Rochester Attractions
Rochester lies halfway between London and the Channel ports on the River Medway just inland from where it flows into the North Sea. The town is noted for its Norman Cathedral, with the second oldest bishopric in England, and Rochester Castle, with a well-preserved keep from 1127.
The town's official name of City of Rochester-upon-Medway denotes the urban district comprising not just Rochester, but also the neighboring municipalities of Chatham and Strood. The quiet little town of Rochester is closely linked with the name of Charles Dickens, who spent his childhood in neighboring Chatham and the last 12 years of his life at Gads Hill, halfway between Rochester and Gravesend. In many of his books locations in Rochester and the surrounding area play an important part; his last work, the unfinished novel "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" is set almost completely in the fictitious town of Cloisterham, which is obviously Rochester.
Rochester developed from the early Roman settlement of "Durobrivae". It was here that Ethelbert of Kent founded the second episcopal see in England after Canterbury in 604. The present cathedral was begun by the Normans, who also added to the town's defenses by building a castle. Henry VIII ordered that warships for the English fleet should be built here at the Medway estuary. The Dutch entered the estuary with their ships in 1667 and attacked the dockyard at Rochester. However, for many years after that the docks remained one of the most important places in the country for building naval ships
The town's official name of City of Rochester-upon-Medway denotes the urban district comprising not just Rochester, but also the neighboring municipalities of Chatham and Strood. The quiet little town of Rochester is closely linked with the name of Charles Dickens, who spent his childhood in neighboring Chatham and the last 12 years of his life at Gads Hill, halfway between Rochester and Gravesend. In many of his books locations in Rochester and the surrounding area play an important part; his last work, the unfinished novel "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" is set almost completely in the fictitious town of Cloisterham, which is obviously Rochester.
Rochester developed from the early Roman settlement of "Durobrivae". It was here that Ethelbert of Kent founded the second episcopal see in England after Canterbury in 604. The present cathedral was begun by the Normans, who also added to the town's defenses by building a castle. Henry VIII ordered that warships for the English fleet should be built here at the Medway estuary. The Dutch entered the estuary with their ships in 1667 and attacked the dockyard at Rochester. However, for many years after that the docks remained one of the most important places in the country for building naval ships
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Cathedral
The oldest portions of the Rochester Cathedral are Gundulf's Tower and the crypt. The most inspiring feature is the west front, completed in 1160.
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Eastgate House (Charles Dickens Centre)
(High Street)
The late 16th C Eastgate House is home to the Charles Dickens Centre, with displays on the writer's life.
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Rochester Castle
Dating to the late 11th C, this is one of the most well preserved Norman castles in the nation.
Dickens Festival
This is a world-famous 10-day festival celebrating the classic author. The festival takes place in late May to early June and events include plays, recitals, displays, lectures, competitions and street entertainment. Costumed Dickens characters also roam the streets, providing ample photo opportunities.
Gads Hill (Charles Dickens' House)
Gads Hill, the house in which Charles Dickens spent the last 12 years of his life, is in the village of Higham, halfway between Rochester and Gravesend. Even as a child the writer had fallen in love with this house while out on walks with his father and in 1856 he was finally able to buy it. The house is now occupied by a private school, which will however arrange conducted tours.
Guides
Guided tour included with admission.
Norman Weekend
This annual festival takes place in late August as a tribute to the Norman heritage. Archery, falconry, tournaments, horse shows, concerts and dance performances are only some of the events showcasing Norman England during the weekend.
Restoration House
In Crow Lane, which leads off the High Street, stands Restoration House, where on May 28th 1660 Charles II spent his first night on English soil after his return from his exile in France. On application at the tourist office it is possible to visit the magnificent interior rooms, which include "Miss Havisham's Room" in Dickens' "Great Expectations".
Temple Manor
This is a manor house of the Knights Templar dating to the 13th C. Temple Manor features traces of wall paintings on the first floor hall.
Temple Manor
Knight Road, Strood
Rochester ME2 2
England
Knight Road, Strood
Rochester ME2 2
England
Hours
March 31 to October 28
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | 11:00 | 11:00 |
| Close | 15:00 | 15:00 |
Always opened on:
Spring Bank Holiday - Britain (last Monday, May )
Summer Bank Holiday - Britain outside Scotland (last Monday, August )
Summer Bank Holiday - Britain outside Scotland (last Monday, August )
Upnor Castle
On the north bank of the Medway stands Upnor Castle, an Elizabethan fortress which was built about 1560 to defend the dockyard at Chatham.
The fortress failed to hold off the Dutch navy in 1667, which led to the destruction of half the English fleet.
All values are in local currency
The fortress failed to hold off the Dutch navy in 1667, which led to the destruction of half the English fleet.
Upnor Castle
Rochester
England
Rochester
England
Hours
March 21 to September 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
October 1 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
| Family | 12.50 |
| Adult | 4.50 |
| Child | 3.50 |
| Concession or reduced rate | 3.50 |
Parking
Free
Disabled
Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
Guides
Taped tours for rent.