Things to do in Rochester, UK

See Charles Dickens hometown through the eyes of a Victorian - his estranged wife; a renowned botanical illustrator; a local inventor; Or visit Regency Rochester in company with a French Napoleonic officer, or a female theatrical entrepreneur Mrs Sarah Baker - the Georgian 'Governess General of Kentish Theatre', to discover the links with Queen Charlotte and Jane Austen. The history of Rochester stretches back over 1000 years. Choose which period you want to see the old city in, through the eyes of a character from that time, pointing out the visible and invisible remains of the influence of that time on modern Medway. The walking tour takes in close up views of the castle and cathedral and illuminates 22 sites, 4 city gates and many hidden delights in ways which only a time traveller can discover! Start your tour on corporation street, opposite the Rochester station main exit, by the coach bays, to enter the High Street via a discreet entrance via the French Hospital. Discover tales of pilgrims, refugees, agitators, soldiers, sailors and prisoners from around the world, seeking release and sanctuary, with a new life in the historic streets of Rochester. Gain an understanding of the place that directly inspired the great works of Charles Dickens and Rochester's part in world events. Along the way, learn about the evolution of a cathedral city through time, built on wealth from the river and the dockyard at Chatham. See Almshouses, Dean's Gate, Rochester Cathedral, the church of St. Nicholas, Jasper's Gate, Two Post Alley, the George Vaults, the Guildhall, The Bull Hotel, the Royal Crown, Rochester Bridge Trust, Castle Gardens, Rochester Castle, Baker's Walk, Satis House, Longley House, Boley Hill, Minor Canons Row, The Vines, Restoration House, the memorial to the last known sighting of Dickens, Eastgate House, the Swiss Chalet and the Six Poor Travellers. Tours last 90 minutes. Route can be amended for those with mobility issues. Also available in French.

ROCHESTER Step into the pages of Dickens' tales in Historic Rochester, a cherished town that inspired his literary masterpieces, and visit iconic Rochester Castle, boasting breathtaking views from its towering keep. Discover the influence of Dickens as you stroll past buildings immortalised in works like "Great Expectations" and "The Mystery of Edwin Drood." Marvel at Satis House and Restoration House, echoes of Miss Havisham's abode. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history as you traverse the cobbled streets and ancient town walls, dating back to Roman times. Feel the echoes of the past in every corner, from the grandeur of the cathedral to the imposing presence of the castle. Enjoy some free with either a visit to Rochester Cathedral, a majestic symbol of history and architectural brilliance, or alternatively, wander through the town to discover the charming cafes and shops. CAPEL-LE-FERNE Capel-le-Ferne proudly hosts the Battle of Britain Memorial, honouring the valiant heroes who secured victory from July 10 to October 31. Initiated by the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust and opened by the Queen Mother in 1993, it features a poignant propeller-shaped base with a carved pilot figure by Harry Gray at its heart. Replicas of a Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire stand as tributes alongside the Christopher Foxley-Norris Memorial Wall, bearing the names of nearly 3,000 fighter aircrew. The site's centrepiece, 'The Wing,' boasts a striking Spitfire wing-shaped visitor centre. Ascend to the first floor 'cockpit' area for panoramic views across the Channel to France, offering insight into the historic battleground. DOVER CASTLE Perched atop the White Cliffs, Dover Castle stands as a sentinel over the English Channel, boasting a storied past spanning over nine centuries. Revered as the 'key to England,' its strategic significance has shaped the nation's history. From its inception after 1066, Dover Castle witnessed royal intrigue and endured epic sieges, embodying the resilience of the realm. During World War II, it once again became a bastion of defence, serving as a vital command centre for naval operations. The tunnels beneath the castle cliffs became the nerve centre for orchestrating the miraculous Dunkirk evacuation in 1940. Today, visitors can explore the castle's imposing ramparts, delve into its labyrinthine tunnels, and immerse themselves in its rich history through interactive exhibits. Dover Castle stands as a testament to England's indomitable spirit and its enduring legacy as a guardian of the realm. NEW EXHIBITION: Dover Castle Under Siege (Opens 22nd July 2024) A major new attraction, Dover Castle Under Siege, will tell the story of the castle’s most challenging times through immersive interactive displays and reopened medieval tunnels.

Take a guided walking tour of Rochester, the city that inspired Charles Dickens, and see the town through the eyes of a character from a different time period. Choose from a variety of characters, including Charles Dickens' estranged wife, a Napoleonic officer, and more. Start your tour on Corporation Street, opposite the Rochester station main exit, by the coach bays. Enter the High Street via a discreet entrance via the French Hospital. Discover tales of pilgrims, refugees, agitators, soldiers, sailors, and prisoners from around the world, seeking release and sanctuary, with a new life in the historic streets of Rochester. Gain an understanding of the place that directly inspired the great works of Charles Dickens and Rochester's part in world events. Along the way, learn about the evolution of a cathedral city through time, built on wealth from the river and the dockyard at Chatham. See Almshouses, Dean's Gate, Rochester Cathedral, the church of St. Nicholas, Jasper's Gate, Two Post Alley, the George Vaults, the Guildhall, The Bull Hotel, the Royal Crown, Rochester Bridge Trust, Castle Gardens, Rochester Castle, Baker's Walk, Satis House, Longley House, Boley Hill, Minor Canons Row, The Vines, Restoration House, the memorial to the last known sighting of Dickens, Eastgate House, the Swiss Chalet, and the Six Poor Travellers. Choose which period you want to see the old city in, through the eyes of a character from that time, pointing out the visible and invisible remains of the influence of that time on modern Medway. The walking tour takes in close-up views of the castle and cathedral and illuminates 22 sites, 4 city gates, and many hidden delights in ways which only a time traveler can discover.

Total Duration: 10 hours Rochester Castle, Castle Hill, Rochester ME1 1SW England, 2 hours Canterbury Cathedral, 11 The Precincts, Canterbury CT1 2EH England, 2 hours Leeds Castle Penfold Hill Leeds, Maidstone ME17 1PL England, 2 hours The White Cliffs of Dover, Upper Road Langdon Cliffs, Dover CT16 1HJ England, 30 minutes Stonehenge, Salisbury SP4 7DE England, 1 hour Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta, 6 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EF England, 1 hour Lower Woodford, Lower Woodford, Wiltshire, England, 1 hour Windsor Castle, Castle Hill, Windsor SL4 1PD England, 1 hour We offer unique private tours. Using a luxury vehicle. We can collect you from.london.conduct a tour and drop.you at your cruise ship.or Airport. We can take upto 8 passengers. 6 passengers including luggage. We collect and drop off at your accommodation. We can guide you to the locations. We are very experienced and very knowledgeable and friendly. We have over 16 years experience. Check us out on trip advisor. We will collect you from your cruise ship and arrange a wonderful days tour. Using back rds for you. We can collect you from your ship and take you on a tour.Dropping you at your next destination or Airport. Or back to your ship or Airport. We are very flexible.