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15 Best Things to Do in Rochester (Kent, England)

The seat of the second-oldest diocese in England, Rochester is at an ancient crossing on the River Medway, fortified by a sturdy Medieval castle that has survived in amazing condition.

Rochester cathedral blends Romanesque and Gothic architecture, with a west front that dates back almost 900 years.

Charles Dickens, who lived nearby in Higham, was fond of Rochester and worked many of its landmarks like Eastgate House and Six Poor Travellers House into his writing.

Just around the river bend from Rochester is Chatham, home to a Royal Navy dockyard with almost 500 years of shipbuilding heritage.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Rochester :

1. Rochester Castle

One of the UK’s outstanding pieces of Norman Romanesque architecture, Rochester Castle guards the London Road from its mound beside the River Medway.

The enduring structure is the square keep, built from Kentish ragstone and raised during the reign of Henry I in the 1120s.

This three-floor building is just over 35 metres tall, and its entrance is protected by an extension that would-be attackers would have to approach on a narrow stairway.

In places the keep’s walls are four metres thick, and these were put to the test in three sieges.

In 1215 King John was able to undermine the southeast using a fire started with pig fat.

In the chapel you can find a model showing how Rochester Castle would have looked in the 14th century, while there’s open-air theatre and cinema shows all summer long in the castle grounds.

2. Rochester Cathedral

The cathedral has been a place of worship since the 7th century, but the current building dates mostly from the 12 and 13th centuries.

This was at the transition between Norman and Early English Gothic and the cathedral merges both styles.

The west front is Norman, visible in its rows of blind arcades and the highly ornamented archivolts and tympanum depicting Christ in Glory in the great west door.

Entering the nave, the first six bays are also Norman, before a Gothic design prevails.

To the east of the north tower is Gundulf’s tower, which is a fragment of an older building from the turn of the 12th century and now used as a private back door to the cathedral.

See out the ruins of the 12th-century cloisters against the south of the building.

3. Guildhall Museum

A fine Baroque civic monument, the Guildhall sits on Rochester’s High Street and dates from the late-17th century.

As soon as you go in you’ll be wowed by the exuberant plaster ceilings over the entrance hall and staircase, presented to the Guildhall by local MP Sir Cloudesley Shovell in 1695. The museum is a trip through Medway’s human history, starting 200,000 years ago with a flint axe that you’re allowed to touch.

There’s a display of Roman domestic utensils from Darenth Roman Villa, a model showing a siege at Rochester Castle, a discovery room dedicated to Charles Dickens, a model of a 19th-century prison hulk and a reconstruction of a Victorian kitchen and drawing room.

Something you will not see anywhere else is the set of 18th-century cabinet maker’s tools, claimed to be the most complete in the world.

4. Rochester High Street

Weaving along from north to southeast and lined with gaslights, Rochester High Street is achingly pretty and at times feels like a period movie set.

Hundreds of years of architecture have been preserved, from quaint, cantilevered Tudor houses and weatherboard cottages to rows of bold 17th and 18th-century townhouses with white-painted quoins.

Several of the attractions on this list are found on the High Street, like Eastgate House, the Guildhall and even the southeast wing of the cathedral.

The Medway Visitor Centre and Huguenot Museum is in a stately Baroque building topped with a little lantern.

One of many great things about the High Street is the absence of nationwide chains.

Along with family-run pubs there’s a big selection of local businesses, design stores, vintage clothes shops, cafes, twee gift shops and most of all antiques sellers.

5. Eastgate House

Open again to the public after a five-year revamp, Eastgate House is one of the High Street’s treasures, an Elizabethan townhouse completed in 1591. This property certainly caught Charles Dickens’ attention, as Eastgate House appears as Westgate in the Pickwick Papers and as the Nun’s House in the Mystery of Edwin Drood.

In the 16th century Eastgate House was the residence of a senior officer at the Royal Tudor Dockyard, and since the 19th century has been a boarding school and hostel.

You can admire the preserved interiors and hear about some of the characters who have passed through.

In the gardens something special awaits at the Swiss Chalet, Dickens’ writers’ shed in which he wrote several works, transferred here from Gad’s Hill in the 1960s.

6. Six Poor Travellers House

Next door to the Visitor Centre on the High Street is a solemn Elizabethan stone building.

As the name suggests, the Six Poor Travellers House was built to provide lodgings for down-at-heel travellers staying in Rochester.

It was built in the mid-1580s and served its function until the Second World War.

The house features in Dickens’ Christmas Story, the Seven Poor Travellers.

You can go in for free (donation encouraged) from Wednesday to Sunday in the summer.

Information panels record the long and captivating story of the building and there’s an adorable little herb garden behind.

7. Restoration House

A sublime Renaissance mansion beyond the southeast corner of Rochester’s city wall, Restoration House came about after two Medieval houses were joined together by a third building in the mid-17th century.

The owner of the mansion at that time was Henry Clerke, a lawyer and MP for Rochester.

On 28 May 1660, Charles II stayed at Clerke’s house on the way to London to be proclaimed King, bringing to an end the Commonwealth of England, hence the name.

