Visitors can enjoy a frightfully fun, mess-filled Halloween activity at The Historic Dockyard Chatham this October Half Term.
Every morning, the Dockyard's Night Security Team arrives to find another disgusting surprise: slimy puddles, glowing green handprints, tangled rope, missing tools, and galleries in complete chaos. While some suspect the return of Barnaby Bilge, others remain unconvinced.
For over 400 years, rumors have circulated about Barnaby Bilge, a former Dockyard Matey who continues to drift around after dark attempting to help—though his efforts invariably leave behind a trail of slime and chaos.
This October, the Night Security Team is inviting families to help investigate these unusual occurrences across the Dockyard. Guests can follow the Incident Trail, inspect each ghostly "grime" scene, gather clues, and decide for themselves whether Barnaby Bilge is real. Ideal for families looking for a Kent Halloween event that offers hands-on fun and live theatre with more "eeeuw" than "boo."
Dates: 24 October – 1 November 2026
Showtimes: 11am, 1pm and 3pm
Attendees begin their shift with an emergency security briefing hosted by Senior Officer Sam Stern, who seeks logical explanations for the mysteries, and Junior Officer Kit Keel, a believer in Dockyard legends who is convinced Barnaby Bilge is behind the chaos. The live stage show follows the pair as they search for evidence to solve the mystery.
Dates: 24 October – 8 November 2026
Participants pick up an official Security Incident Report and follow a path of slimy handprints. By investigating various "grime" scenes around the site and collecting clues about the suspect, visitors can weigh the evidence and determine if Barnaby Bilge is truly behind the disruption.
| Season (24 Oct 2026 - 8 Nov 2026) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday - Sunday | 10:00 | - 17:00 |
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The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Medway TownsExplore Chatham's shipbuilding legacy at The Historic Dockyard Chatham. Step back to the 'Age of Sail', visit interactive galleries, historic lifeboats, and more. Tickets valid for a year for a year-round adventure on this 80-acre maritime heritage site.
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