Rochester

Medway Towns

Type:Town

Rochester, Kent, ME1 1LX

Tel: +44 01634 338141

Rochester

About

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

 

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  • Discover Medway

What's Nearby

  1. Eastgate House

    Situated in the heart of historic Rochester, Eastgate House featured in the work of…

    0.07 miles away
  2. Rochester Cathedral

    Rochester Cathedral is the second oldest cathedral in England having been founded in AD…

    0.1 miles away
  3. Rochester Castle

    One of the finest keeps in England. Also the tallest, partly built on the Roman city wall…

    0.2 miles away
  1. Guildhall Museum

    Discover the history of Medway from pre-historic times to the present day at the…

    0.23 miles away
  2. St Peter's Church Sandwich

    St Peter's Church Sandwich

    0.54 miles away
  3. Temple Manor

    A 13th century great chamber, on a vaulted undercroft, of a manor house of the Knights…

    0.89 miles away
  4. The Brook Theatre

    Formerly Chatham Town Hall, The Brook Theatre is a hive of entertainment, activity and…

    0.91 miles away
  5. The Central Theatre

    Located in the heart of Chatham town centre, this beautiful 965-seat venue is already…

    0.92 miles away
  6. The Historic Dockyard Chatham

    2016 is a year of continuous discovery and exploration at The Historic Dockyard Chatham,…

    1.03 miles away
  7. Royal Engineers Museum

    There is something for all the family. Zulu War items, Boer War, World Wars I and II,…

    1.36 miles away
  8. Upnor Castle

    This attractive, turreted castle is set in a picturesque village area that is backed by…

    1.57 miles away
  9. Oare Gunpowder Works County Park

    Oare Gunpowder Works - Gunpowder was manufactured at Oare for several centuries on a site…

    1.67 miles away
  10. Capstone Farm Country Park

    Capstone Farm Country Park is one of Medway's finest green spaces, offering wonderful…

    2.9 miles away
  11. Chatham Ski & Snowboard Centre

    Chatham Ski Centre has the longest artificial slope in the South East and is the premier…

    3.26 miles away
  12. Cobham Hall

    A large house standing in 150 acres of Repton's landscape garden and dating from 1587. It…

    3.75 miles away
  13. Riverside Country Park

    Riverside Country Park is an excellent site for Winter birdwatching.
    Situated alongside…

    3.96 miles away
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