Over the last 20 years the current owners of Restoration House have discovered lots of fashionable 17th-century decoration believed to have been produced for Charles II’s visit.

This can be seen in the painting scheme’s marbling and japanning, as well as the choice of French grey paint.

You can visit on Thursdays and Fridays in summer to view these restored interiors, twin walled gardens and paintings by Gainsborough, Constable and Reynolds.

8. Chatham Historic Dockyard

Although separate from Rochester, it’s great to know that this enthralling piece of naval history is just around the river-bend.

For centuries up to 1984 this was one of the Royal Navy’s main facilities, keeping all of its individual factories and workshops together.

It stands as the most intact dockyard from the Age of Sail in the world.

Since 2016 the Command of the Oceans gallery has summed up the rich heritage of the site, using cutting-edge multimedia and interactive displays.

Around the dockyard you’ll be aware of just how many different skills went into a warship, calling in at Ropery, which dates back to 1618, or witnessing the digital theatre installation at Hearts of Oak, retelling the construction of wooden-hulled ships.

Steam, Steel and Submarines brings you from the Industrial Revolution to the two World Wars, showing the kind of man-power needed to build the steamships of the Victorian age.

9. HMS Cavalier

The pick of the Historic Dockyard’s three museum ships is this World War II-era C-class destroyer launched in 1944. HMS Cavalier’s most important intervention in the war was escorting a vital convoy from Russia’s Kola Inlet in February 1945, after its ships had been scattered by a storm and attacks by U-boats.

If you don’t mind steep stairways, HMS Cavalier is a delight to explore.

Assisted by the audioguide you’ll see the guns on deck, the cramped living spaces, the NAAFI shop selling little luxuries, the medicine dispensary, the galley and the open bridge where you can imagine what it might have been like to steer this ship.

And if the Cavalier feels claustrophobic, wait until you see the Oberon-class submarine, HMS Ocelot!

10. Rochester Bridge

For hundreds of years the bridge at Rochester was the lowest permanent crossing on the Medway before it opens out into an estuary.

There are actually four bridges over the Medway at Rochester, but the one we’re talking about here is the bridge that carries the A2 across to Strood at the north end of the High Street.

This cast iron construction dates to 1914 and stands on the site of many successive crossings, going back to Roman times.

Nearby, on the riverfront is the Bridge Chapel, built in 1383 and restored in the 1930s after becoming a storehouse as early as the 16th century.

Take the footpath over to the Strood side where you’ll get a beautiful perspective of the Castle and Cathedral from the Esplanade.

11. Upnor Castle

Downriver from the Historic Dockyard on the picturesque opposite bank of the Medway is an Elizabethan artillery fort maintained by Medway Council.

This was built in the 1560s to defend the dockyard and the many Royal Navy ships that would be anchored in the Medway.

Upnor Castle was called into action during a catastrophic raid by the Dutch Republic in 1667, which laid much of the dockyard to waste and captured or burnt most of the English fleet.

The raid is retold with a bilingual audiovisual presentation, while you can take some time to appreciate the fort’s preserved turrets, and the gun embrasures on the water bastion, which juts out over the river.

12. Huguenot Museum

In 2015 the UK’s first museum devoted to the Huguenots opened on Rochester High Street.

This is in the same building as the Visitor Centre and its collection has pieces from the historic French Hospital.

Founded in 1718 to look after poor French protestants and their descendants, this institution was first located in Finsbury Park before shifting to Hackney, then Horsham and finally ending up in Rochester in 1959. The museum explains the persecution faced by Huguenots in the 16th and 17th century, causing some 180,000 to start new lives all over the world, including Britain.

You’ll see the knowledge, skills and trades they brought with them, like silk-weaving, clock-making, gun-making and goldsmithing.

Among the museum’s oil paintings and silk samples there’s a portrait of Mary Louise Grellier who was the daughter of the director of the French Hospital, and a miniature 18th-century prayer book, designed to be hidden up a sleeve.

13. Fort Amherst

On the way to the Historic Dockyard in Chatham, Fort Amherst was raised in 1756 to prepare for a possible land invasion from France.

This enthralling defensive structure is riddled with tunnels, and the non-profit trust in charge has been restoring the site piece by piece since the 1980s.

In 2018 a new visitor centre is in the works with the help of a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and is due to be completed in 2020. You can climb to the highest point of the fort for a commanding view over the Medway, and in summer there are twice-daily guided tours of the tunnels.

These were intended for defence, storage and shelter during the Napoleonic War, but were later adapted as a base of operations in the Second World War.

14. Royal Engineers Museum

Housed in the glorious Edwardian Baroque Ravelin Building, Gillingham’s Royal Engineers Museum is minutes by train from Rochester.

The museum has hundreds of thousands of pieces in its collection, charting the 300-year history of the Royal Corps of Engineers and delving in to British military engineering in general.

There’s a map used by the Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo, a German V-2 rocket from the Second World War, a Harrier Jump Jet, a Brennan torpedo and a small fleet of bridge-laying tanks.

In the medal galleries are 48 Victoria Crosses (the highest British military award for valour), while ” The Corps Today” presents some of the high-tech equipment used by 21st-century military engineers.

