Gravesend Methodist Church

The Methodist Church on the high street in Gravesend is one of those buildings you'd walk past a hundred times without really noticing, which would be a shame. Built in the Victorian era, it's got that solid red-brick respectability typical of nonconformist places of worship from that period - all proper craftsmanship and no fussy decoration.

Inside, if you manage to catch it open, the layout is straightforward and honest: a gallery, decent wooden pews, and that particular light you only get in old religious buildings. The craftsmanship in the joinery is worth a closer look. It's not flashy, but it speaks to a different age of building, when people took time over things.

Frankly, this isn't a destination attraction in itself. You're not driving to Gravesend specifically to see a Methodist chapel. But if you're staying at Thamesview Camping just down the road near Tilbury and fancy a short walk into town, it's worth popping into to see how ordinary Victorians actually worshipped - no grand cathedrals, just community faith done properly. The high street itself is a bit worn round the edges these days, but the church remains dignified through it all.

Best to check locally before you visit - opening hours aren't straightforward. Give yourself ten minutes inside if it's open, though families with young kids might not get much from it.