Rochester

The basics

Inhabited since the Neolithic era and once settled by the Romans, history-saturated Rochester is full of major landmarks. Located roughly an hour east of London near the confluence of the River Thames and the Medway, the city’s highlight attractions include its castle (the very picture of medieval design, with its crenelated tower and stone fortifications) and its ancient cathedral. Charles Dickens also resided in the area and based many of his stories and works on Rochester. The Rochester Guildhall Museum includes additional information about the city’s history.

Rochester features on numerous day-trip itineraries from London, as well as castle-themed tours of Kent.

Things to know before you go

• The Medway Visitor Information Centre, located on Rochester’s historic High Street, is a convenient port of call for first-time visitors.
• Rochester’s Dickensian Christmas, which includes traditional decorations, artisan vendors, lamplit processions, and more, is held every December.
• In addition to the Rochester Guildhall Museum, the Huguenot Museum explores another side of British history.

How to get there

Upwards of 200 trains run daily between major London stations and Rochester, and most trips are under an hour. If traveling by car, Rochester can also be reached via the A2; most journeys take roughly 1.5 hours.

When to get there

There’s never a bad time to visit Rochester. That said, the city’s twice-a-year Dickens Festival is a particularly festive time to visit. The event, which is typically held in June and December, offers a chance to celebrate the city’s unique literary heritage.

Festivals in Rochester

In addition to its Dickens festivals, Rochester also hosts other major events throughout the year. The Sweeps Festival, held in early May, includes Morris dancing, maypoles, and other traditional festivities, while the Castle Concerts series, held every summer at the Rochester Castle, welcomes prominent musicians to perform in the atmospheric surroundings.

What is Rochester famous for?

Historical buildings and Charles Dickens are what make Rochester famous. Rochester Cathedral dates back to AD 604 and is nearly the oldest in England. Plus there’s Rochester Castle, Guildhall Museum, and many more. After being moved from the countryside, Dickens’ preserved chalet has pride of place on the high street.

How much time do I need to visit Rochester?

Day visits or multi-day getaways staying in B&Bs both work well in Rochester. Your interest in history helps to determine how much time you spend in Rochester. There are plenty of places to explore, such as the cathedral, castle, and Charles Dickens’ former home.

How many castles are in Rochester?

Visit two castles on a trip to Rochester. The most famous castle in Rochester is Rochester Castle on the River Medway. Its construction began in 1087. There is also Upnor Castle, built 500 years later, which was used to fight against the Dutch invasion in 1667.

What kind of tours go to Rochester?

Many tours visit Rochester. It’s packed full of history, so it's a favorite. Private Kent Castles and White Cliffs of Dover tours run here, plus tours focused on Charles Dickens’ life take place in Rochester, too. You can choose both private and larger group tours, depending on your preference.

Where did Charles Dickens live in Rochester?

Dickens lived in Gads Hill Place in Higham, Rochester. He lived here until he had a stroke and passed away in 1870. He wrote two classics here, A Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations. It’s now a school, and visits are allowed periodically.

Is Rochester UK worth visiting?

Yes, Rochester is worth visiting. Its cathedral, historic castles, Guildhall Museum, and authentic cobblestone streets take you back in time. There’s the peaceful River Medway for boating trips, too. Plus, the town was home to Charles Dickens, so literary buffs will enjoy their visit.