15. Sweeps Festival

Charles Dickens can be thanked for the revival of Rochester’ s May Day celebrations, a tradition going back 400 years.

Dickens wrote about Rochester’s dancing chimney sweeps in his collection of short pieces, Sketches by Boz.

Although it had died out by the 1900s, the Sweeps Festival has been brought back to life since 1980. There’s live music across the Bank Holiday weekend, as well as a parade from Star Hill on the High Street to the Castle Gardens, joined by people dressed up as old-time chimney sweeps and Morris dancers (traditional folk dancers) from around England.

This also involves Jack-in-the-Green, a character covered in foliage, resembling a walking bush.

He is “awakened” by dancers and sweeps on Blue Bell Hill some time before daybreak on May 1.

15 Best Things to Do in Rochester (Kent, England):

• Rochester Castle
• Rochester Cathedral
• Guildhall Museum
• Rochester High Street
• Eastgate House
• Six Poor Travellers House
• Restoration House
• Chatham Historic Dockyard
• HMS Cavalier
• Rochester Bridge
• Upnor Castle
• Huguenot Museum
• Fort Amherst
• Royal Engineers Museum
• Sweeps Festival

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You are here: Places To Visit > Rochester

Medway Towns

The ancient cathedral city of Rochester, with its Norman castle was place cherished by the Victorian novelist, Charles Dickens, who lived in the area as a child and returned as a successful author.  

With history dating back centuries, there are so many things to do in the historic city itself.  Explore the stunning Rochester Cathedral , founded in 604 and the second oldest in England.  Enjoy the breathtaking views from the top of one of the tallest keeps in the Country at the magnificent Rochester Castle . Built on the highest part of Rochester’s Roman city wall, to defend the crossing of the River Medway. 

Dickens’ most impressionable childhood days were spent in Medway.  Historic Rochester inspired the author so much that he featured it in his work more than any city, other than London.  Many of the buildings that featured in the works of Dickens can still be seen today.  These include Restoration House, used in Dickens’ novel ‘Great Expectations’ as the home of Estella and Miss Havisham, The Poor Travellers House, immortalised by the author in a Christmas short story and the impressive  Guildhall Museum  of local history. 

During the summer months, visitors can explore the city on foot with a local guide or they can literally follow in the footsteps of Dickens’ on a self-guided walking tour and see the buildings he wrote about in his works (leaflet available with map) from the Visitor Information Centre in the High Street.

For things to do in Rochester this weekend, check out our Kent events calendar .

Towns & Villages near Rochester

See what this part of Kent has to offer with these places near Rochester

• Chatham (1 mile)
• Medway (1 mile)
• Gillingham (2 miles)
• Gravesend (6 miles)
• Malling (7 miles)
• Maidstone (7 miles)

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Scenes from the Sweeps Festival which is held annually in Rochester, Kent over the first weekend in May.....

The real Rochester Castle

A few moments of the glorious Rochester castle (Kent, UK). Filmed by The Gatehouse - Historical Garden Craft Music by George Skarogiannis (gskarogian....

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Rochester, Kent UK

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• 1.2 By train
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Rochester is a town (formerly a city) on the River Medway in the north of the English county of Kent . Together with its neighbouring towns of Chatham and Gillingham it forms a large urban area known as the Medway Towns.

Get in [ edit ]

By car [ edit ].

• From London , take the A2 arterial road (32 miles, 51 km).
• From Canterbury , take the A2 and the M2 to Junction 3 for the Rochester exit (32 miles, 51 km, about 40 min).

Park and ride facilities are available on Saturdays only: see National Park and Ride Directory .

By train [ edit ]

51.3891 0.5073 1 Rochester Station (RTR) is outside Rochester High Street, on Corporation Road. Trains are operated by SouthEastern from London Charing Cross (via Dartford ) (typical journey time 60–65 minutes) and London Victoria (typical journey time 45–60 minutes). Trains from Ramsgate and Dover also serve Rochester, although in some cases it may be necessary to change at Chatham . The Javelin high speed service operates every 30 minutes between Rochester and London St Pancras with a journey time of 35 minutes. There is a supplement for using this service unless travelling from outside of the London region.

Get around [ edit ]

By bus [ edit ]

Local buses are operated by Arriva Kent and Surrey , Nu-Venture and ASD Coaches

Buy your ticket from the driver when you board the bus (any operator), For Arriva services buy tickets on the Arriva App or pay contactless.

The Traveline and Medway Council websites provide journey planners and route maps.

See [ edit ]

Landmarks [ edit ], museums and galleries [ edit ].

Do [ edit ]

Buy [ edit ].

Rochester High Street is notable for its many antiques stores. There are also a number of secondhand bookshops, notably Baggins Book Bazaar near the Guildhall Museum, which claims to be "England's largest secondhand and rare bookshop".

• 51.390701 0.502907 1 Baggins Book Bazaar , 19 High St, ME1 1PY , ☏ +44 1634 811651 . M F Sa 10AM-5:45PM, Tu-Th closed, Su 10AM-3:45PM .  

