Just a short train ride from London, Rochester is a fantastic place for a mini break.
Perched on the banks of the River Medway, this small former city is packed with history, culture and picturesque cobbled streets. From Norman castles and cathedrals to Charles Dickens, here are 10 things to do in Rochester.
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1. Rochester Castle
Perhaps the most famous building in Rochester, this imposing fortress looms over the River Medway and is an absolute must-see. Designed by the same architect as the Tower of London, this Norman castle, part of English Heritage, is so well-preserved it’s hard to believe it’s almost 1000 years old!
It’s survived sieges, fires and King John’s attempt at burning the whole thing down with the pig fat in 1215! Wander through its ruins, climb its spiral staircases and get a literal whiff of what medieval life was like at one of its ‘smell stations’.
2. Rochester Cathedral
Next door to the castle sits Rochester Cathedral. Although it was founded in 604 AD, the current building dates back to 1083 and a visit here is like a journey through time. Inside, you’ll find intricate Gothic features and the Pilgrim Steps, where medieval pilgrims climbed to visit the shrine of William of Perth. Although the shrine no longer exists, many miracles are reported to have occurred there!
The cathedral’s refurbished crypt is home to Textus Roffensis – the only surviving copy of England’s earliest law code. This text is one of the most important documents in English history and it even influenced the wording of the Magna Carta!
3. The Historic Dockyard Chatham
The River Medway is famous for ship-building, with the Historic Dockyard Chatham at the heart of the action. Where else can you board a Cold War submarine, explore a Victorian navy ship and take the helm of a Second World War destroyer? And don’t miss the award-winning Command of the Oceans gallery. Here you’ll learn about how famous ships like HMS VICTORY were built.
The RNLI collection is fascinating too, showcasing lifeboats of all shapes, sizes and time periods. There really is enough here to keep you busy for the whole day and access to all galleries and ships is included in your ticket!
4. Huguenot Museum
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The Huguenots (pronounced hyoo-guh-now) were a religious group of French Protestants who fled to England between the 16th and 18th centuries. The Hunguenot Museum showcases their remarkable history, with a £1.5 million investment to help tell the tale.
Inside, you’ll discover the crafts and skills the group brought to Britain, from silk-weaving to vine-growing, and how those trades shaped our country today. With fascinating collections of oil paintings, silverware and silk, plus a busy programme of talks and workshops, it’s a great family day out!
5. Eastgate House & Dickens’ Swiss Chalet
Fans of Charles Dickens will already have ‘Great Expectations’ of Rochester, where the world-famous author spent much of his life. At Eastgate House, you can step right into a Victorian novel – the Grade I listed 16th and 17th Century townhouse featured as Westgate in The Pinprick Papers and the Nun’s House in The Mystery of Edwin Drood.
The second floor has recently been opened to the public again for the first time in over 40 years! Out in the garden, you’ll find Dickens’ Swiss Chalet – transported from his home at Gad’s Hill Place, this is where he wrote some of his most famous works!
6. The Cheese Room
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Calling all cheese lovers! You don’t want to miss out on this brie-liant spot. The Cheese Room specialises in all things cheesy, from tangy sourdough toasties oozing with cheddar to souped-up mac’n’cheese and continental sharing boards. Wash it all down with an impressive selection of local beers or your choice of more than 100 gins.
With two central locations on the High Street, one deli-café and the other a terraced restaurant, it’s the perfect place for a quick or leisurely afternoon lunch.
7. Fort Amherst Heritage Trust
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You’ve explored castles and ships, now it’s time to continue your historic wartime journey at Britain’s largest Napoleonic Fort. Here, you can discover what life was like as a Napoleonic soldier. Plus, you can explore an underground maze of defensive tunnels and enjoy spectacular views of Rochester across the River Medway.
After your adventuring, refuel with afternoon tea or even a Sunday roast at the Cannon Cafe. Or if you fancy bringing your own picnic, the fort’s 20 acres of green parkland will make the perfect backdrop!
8. Rochester Esplanade and riverside walks
For a breath of fresh air and a dose of wildlife and natural beauty, head to Rochester’s green spaces. Rochester Esplanade is a beautiful park and riverfront promenade, which makes it a great place to pack a picnic and watch the sunset.
At the top of the park, you’ll get incredible 360-degree views of Rochester Castle and Rochester Bridge. And why not get your steps in? The Rochester Riverside Walk continues all the way around the Medway’s horseshoe bend without venturing too far.
9. Rochester Guildhall Museum
Step back in time at Rochester’s Guildhall Museum, which charts the amazing history of the Medway area. Inside, there’s a full-size reconstruction of a floating prison, royal artefacts and even a 200,000-year-old axe that you can touch! The beautiful Guildhall building itself was built in 1687 and is worth a visit, even if you’re not into history.
Marvel at the grand staircase and Main Chamber, adorned with intricate plaster ceilings and huge, historic paintings. And if you fancy learning even more about Charles Dickens, the new Making of Mr Dickens gallery documents the author’s life story.
10. The Vines Park
Sheltered by an iconic tree-lined avenue, The Vines Gardens is a Grade II listed park with a rich history. Medieval monks once used the park to cultivate vines, hence the name, and their story is documented on information panels throughout the space.
There’s even something here for the Dickens fans! Nearby Restoration House is said to have inspired Miss Havisham’s Satis House in Great Expectations. Grab a coffee or pack a picnic and while away an hour or two surrounded by the park’s lush shrubbery.
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