30 March 2026
Capital Cruising welcomes the upcoming restoration of the historic Tilbury Riverside Station, a site that has welcomed generations of travellers and remains an iconic part of Britain’s maritime heritage.
Constructed in the 1920s, Tilbury Riverside Station served as London’s main riverside gateway for ocean‑going passengers. It is famously known as the arrival point of the HMT Empire Windrush in June 1948, a defining moment in UK history.
A significant restoration project led by the Tilbury on the Thames Trust and made possible thanks to Forth Ports and £4.4m funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund is now beginning. The works are extensive and will restore the station’s historic features while creating modern, community‑focused spaces for cruise guests and visitors.
The restoration of Tilbury Riverside Station is an important part of Forth Ports and the Port of Tilbury’s community commitments, reflecting our dedication to preserving local heritage, investing in community spaces, and ensuring that meaningful social value is delivered for residents, visitors, and cruise passengers. This project demonstrates our responsibility to protect historic landmarks while supporting cultural engagement, inclusivity, and long-term community benefit as the port continues to grow.
The restored station will include: a riverside café, creative studios, a permanent maritime heritage exhibition, the reopening of the grand ticket hall, improved accessible facilities, restoration of historic features, and enhanced access and landscaping.
Although restoration works are starting, Capital Cruising is pleased to confirm that there will be no impact on cruise embarkation or disembarkation. All passenger services and access routes will continue to operate as normal. The newly restored Tilbury Riverside Station is scheduled to reopen towards the end of 2027.