Eat [ edit ]

• 51.38655 0.50691 1 The Golden Lion , 147–149 High Street, ME1 1EL , ☏ +44 1634 880521 . M-Th 7AM-midnight, F Sa 7AM-1AM, Su 7AM-midnight . Wetherspoon pub with reasonable bar meals. A main course and a drink is generally under £10. ( updated May 2017 )

Drink [ edit ]

• 51.38776 0.50551 1 Eagle Tavern , 124 High Street, ME1 1JT . Friendly pub, nice food, with live music on Thursday evenings and live jazz on Sunday lunchtimes. DJs on Friday and Saturday. mains from £7 . ( updated May 2017 )

Sleep [ edit ]

• The Golden Lion , 147–149 High Street, ME1 1EL , ☏ +44 1634 880521 . 9-room hotel attached to this Wetherspoon pub. from £39 .  
• 51.38891 0.50459 1 Gordon House Hotel , 91 High Street, ME1 1LX , ☏ +44 1634 847034 . 14-room hotel in a 17th-century building on the historic High Street. Double from £70 . ( updated May 2017 )

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15+ Amazing Things To Do In Rochester, Kent

The top things to do in Rochester, Kent include visiting adorable tea rooms, hipster coffee shops, cute gift stores, boutiques, smart restaurants, an ancient castle and enjoying stunning river views.

One of the things I’m enjoying most right now is exploring my home country. A few years ago I was jetting off here, there and everywhere! While I haven’t slowed down much, I’ve really appreciated opportunities to explore more of England. There’s so much in this country, but it’s SO often overlooked! I love the convenience of it. You don’t have to travel far to see some truly gorgeous places!

I hopped on a Southeastern train at St Pancras International and started my journey to the south east of England. Just 45 minutes later I arrived in Rochester – one of Kent’s most historic towns.

There was a wonderful view as we arrived, crossing the River Medway with Rochester’s distinctive Norman Castle standing tall on the right. I knew very little about the town before my visit. Yes I’d heard about the historic castle and beautiful cathedral, but what else was there to see?

Plenty it turned out! And making it extra special was the fact that most of it was unique to the town. It wasn’t filled with brand after brand. Stores were created by locals, run by locals, and filled with local spirit. It’s a town where cute tearooms and hipster cafes have kept most of the chain stores out. Where local artists have places to exhibit their works, and people pick up local produce in an old-fashioned greengrocers.

So, if you’re looking for a relaxing day trip, check out the video of my day, then scroll down to plan your trip to Rochester in Kent! Oh and before you go, don’t forget to read about my tips for planning a UK staycation . 

Top Places To Visit In Rochester, Kent

Fleur de thé.

This is a super cute teashop and gift shop all-in-one! It’s an Instagram delight, and somewhere you can buy pretty much everything you see from the teacups to the chandeliers. Once you’ve had a browse for gifts, take a seat and enjoy the perfect pot of tea and a slice of homemade cake.

Kiss Kiss Heart and Paloma Studio

I’ve grouped these together as they’re run by the same people. Both sell gorgeous gifts, from teacups, jewellery and ornamental pineapples, to larger pieces of furniture! I particularly loved the clothing in Kiss Kiss Heart, with some beautiful pieces (tutu skirts!) at very reasonable prices.

Nucleus Arts

Nucleus was set up to showcase and support the work of local artists in the Medway region of Kent. During our visit we saw pieces made from felt, some incredible paintings, jewellery and even small sculptures. It’s a real outlet for local creativity, and amazing to see it being highlighted in such a prominent position on Rochester High Street. Rather than being a stuffy gallery, it’s got a casual vibe, and you can pop in for a cuppa and a slice of cake while checking out the local art. Many are affordably priced too!

The Candy Bar

Who doesn’t love an old-fashioned sweet shop?! I’ve always had a sweet tooth and so most day trips will involve sugary treats at some point. This one sells all the usual boiled sweets in jars behind the counter, sugar mice, jelly beans, lollipops and has a huge counter filled with tasty looking chocolates and fudge. The staff were excited to tell us that the store had been there over 30 years, and was a true family affair!

Deaf Cat Coffee Shop

This is a super cosy coffee spot with great views of the Cathedral. The name also links back to Charles Dickens – who had a deaf cat who used to sit on his desk as he wrote his novels.

Pips of Rochester

Many of England’s traditional greengrocers have gone out of business with huge supermarkets taking over. Thankfully Pips is still a big part of Rochester’s high street, selling high quality locally-sourced fruit and vegetables along with tasty local products including Rochester honey and Kent Chilli Farm’s chutneys.

Dickens House Wine Emporium

One of my favourite hidden gems from my day was exploring Dickens House Wine Emporium – an independent family run wine store with a very special history. Entering the store felt like I was stepping back in time, particularly once I descended into the cellar. Manager Tony explained that Dickens House used to be an apothecary. In fact, it was the place local author Charles Dickens came to collect his medicine in the 1800s!

