Tilbury?

[chpal]

If we don't wish to travel into London on a cruise stop, nor to do another long (in terms of distance) shore excursion, is there anything of interest in the environs of Tilbury? 

[Meander Ingwa]

Right next door to the ship dock is Tilbury Fort.  This is an English Heritage site.  It might be a pleasant visit on a sunny day.  Perhaps with a box lunch.  I don't know of anything of note in Tilbury town or Gravesend across the river.  Gravesend can be a stop for drug store or food needs.  Small walk on ferry to cross the river.

 

London is easy to get to on train.  In the other direction is Southend on Sea.  If you are not against taking a train, the Southend Pier, the arcades and some fish and chips might suit.

[chpal]

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[gumshoe958]

@chpal Tilbury is, frankly, grim. As is everything near it. Unless you’re into oil terminals.

 

There’s a large (by British standards) shopping mall called Lakeside not far away which is only a couple of stops (7 minutes) away on the train - the station is called Chafford Hundred and trains run every 30 minutes, continuing on to London.

 

Or, as already mentioned, in the other direction by train there’s Southend - a traditional English seaside resort and very popular with Londoners on a sunny day.
 

But I’d be minded to catch the ferry over to Gravesend which departs from right next to the cruise terminal and is actually easier to get to than Tilbury itself. The ferry runs about every 30 minutes, only takes 5-10 minutes and costs £5.50 for a round trip. It doesn’t run on Sundays though.

 

Gravesend itself is also grim but you can hop on a train a couple of stops to the ancient and attractive city of Rochester for its cathedral: https://www.rochestercathedral.org and its castle: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/rochester-castle/ - then either walk or get the train one more stop to neighbouring Chatham for its Historic Dockyard: https://thedockyard.co.uk. That would be a nice day.

[Meander Ingwa]

Rochester IS an excellent choice.  The castle and cathedral along with several different museums.  I really enjoyed the Guildhall museum.

[chpal]

Ah!  I wasn’t aware of Rochester  - THAT sounds interesting!  Thank you!