Living in Gillingham

Gillingham offers a mix of community activities and local events, shaped by its heritage and evolving with Medway’s regeneration. The town hosts weekly markets in the High Street, bringing locals together for fresh produce, household goods, and unique finds. Residents have access to sports and leisure centres, including Medway Park, frequently used for community events and national sporting fixtures.

The Great Lines Heritage Park, bordering Gillingham and Chatham, provides over 70 hectares of open space for walks, running, cycling, and community gatherings. Riverside Country Park remains a favourite for nature walks and bird watching. Local faith groups, social clubs, and active residents’ associations help create a neighbourhood feel, welcoming to newcomers and long-term residents alike. Seasonal festivals, local theatre groups, and music performances showcase the area’s creative spirit.

Gillingham’s safety profile reflects the range of neighbourhoods within the town. Like many parts of Kent and Medway, some areas are quieter with a strong sense of community, while others are more urban and experience higher rates of antisocial behaviour or petty crime, particularly near busy town centre zones.

Kent Police have ongoing engagement in the area, including visible patrols and crime prevention initiatives. Regeneration schemes and community-led projects in parts of Gillingham and neighbouring Medway towns have contributed to improving perceptions of safety, particularly around public spaces and parks. Residents often cite neighbourhood watch groups and the involvement of local PCSOs as important to maintaining safety.

Parking in Gillingham varies by neighbourhood. In the town centre and near train stations, on-street parking and several pay-and-display car parks are available, alongside resident permit schemes in residential streets. Many areas with older housing can find parking demand high, especially during weekdays.

The A2 runs through Gillingham, with easy access to the M2 motorway just to the south, allowing for fast road travel to nearby areas. Traffic congestion can peak during rush hours, particularly around the town centre, schools, and hospital approaches.

Driving distances to nearby towns and cities include:

• Chatham – approx. 8 minutes via A2 (2 miles)
• Rochester – approx. 12 minutes via A2 (4 miles)
• Sittingbourne – approx. 20 minutes via A2 (12 miles)
• Maidstone – approx. 30 minutes via M2/A229 (16 miles)
• London – approx. 1 hour via M2/A2 (35 miles)

Gillingham has a range of food options and traditional pubs, with several standout establishments reflecting its diverse community. Traditional Kentish pubs like the Will Adams and The Ship complement international cuisines from family-run Italian, Indian, Turkish and Chinese restaurants along the High Street and Sturdee Avenue. Quaint independents such as local bakeries, coffee shops, and Mediterranean delis also feature, particularly near Gillingham Green.

For nightlife, a handful of bars and micropubs serve real ales and craft drinks, while larger venues can be found in neighbouring Chatham and Rochester. Gillingham’s evening scene is generally relaxed and community-oriented, more focused on pubs, social clubs, and live sport screenings than late-night clubs or large-scale entertainment. There are also popular takeaways, with residents often heading to nearby Medway towns for a wider variety of gastropubs, theatres, or cinema experiences.

School quality: Gillingham’s schools, including several primaries and grammar options, offer a strong academic basis for families moving into the area. Access to further education and university campuses supports lifelong learning and career prospects.

Parks and green space: The town is known for generous green areas like The Great Lines Heritage Park, Riverside Country Park, and Capstone Farm Country Park, all offering playgrounds, sports facilities, and picnic spots.

Childcare: There are a number of nurseries, childminders, and after-school clubs, providing support for working parents and young families.

Safety: Community engagement and visible policing contribute to reassurance for families, despite typical urban challenges found in larger towns.

Family activities: From sports in Medway Park to storytelling at the library, and interactive historical attractions such as the Royal Engineers Museum, there is plenty to keep younger members of the family occupied year-round.

Pet-friendly living is an asset of Gillingham, thanks to its proximity to open space and a variety of walking routes. The Great Lines Heritage Park, Capstone Farm Country Park, and the Riverside Country Park are all dog-friendly and well used by local pet owners.

There are several reputable veterinary surgeries throughout the town, as well as grooming parlours and independent pet shops on the high street. Many housing options in the area are open to pets, especially family homes and garden properties, with restrictions sometimes applying in purpose-built apartment blocks. In public areas, dogs are welcome in most parks and some local cafés, making the area suitable for pet lovers.

Gillingham enjoys a strategic location for transport, making it a popular choice for those who commute or require easy access to nearby towns and London. The main railway station, Gillingham (Kent), sits on the Chatham Main Line, providing regular Southeastern services.

From Gillingham station, direct trains connect to:

• London Victoria – about 50 to 60 minutes
• London St Pancras (via High Speed 1 from nearby stations) – about 45 to 50 minutes
• Chatham and Rochester – 4 to 10 minutes
• Canterbury and the Kent Coast – around 45 to 60 minutes

Frequent buses operated by Arriva and other companies serve neighbourhoods within Gillingham, as well as the wider Medway region and areas like Sittingbourne and Maidstone. The A2 and M2 major roads pass nearby, supporting road links to Kent and Greater London. For air travel, London City Airport is about 40 miles away, accessible via train and Docklands Light Railway, while Gatwick Airport is around 45 miles by road.

Education is a key part of Gillingham’s appeal, with a range of schools and further education options catering to local families and young people. The town has several highly regarded primary and secondary schools, as well as access to colleges and universities within Medway.

Primary Schools:

Twydall Primary School is a popular choice, last rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2021. St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School has also been recognised for its community ethos and learning environment, with a 'Good' Ofsted rating in 2019. Burnt Oak Junior School, another local favourite, has seen positive Ofsted reports (last 'Good' in 2018), while Brompton-Westbrook Primary School is well-known for its inclusive approach, also holding a 'Good' Ofsted rating in 2019.

Secondary Schools:

Rainham Mark Grammar School, situated at the edge of Gillingham, has a strong academic reputation and is regularly oversubscribed (last rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2022). The Howard School offers comprehensive education for boys (with a mixed sixth form), rated 'Good' in 2019. Brompton Academy is another widely known secondary, with a focus on science, rated 'Requires Improvement' in 2022 but popular for its specialist curriculum. Some families also consider Holcombe Grammar School ('Good' Ofsted in 2018), within easy reach of Gillingham.

Colleges & Further Education:

MidKent College’s Medway campus is located close by, providing a wide array of vocational courses and A-level options for post-16 learners. Unique skills and apprenticeship pathways are also available here.

Universities:

The University of Kent at Medway and Canterbury Christ Church University both have Medway campuses located a short distance from central Gillingham. These provide undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, contributing to the town’s student population and academic life.