Topes Restaurant 

N.B. since my visit Topes has changed to Smoke & Liquor – a more casual bar and eatery offering charcoal cooking, fusion bowl and street food. I’ve left my review of Topes below as it’s still run by the same people so should give an idea of the quality and attention to detail! 

From my research, it seemed Topes was the place to go for the best food in Rochester. It’s a family-run, independent restaurant, which has been on the high street for over 13 years. The food standard is high, with dishes including pan-fried sea bream with ratatouille and aubergine puree, a tasty roast pigeon dish with figs and a wonderfully smokey mackerel dish topped with a fried duck egg.

Photogenic, delicious food – this is the place for a special occasion. The restaurant is located in a gorgeous old building, and as for the name Topes? Mr Topes was the lead character in Charles Dickens final novel, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, so you can soak up some history while you eat too.

Baggins Book Bazaar

Rochester is also home to England’s largest second hand and rare bookshop. Baggins is just incredible. From the shop front you just don’t realise how vast it is inside – a real bookworm’s paradise. They have over half-a-million books, all divided into topics. I got lost in there for a long time!

The Cheese Room

Wine and cheese is the perfect way to start a cosy evening in winter. The Cheese Room has lovely ambient lighting, with a counter and bar area upstairs and few tables downstairs. It hasn’t been open long, but was already drawing in plenty of locals. Along with a great wine list, they have a great selection of Kentish cheeses including a tasty Kentish blue and the amusingly named Shaggy’s Beard!

Rochester Castle

While it’s no hidden gem… you just cant visit Rochester and not visit a few of the key landmarks! Rochester Castle is one of the best-preserved and finest examples of Norman architecture in England. It’s seriously impressive and I just love that you can still climb all over it. It’s somewhere to amble around in your own time, and one of the best places to capture the views of Rochester.

Playopolis Board Games Café

Opened last year, this family run board game café has over 700 board games. You pay a set fee of £3.50 per adult or £2 per child, which covers your time for a few hours. Then you help yourselves to board games covering every interest and category – from Pictionary and Jumanji to Jenga! I really enjoyed their cocktail menu which was as fun as the games… with offerings including Butterbeer and The Werewolf.

The George Vaults

This is one of many places to go for an evening drink on the main high street… but underneath the main bar lurks something very special. Go downstairs and you’ll find a grade 2 listed 14th Century crypt. It was being set up for a wedding when we visited. What a stunning place!

Rochester Bridge

The bridge is a famous local landmark in itself, but my tip is to cross over to the other side around sunset. There’s a real sparkle in the air as the water reflects the light along with the historic castle and nearby buildings. Pretty magical!

Where To Stay In Rochester, Kent

Rochester is pretty small, so you can’t expect a huge range of options when it comes to hotels, however there is a variety of places to stay. You can search for options using the map below…

When Is The Best Time To Visit Rochester?

England is a country obsessed with weather. Don’t know what to say? Comment on the weather! We talk about it a lot, but contrary to what you may have heard, we don’t have awful weather in England. It’s just a little unpredictable and varies from region to region.

You can expect average lows of around 5 °C in Rochester in January / February, and highs around 23°C in July / August.

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Rochester, I’d suggest planning a trip in May or June. The weather tends to be warm and sunny, rain is at a minimum and it’s out of peak season, so you shouldn’t be battling any big crowds either. The longest day is around 20th June every year, so it’s a time you can enjoy maximum daylight hours exploring!

I’ve never been a fan of November in England. It’s the wettest month of the year, and while December can be pretty cold, there’s a Christmas magic around the country which always puts a smile on my face!

My day trip to Rochester was sponsored by  Southeastern . If you fancy booking a trip to Rochester or somewhere else in Kent or East Sussex,   check out their Off-Peak fares to get the best value ticket for your journey! Find out more  here . Plus check out Visit Kent to find out what’s happening in the area. As always, opinions are my own.

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Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

5 thoughts on “15+ Amazing Things To Do In Rochester, Kent”

That tea room is so cute and what a gorgeous castle!!

I know! I absolutely loved the tea room and the gift shops – super cute!

Interesting piece – I knew nothing about Rochester before but now I do! The vaults look beautiful and if there’s a cute tearoom I’m sold!

It’s super cute – it really surprised me too. Look forward to a return trip!

Wow, another interesting place to visit during my next trip to the UK! How am I supposed to visit all these lovely places in two weeks? And it will be my fourth visit to the UK. Congrats on this beautiful video!

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Plan Your Trip to Rochester: Best of Rochester Tourism

Essential Rochester

Rochester Is Great For

The great outdoors

Eat & drink

• Travelodge Rochester
• The Gordon House Hotel
• The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel
• The Golden Lion Hotel
• Botleigh Villa B&B
• The Tudor Rose
• Thai Four Two
• Os' Camacheiros Restaurant
• Oliver's Restaurant
• Rochester Castle
• Playopolis Board Game Cafe
• Rochester Cathedral
• Restoration House
• Guildhall Museum

Rochester, Chatham and Gillingham

'An intriguing Charles Dickens connection, a Cathedral at its core and top-notch heritage sites, ensure Rochester, Chatham and Gillingham sit high on Kent's must-see list.

