Nestled in the Medway region of Kent, Gillingham isn’t the first town that comes to mind when you think of a picture-perfect getaway in southern England. And to be honest, that’s part of what makes it fascinating. This isn’t a sugar-coated travel blog post. Gillingham is rough around the edges — some might say more than just rough — but it’s also real, full of history, grit, and unexpected character.

Let’s be honest — Gillingham has seen better days. Once a bustling naval town thanks to its proximity to the Chatham Dockyards, its fortunes declined rapidly after the docks closed in the 1980s. What's left is a town still searching for a new identity, caught in that familiar British limbo between faded industrial legacy and slow urban regeneration.

You’ll find boarded-up shopfronts, rundown council estates, and a palpable sense of economic hardship. Gillingham is one of the more deprived areas in Kent, with high unemployment and low average incomes. But that doesn’t mean it's without value or pride — quite the opposite.

What to See in Gillingham

Even in its rougher state, Gillingham has some genuinely worthwhile spots for visitors willing to look beyond the surface.

The Royal Engineers Museum

A true hidden gem. This museum tells the story of the Corps of Royal Engineers — from bridge-building to bomb disposal — with massive vehicles, weaponry, and even Victoria Cross medals on display. The building itself, housed in a former officers' mess, is surprisingly grand.

The Strand and Riverside Country Park

Gillingham’s version of the great outdoors. The Strand Leisure Park has an old-school lido, mini-golf, and family-friendly activities, while Riverside Country Park offers walking trails with views over the River Medway and rich birdlife.

Priestfield Stadium

Home to Gillingham FC — known as “The Gills” — this is where locals unite in passionate (if occasionally pessimistic) support of their team. Catching a match offers a raw slice of community life, full of chants, fried food, and muddy optimism.

Historic Churches and Naval Heritage

Although many buildings are neglected, Gillingham’s churches and scattered naval monuments hint at its former glory. St. Mary Magdalene’s Church is especially beautiful, and various plaques around the town quietly honor its military past.

What’s It Really Like to Live in Gillingham?

Gillingham is affordable — that’s a draw for many. But with that comes the challenges: anti-social behavior, underfunded services, and a feeling that it’s often overlooked by policymakers and investors alike.

Yet, there’s community. Local people are resilient and proud, not naive about their town’s flaws, but unwilling to let it go unloved. There’s a rawness to Gillingham that’s almost refreshing in a world full of curated, Instagrammable experiences.

This is a place where you won’t find an artisan bakery on every corner, but you will find a £2 fry-up, a proper pub, and someone willing to tell you their story if you take the time to ask.

The Takeaway?

Gillingham isn’t beautiful in the conventional sense — and it might not be the best place to live for everyone — but it is real. It’s a town with depth, with history, and with a kind of tired but determined soul. Come here if you’re curious. Come here if you’re looking for something off the beaten path. But most of all, come with your eyes open. And if you're tired, you can always enjoy a coffee at the Costa Coffee in Gillingham.'