{"id":41038,"date":"2025-09-04T14:31:55","date_gmt":"2025-09-04T13:31:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/?p=41038"},"modified":"2025-09-04T14:31:55","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T13:31:55","slug":"things-to-do-in-rochester","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/destination-guides\/things-to-do-in-rochester\/","title":{"rendered":"10 brilliant things to do in Rochester: Castles, cathedrals and Charles Dickens!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Just a short train ride from London, Rochester is a fantastic place for a mini break.<\/h2>\n

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.<\/h4>\n

Stay nearby<\/h4>\n
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1. Rochester Castle<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"RochesterPerhaps 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<\/span><\/a>, is so well-preserved it\u2019s hard to believe it\u2019s almost 1000 years old!<\/h4>\n

It\u2019s survived sieges, fires and King John\u2019s 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 \u2018smell stations\u2019.<\/h4>\n
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2. Rochester Cathedral<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"RochesterNext 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\u2019ll 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!<\/h4>\n

The cathedral\u2019s refurbished crypt is home to Textus Roffensis – the only surviving copy of England\u2019s 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!<\/h4>\n
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3. The Historic Dockyard Chatham<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"TheThe 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\u2019t miss the award-winning Command of the Oceans gallery. Here you’ll learn about how famous ships like HMS VICTORY were built.<\/h4>\n

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!<\/h4>\n
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4. Huguenot Museum<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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A post shared by Huguenot Museum, Rochester, UK (@huguenot_museum)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n