This area is where Dickens' life started and ended; the places that pop up in his books still sit among its characterful streets, shops and ancient buildings today. Track down his literary locations on an expert-led tour or a self-guided trail. Highlights include the Six Poor Travellers House and Miss Haversham’s 'home', Restoration House. The Guildhall Museum is alive with interactive Dickens exhibits, while Baggins Book Bazaar, one of England's largest second hand bookshops, is hog heaven for bibliophiles. For streets alive with stalls, carol singers and lamp-lit parades don't miss the atmospheric Dickensian Christmas each December.

Here non-literary history is just as rich. Marinated in heritage, the towering keep of Rochester Castle is one of the tallest in the country; graceful Rochester Cathedral alongside is England's second oldest - built in 604. The dramatic exhibits at The Historic Dockyard Chatham   include   a climb-on-board Victorian Sloop, a WWII destroyer and a Cold War submarine. In Gillingham the compelling Royal Engineers Museum reveals an absorbing heritage, while Fort Amherst is Britain's largest Napoleonic fortress.

Speed fiends can screech round the karting track at Buckmore Park (Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton have burnt rubber here too), while Gillingham Football Club provides plenty of reasons to cheer. Or sooth your soul at the stunning Hoo Peninsula, where the Heron Trail and Saxon Shore Way lead cyclists and walkers through an inspiring landscape of marshes, heronries and RSPB reserves.

A knot of towns with a powerful history, looped along the tidal reaches of the River Medway proves the perfect no-nonsense mix of ancient and modern.

For inspiration of ways to spend a break in Medway click here... 

Discover more at www.visitmedway.org

• Information

Rochester is an ancient fortress town, built to guard an important Medway crossing, where the old Dover Road (Roman Watling Street) crosses the river at its lowest point. When the Romans came they fortified the crossing and a walled town grew up beside it, called Durobrivae Cantiacorum; which means "the bridges of the stronghold". Sections of the old Roman town walls still survive to this day.

The town grew in importance during 7th-c after it was made a bishopric by St Augustine in 604. The Normans later built a cathedral on the site of his church in 1077. The Normans also built a great castle here to defend the crossing, and the wood and stone bridge was upgraded to provide a more permanent crossing. The cathedral and castle are some of the main historic features of the town.

Other buildings of interest include the Guildhall (1687) with its splendid brick and plaster work and the Corn Exchange (1706), both commissioned by Sir Cloudesley Shovell. The impressive clock of the Corn Exchange overhangs the High Street.

Restoration House (1587), in Crow Lane, is an interesting Elizabethan house. Refaced in the 17th-c with finely decorated brickwork, it was awarded its name by Charles II, who briefly stayed here in 1660 on his way to London to be recrowned.

Watts Charity, established by Richard Watts in 1579 at 97 High Street, was built to house poor travellers. Below Castle Hill, on The Esplanade, is the restored Bridge Chapel, built in 1387, and just over the water is Temple Manor, a 13th-c hall that once belonged to the Knights Templars (open to the public Saturday & Sunday 11am–4pm).

Rochester retains much of its maritime tradition and the Medway area is a major port and an industrial and commercial centre. Other nearby Medway Towns include Strood, Chatham and Gillingham.

The famous English author Charles Dickens grew up in Rochester and his father worked as a clerk in the Navy offices in nearby Chatham. The city is closely associated with his writings and parts of it often feature in his novels. For example, Dickens mentions the 400 year old Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel (close to the town bridge) in his Pickwick Papers and also the Tudor Eastgate house on the High Street, where his writing chalet has been preserved.

Places of Interest to Visit in Rochester

Dickens swiss chalet.

Although the exhibits from the Eastgate House Museum (now closed) have now moved into the Guildhall, visitors can still visit the gardens at the rear to view the original Swiss chalet where Dickens wrote some of his greatest works. The chalet was originally located at his home at Gad's Hill Place (to the north of the town) but was later moved here when the house became a public school. Dickens house may also be visited on special public open days or by prior appointment. For details contact the Dickens Fellowship http://www.dickensfellowship.org

The gardens also contain a section of the original London to Dover medieval road surface and a horse driven water pump from Dickens house.

Location: Rear of Eastgate House, High St, Rochester.

Huguenot Museum

Unique museum covering the history of French Huguenots in England. With paintings, crafts, silver, documents, silks and other artifacts that tell the story of these early refugees and how the skills they brought helped the development of our country. The only museum of its type in Britain.

The fine 17th-c red brick and stone porticoed building also contains the Visitor Centre and Art Gallery. Next door is the grey stone building of the Watts Charity refuge for poor travellers, established by Richard Watts in 1579.

Opening times: Wed to Sat 10am to 5pm - Admission Charge Location: 95 High St, Rochester ME1 1LX Tel: 01634 789347 Website: huguenotmuseum.org

Rochester Cathedral

Founded in AD 604 by St Augustine, the cathedral was rebuilt by Bishop Gundulph around 1080 and is the second oldest cathedral in England after Canterbury. The cathedral library contains a number of important ancient manuscripts, including a copy of the Miles Coverdale Bible (1535).

