Statue of Pocahontas

The Statue of Pocahontas stands on the waterfront at Tilbury, a bronze figure gazing out across the Thames - a reminder of the ship that sailed from here to Virginia in 1607 carrying English colonists. It's not a vast monument, so don't expect the scale of something in a major city, but there's something quietly moving about standing here looking downriver, thinking about the journeys that began from this muddy Essex port.

Historically minded visitors will find it worthwhile, particularly if you're already exploring Tilbury's other maritime connections - the fort and the docks tell a proper story of Britain's relationship with exploration and trade. The statue itself marks where Pocahontas travelled to England as a diplomatic ambassador, making it significant for understanding colonial history from multiple perspectives.

Access is free and straightforward from Tilbury town centre. You can walk round it at your own pace in ten minutes, though if you're reading the plaques and taking in the riverside setting properly, give yourself half an hour. It's best visited on a clear day when you can actually see across the water - rainy afternoons flatten the whole thing.

If you're staying at Thamesview Camping nearby, this slots in nicely as a short morning trip before exploring Tilbury Fort or heading further along the Thames path. It won't keep you occupied for hours, but it's absolutely worth the detour if you're in the area and interested in colonial history or maritime heritage.