Medway
Steeped in history and rich in culture
Medway's position on the main road to Europe, which brought Romans, royals and writers here down the centuries, also makes it the perfect place to visit. Whether you're interested in exploring the area's maritime or military connections, to see the place Charles Dickens loved and wrote about, to visit heritage and leisure attractions or major festivals and events, you'll find an area packed with things to see and do.
Historic Rochester
Step back in time with a visit to the cathedral city of Rochester and see the buildings that were an inspiration to Charles Dickens and featured in his works. The area's connections to the author can be discovered at the Guildhall Museum's Dickens Discovery Rooms where authentic items are on display and a multi-lingual touchscreen highlights the sites of Dickens interest in and around the area. In the audio-theatre a short film on the author's life, times and works is shown continuously throughout the day.
Dickens' connections can also be explored on foot on a free walking tour with a local guide (on selected days throughout the summer) or by purchasing a self-guided trail with map 'In Dickens' Footsteps' from the Visitor Information Centre for 50 pence.
There are many other attractions to visit in Rochester such as England's second oldest cathedral, Rochester Castle with the tallest Norman keep in the country, Restoration House (the home of Miss Havisham in Great Expectations) and The Six Poor Travellers House, immortalised by Dickens in one of his short stories for Christmas.
Rochester High Street is unique for the absence of the usual brand names. Here you will find family-owned businesses selling antiques, paintings, handbags and accessories, plus the country's largest second-hand bookshop 'Baggins'. When looking for something to eat and drink, take a pick from the superb choice of independent bistros and restaurants, cafes and tearooms and local pubs offering real ales and value for money lunches.
Chatham Maritime
This attractive waterfront marina development has lots to offer visitors looking for a relaxing experience.
The Historic Dockyard Chatham was the birthplace of many famous ships including Nelson's flagship HMS Victory. Discover over 400 years of maritime history as you explore the three historic ships, see the fascinating collection of Lifeboats, watch rope being made in the ropery and learn how warships were built in 1758 through the eyes of a young apprentice. No visit would be complete without a journey through maritime history in the inspiring Museum of the Royal Dockyard. From 2008, the magnificant Slip 3 will be opened to the public for the first time. There will be displays of large military artefacts to see and a lift available to transport visitors to the spectacular mezzanine level.
Adjacent to The Historic Dockyard is the Dickens World visitor complex complete with bars, restaurants and nine screen multi-plex cinema. Dickens World is themed around the life, times and works of the author and will transport visitors back to the 19th century. Take a boat ride over the rooftops of London, see the ghosts of Ebenezer Scrooge in the haunted house and relive the author's life experiences through the 4D high definition show. Be educated in The Victorian school and costumed characters provide entertainment in the courtyard.
Just across the river from Chatham Maritime, an attractive village is Upnor Castle. The castle was built in 1559 on the orders of Queen Elizabeth 1 to defend her warships in the reaches of River Medway.
The best way to explore Medway is on the river aboard the Kingswear Castle Paddle Steamer. Regular afternoon and full sightseeing cruises operate during the summer months between Rochester and The Historic Dockyard Chatham.
Fact Box
Visit the Medway website