The current building is predominantly Norman, the nave's wooden ceiling is 15th-c and the tower and spire are from 1904. The cathedral has a fine crypt and the tombs of several medieval bishops are interred there. The church was originally the core of a group of ecclesiastical buildings, which included a monastery and bishop's palace. The ruins of the chapter house and cloisters can still be seen in the cathedral precincts. The Vines, behind the cathedral, is now a public park that was once the monastery vineyard.

The cathedral became an important place of pilgrimage during the medieval period. Pilgrim's Passage, next to the precincts, once lead to the tomb of Sr William of Perth, who was murdered in Rochester in 1201.

Opening times: Regular Church Services open to all. Tours are available from 10:00 to 15.30 Mondays to Fridays; from 10:00 to 14:00 on Saturdays and from 12:30 to 14:30 on Sundays - Free Entry - donations always welcome Location: Garth House, Rochester ME1 1SX Website: rochestercathedral.org

Rochester Castle

Rochester's key location at the mouth of the River Medway has always been strategic river crossing on the main road between Dover and London. The Norman castle, built in 1127 to defend this crossing, is one of the finest examples of Norman military architecture left in Britain. The massive 120 ft high and 70 ft square keep is the tallest in England and provides panoramic views over the Medway.

The castle is set on high on a chalk bluff and dominates the river bank. It was besieged by Simon de Montfort in 1264. Following which it was destroyed, and only the keep and curtain walls remain.

Opening times: Daily 10am till 6pm (closed Xmas) - Admission Charge (Run by English Heritage) Location: Castle Hill, Rochester ME1 1SW Tel: 0370 333 1181 Website: english-heritage.org.uk

Rochester Guildhall

The porticoed redbrick Guildhall, built in 1687, contains a public museum with general collections of arms and armour, ship models, Victoriana and period toys. Of particular interest is a full-size reconstruction of part of a Medway prison hulk, a Victorian drawing room and kitchen and the Dickens Exhibition.

The art gallery has a large selection of paintings and prints of the area. A special exhibition of contemporary Dutch prints of the Battle of Medway (June 1667) is also on display.

Opening times: Tue to Sun 10am to 5pm - Free Entry Location: 17 High St, Rochester ME1 1PY Tel: 01634 332680 Website: medway.gov.uk

Restoration House & Garden

One of the finest pre-civil war town houses in England. Originally pair of Medieval/Tudor dwellings, it was refaced in the 17th-c with elaborate brickwork. It was so named by Charles II, who stayed here with his family in 1660, on his way to London for the restoration of his crown.

Opening times: June to Sept; Thurs and Fri 10am to 5pm - Admission Charge Location: 17-19 Crow Ln, Rochester ME1 1RF Tel: 01634 848520 Website: restorationhouse.co.uk

Map of Rochester

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Spend the Day in Historic Rochester, Kent

• Post last modified: October 15, 2023
• Post author: Nicole

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Being less than an hour’s train ride from London, the historic town of Rochester makes an easy day trip. However, it was our road trip through the county of Kent that brought us back to this ancient city this time.

Kent likes to consider itself the oldest county in England. Though that seems to be disputed, there’s no disputing Kent’s long history, nor its beauty. With one of the most well-preserved Norman castles, its historic old town center, and England’s second oldest cathedral, Rochester does Kent proud. We think you’ll agree.

None of the locations mentioned in this guide sponsor us. We just thought you’d enjoy them too.

Table of Contents

Start the Day at Rochester Cathedral

If there is one place you don’t want to miss on a day trip to Rochester, it’s the historic Rochester Cathedral . Though the nave you see today dates from the 11th century, the original Saxon cathedral was founded in 604AD, making it England’s second oldest, cathedral.

See our full post on Rochester Cathedral for all the details.

Browse the Historic Old Town

Like many of the ancient cities around England, it’s easy to spend the day just walking the old town of Rochester and enjoying the architecture. From seeing what remains of the city gates to visiting the tiny boutique shops with crooked storefronts; there’s so much to enjoy without spending a pound.

We have two recommendations for lunch.

1. Tony Lorenzo Cafe on the High Street : Perfect place to grab a sandwich, pasty, or other baked goods. They even have a vast selection of take-away options. Don’t forget dessert. On this trip, we tried a Kent Gypsy Tart, an extremely sweet treat made with evaporated milk and muscovado sugar.

2. Rochester Cathedral’s Crypt Cafe : Looking for something a little different? It may sound creepy, but it’s surprisingly nice. This little cafe in the crypt has an interesting atmosphere and a good menu.

What to Eat in the UK

If you enjoy sampling the local foods, then you’ll want to check out our post on UK Foods you Absolutely Must Try . We give you all our favorites and where you can find them.

Learn Some History from the Local Museums

Rochester has so many small museums, you won’t be able to visit them all on a day trip, but there are a few in the old town that are easy to see.

