One way of crossing the river Thames between Essex and Kent is to use the Tilburt to Gravesend Ferry.

How to get to the Ferry Terminal

By car - Follow the brown road signs. There is parking available.

By bus - You need to catch the 99 bus, which runs every 30 minutes during peak time, from Civic Square in Tilbury. There is a bus stop either side of Civic Square. One of the bus stops is directly outside Tilbury's Police station, if you wait at that bus stop the driver of the bus, which is actually a mini bus, will inform you that you need to be at the bus stop on the other side of the square, which has shops directly behind it.

A return ticket will cost £1.50 for the short journey. The bus passes Tilbury Fort, where part of Sharpe's Regiment was filmed, and Tilbury power station.

Under normal circumstances the ferry runs every 30 minutes, however, there are times when repairs are being made to the ferry, and this may change those times. It would be a good idea to phone the Lower Thames and Medway Passenger Boat Company on 07973 390124 to confirm times.

The ferry, which is subsidised jointly by Thurrock Council and Kent County Council takes just five minutes to cross the Thames.

The cost of the ferry is £3.00 per adult, and £1.50 per child. Pensioners who hold a current Thurrock, or Kent Council bus pass go free. Bicycles, or motor bikes up to 125 can also be transported free.

All information and costs correct as of 17th August 2010