Rochester Kent tourist information and travel guide

Rochester tourist information

Rochester, on the river Medway, opposite Chatham, this town and port is very busy, with shops and amenities, yet lots of old buildings, some associated with Charles Dickens.

Reflecting Rochester's strategic river position it was fortified by the Romans, Saxons and Normans, bits of the old walls remain.

The famous Dickens Christmas Festival and Market this year is on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd December 2012, see the Festival website

Quite a few things to see in the area in addition to going to Chatham.

What to see - Rochester Tourist Attractions To Visit

Castles

Rochester Castle, Rochester ME1 1SW
An 11th century impressive castle, shop, etc. Rochester Castle information

Upnor Castle Upnor, Rochester ME2 4XG
off A228, east of Rochester, Elizabethan gun fort, turrets, gatehouse. English Heritage property. Upnor Castle information

Churches

Rochester Cathedral The Precinct, Rochester ME1 1SX
A Norman cathedral with crypt, tombs, and good windows. Guided tours available, call 01634 843366. Rochester Cathedral information

Historic Houses

Gads Hill School Higham, Rochester ME3 7PA
north on A226, once owned by Charles Dickens the house is described in A Christmas Carol. Now a private school. Gads Hill School information

Museums

Dickens World Leviathan Way, Chatham Maritime, Rochester ME4 4LL
Meet characters form the books, take the Great Expectations Boat Ride, see a Victorian School vist the The Haunted House. Dickens themed. Dickens World information

Guildhall Museum High Street, Rochester ME1 1PY
local exhibits in this 17th century building in the High Street. Dickens Discovery Room with displays on the author and short film show. Guildhall Museum information

Out & About

Cobham, Rochester
Cobham is worth a visit with New College, Cobham Hall, and Owletts to visit, just off the A2 west of the town. Cobham information

Where to stay in Rochester

Hotels

Premier Inn Rochester 3*

Medway Valley Leisure Park Chariot Way Rochester ME2 2SS MAP
This Premier Inn is located on the riverfront at Rochester's Medway Valley Leisure Park. It is just one minute from junction 2 of the M2 and offers free parking.
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Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfasts, Inns and other Hotels

The Ship & Trades 3*

Maritime Way Chatham Maritime Chatham ME4 3ER MAP
One of the jewels in Shepherd Neame's crown, The Ship & Trades is a spacious and stylish pub with accommodation overlooking a marina.
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