• Guildhall Museum : A free museum with a mix of displays. The highlight is the fascinating recreation of the Medway prison hulk (prison ship), but there’s also a lot on local history, including Charles Dickens.
• Eastgate House : As we were walking the High Street, this unique building caught our attention. With ornate ceiling moldings, antique tiles, carved fireplaces, and curved stone stairwells, the inside is just as elaborate as the outside. Around the back are the free gardens. Stuck between the buildings, the peculiar Swiss chalet is the former writing refuge of Charles Dickens. Sadly, it’s not open to the public, but they are hoping to restore it soon.
• Huguenot Museum : The only museum in Britain to tell the story of the fleeing French Protestants that settled in England during the Protestant Reformation. 

Explore the Ruins of Rochester Castle

Across the street, looking down on Rochester Cathedral sits the Norman ruins of Rochester Castle .

Castles across England tend to fall into one of two categories, restored or in ruins. It’s worth seeing at least one of each, as they are both quite different experiences.

Though a ruin, Rochester Castle is a good one to go in as it has one of the best-preserved Norman keeps in England or France. Not to mention, it’s inexpensive, has a good amount to explore, and includes a small museum on its history.

Even if you don’t pay to go in, take the time to walk the grounds and see the castle from its many angles. If you have time, walk across the Rochester Bridge. On the other side of the river, you’ll find a small car park with magnificent views of the castle.

All About UK Castles

Check out our Guide to Visiting the UK’s Best Castles for tips on what to expect and a list of our favorite castles across the UK.

Take a Stroll Along the Vines

We finished our day in Rochester strolling the city’s most popular park. Known as The Vines, this lush park was once a vineyard cultivated by the monks. Today, you’ll mostly find beautiful, ancient trees along a lovely walking path.

Test Your Sea Legs at Historic Chatham Dockyard

This itinerary took most of our day; however, if you have extra time in Rochester, or just move quicker than us, it’s worth us mentioning the Historic Chatham Dockyard where you can explore warships, submarines, and so much more. We visited the dockyard several years ago but didn’t have time to go back on this trip.

With eighty acres of attractions, it’s worthy of a full day on its own. However, tickets come with free entry for a year, so you can always come back on another day to see more.

Where to Stay in Rochester

To stay in Rochester proper, the newly renovated Trivelles Rochester Hotel is within easy walking distance of the Cathedral and the train station.

If you also plan on visiting some of Kent’s bigger attractions, like Leeds Castle and Canterbury , you may find it easier to base yourself in the nearby town of Maidstone.

• The Potting Shed Maidstone   – The rooms are really cute, clean, and quite big. A good restaurant is onsite, but don’t worry, the hotel rooms are self-contained. 
• Risenden B&B Maidstone – Looking for something quiet, clean, and comfortable, this B&B has it all, plus a great breakfast. 

We hope you enjoy your day in Rochester.

Spending more time in England? Here are a few other posts you may enjoy.

• Visiting Rochester Cathedral
• Day Trips from London
• Visiting Hever Castle: Anne Boleyn’s Childhood Home
• 10 Tips and Secrets for Visiting Canterbury Cathedral
• Ultimate London Guide for First Time Visitors
• Indulge in Afternoon Tea: An Absolutely English Experience

We recommend and use these companies to arrange our travel plans; they make travel planning easy and affordable. If you have questions on our experiences, feel free to ask us !

• Book Flights: Skyscanner
• Book Accommodation: Booking.com
• Book Rental Cars: Rentalcars.com
• Buy Travel Gear: Amazon

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This post has 2 comments.

What a gorgeous place. I love your photos. My developer in the UK – Birmingham – keeps reminding me how I need to see his country. Plus, my last name – Biddulph – has its origins in England. I will definitely visit down the road.

Oh my Ryan, yes, your developer is 100% right. Most folks just think of London (which is great), but the UK has so much more to offer. I’m so glad to hear you enjoy my photos. I hope they inspire you to go see your origins sooner rather than later 😉

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Welcome to medway beyond your greatest  expectations.

Medway is bursting with so many things to see and do. From fantastic festivals and events to unique experiences for days out or a short-break, there are more reasons than ever to discover everything we have to offer.

2024 is a big year for Medway! 40 years ago, the Medway African and Caribbean Association was formed, and we saw the start of the former Royal Dockyard regeneration, turning it into a thriving heritage site, university campus, and community we see today. In celebration, Medway Culture Fest 24 will provide a year-long programme of cultural activities and events.

There's no arguing that Rochester's magnificent cathedral and imposing castle that dominates the Medway skyline are on the must-see list when exploring the area. But are you aware of Medway's heritage attractions to visit? From Eastgate House, an amazing Tudor mansion, discovering the works of Charles Dickens at the ' Making of Mr. Dickens' exhibition at the Guildhall Museum , to our arts and cultural offer across our galleries and theatres. Medway's military and maritime past can be discovered at The Historic Dockyard Chatham , Fort Amherst and at t he Royal Engineers Museum - Kent’s largest military museum and one of the most important military collections in the UK.

Whether it's dining in a restaurant, exploring the heritage attractions, or catching a show at the theatre , you will find it here.

Make sure to follow our social media channels on Instagram and   Facebook - and make sure to tag us in your stunning photos and share your wonderful experiences using #VisitMedway and  #MustVisitMedway