a fantastic autumn pop-up.

The world’s oldest Iron Pier is owned by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and will be open every Thursday to Sunday until 20 October, with the original passenger entrance rooms transformed into a large café area serving hot drinks and French Crepes from Heavenly Crepes.

There is also a stunning art space with panoramic views of the Thames and the Estuary where local artists will be working live alongside exhibitions, performances and workshops.  

Art exhibits inside Gravesend Town Pier.

As well as live performances, there will be an art day with local artist Duncan Grant, Stories of Bloom sustainable wreath making workshop, live riverscape painting and an exhibition by internationally renowned photographer Vince Bevan, 'Landscapes of fishing'.

This celebration of the pier spaces is inspired by the visits of the world's last sea-going paddle steamer, The Waverley.

You can relive the busy days of steam travel from Gravesend to London watching the vessel arrive and leave or even book a voyage.

If you fancy a more modern river experience join one of the special sailings from Uber Boat by Thames Clippers which takes passengers on a river cruise from Gravesend Pier to central London. Sailings depart from Gravesend Pier at 8.45am and return at 5.50pm on 28 and 29 September.

The pop up is a partnership between Gravesham Borough Council and Uber Boat by Thames Clipper, which is planning to establish a long-term River Bus service from Gravesend and continues to operate special leisure sailings from the estuary into central London during school holidays.

The pop-up will also be used as an opportunity to update visitors on Uber Boat by Thames Clipper’s indicative plans to refurbish the Pier.

Sean Collins, co-founder and CEO of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, said: “We have a passion for the river travel and a passion for Gravesend Town Pier, the world's oldest remaining cast-iron pier, which stands as a historic symbol of resilience and ingenuity. 

“Now, as we step into a new era, it is poised to become more than just a relic of the past - it will serve as a vibrant hub for community life.  

“With a vision that blends tradition and innovation, the pier could be transformed into a dynamic space for local markets, creative art exhibitions, and cultural events that celebrate the unique spirit of Gravesend.”

The event is part of wider plans by Gravesham Borough Council to reinvigorate the town centre and bring more visitors to the riverside area.

It follows on from the recent Franklin Festival, which saw the area around the pier hosting an array of talks, performances and family activities that celebrated Gravesend’s rich maritime history. The festival also coincided with a two week visit from the Spanish Galeon Andalucia, which attracted thousands of visitors to the riverside.

Cllr Deborah Croxton, Gravesham Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure, said: “We are really happy to be able to help fund this autumn pop-up on Town Pier.

“We know that in the coming months and years, Uber Boats by Thames Clippers are going to become even more invested and integrated into the town than they are now, and will make a hugely positive impact on our visitor economy,

“I would encourage local residents to make the most of this opportunity to visit and enjoy our historic link to the river.”

To find out more about future sailings, and details of workshops and performances, go to www.visitgravesend.co.uk.

Published: Friday, 27th September 2024