Rochester's attractive Victorian High Street has many historic buildings. Rochester is closely associated with Charles Dickens and festivals are held every year, please see the website for dates. Rochester's new station opened in December 2015. Rochester PlusBus tickets are valid within the Chatham, Gillingham, Rochester and Strood urban area.
TI 95 High Street, tel. 01634 843666.
Rochester's Cathedral was founded in 604 and it is the second oldest in England. It has Norman and late Gothic
architecture of the nave and one of the finest Romanesque facades in England.
Open Daily.
www.rochestercathedral.org
Medway's history including many exhibits from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Part of the museum is in the
17th century Guildhall. Displays include interpretation of life on one of the Medway's prison hulks of the Napoleonic period.
Open TWThFS 1000-1700.
www.visitmedway.org
Paintings, silver, silk samples, documents and personal items tell the story
of the Huguenot refugees and their crafts and trades. Located above the Tourist Information Centre.
Open please see website.
huguenotmuseum.org
The charity was founded by Richard Watts, an Elizabethan MP, to provide board and lodgings for travellers.
The ground floor is open as a museum. Small garden. Admission free, donations welcome.
Open closed for maintenance.
www.richardwatts.org.uk
Built on the Roman city wall, this Rochester Castle has the tallest Norman keep in England and
fine views across the Medway.
Open Daily 1000-1800 (1600 Oct-Mar).
www.english-heritage.org.uk
A distinctive 16th and 17th century building which inspired Charles Dickens. Many original features
can be seen inside. Displays explain the House's history including its time as an Elizabethan home and a Victorian school.
Open WThFSSu 1000-1700 but check website for closures.
www.visitmedway.org
An ancient city mansion with beautiful interiors, it derives its name from the stay of Charles II on the
eve of The Restoration. Dickens situated Miss Haversham here. Collection of English furniture and pictures. Walled gardens.
Open Jun-Sep, Thur & Fri 1000-1700.
www.restorationhouse.co.uk
An Elizabethan fort built beside the River Medway to defend the warships and dockyard at Chatham.
There are good views across the Medway from the Castle and from parts of the walk to it.
Open Apr-Oct, Daily 1000-1800 (1600 Oct).
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Bus 197 from opposite station to Upper Upnor (near Castle), see Strood for a map.
17 minutes journey, M-F about 2-hourly, Sat infrequent. Operated by ASD Coaches.
Rochester PlusBus tickets may not be valid for this journey, please check with the bus operator.
Buses also pass near Strood station.
Upnor Castle is 1¾ miles walk from Strood station.
A remote reserve with saline and brackish lagoons beside the River Thames. It is a good place to see large numbers of wintering waders.
Download a map from the RSPB website showing the reserve trails and important viewpoints. Admission free.
Open* at all times.
www.rspb.org.uk
Bus 133 from opposite station to Cliffe, Six Bells (the route terminus), then ½ mile walk.
M-S about hourly, 23 minutes journey. Operated by Arriva.
Rochester PlusBus tickets are NOT valid for this journey.
Buses also pass near Strood station.
