24hrs in..
Spending a day in Rochester will leave you with just one problem – finding enough time to fit everything in.
With its wonderful blend of ancient and modern, Rochester has an
amazing choice of things to see and do.
Great Expectations Steeped in history and dominated by the Norman castle and cathedral, the cobbled High Street is an ideal place to start exploring. The names above many of the shops
and businesses, such as Topes, Ebenezer’s and Peggoty’s Parlour, recall the town’s links with Charles Dickens. The great writer loved Rochester and featured many of its quaint and historic buildings in his novels.
Shop till you drop Famous for its Dickens and Sweeps festivals, when the town gets into carnival mood and costumed characters parade through the streets, Rochester also offers much throughout the year. As well as a great selection of places
to eat and drink, there are lots of specialist shops and boutiques to browse. The High Street is a shopper’s paradise with an eclectic range of goods on offer from antiques and collectables to clothes, jewellery, craftwork, home accessories and rare books. The town centre has a unique style, as there are none of the usual big retail chains. But it more than makes up for it with it with a large number of traditional shops, many of them family- owned and offering personalised customer service. It’s the perfect place to look for a special gift or treat yourself to something that little bit different. Specialist shops include Baggins
Follow in the footsteps of Dickens by
taking yourself on a walking tour around the historic heart of the town and see the attractions that feature in his stories. These include the Guildhall Museum, which is free to visit, Six Poor Travellers House, and Eastgate House where you can see the chalet in the garden where Dickens used to write. Just round the corner is Restoration House, the inspiration for Miss Havisham’s decaying home in Great Expectations, which is open to the public on some days during the summer. Call in at the Visitor Information Centre in the High Street where you can obtain a leaflet with map for £1.
20 Mid Kent Living
Books - a treasure trove of antiquarian books, claiming to be the largest second-hand bookshop in England, Francis Iles, which has a huge range of arts and crafts on sale, and Dickens House Wine Emporium where you buy fine wines and cigars.
Places to stay
At the end of your memorable day out, you will also find a wide choice of places to stay including the Premier Inn at nearby Medway Valley Leisure Park or the Holiday Inn which is conveniently close to the M2 motorway link at Chatham. For a central base for exploring, the Gordon Hotel in the High Street is a lovely old building opposite the cathedral and close to the castle. Full restaurant facilities, all en suite rooms and ample parking are available. There are also lots of comfortable bed and breakfasts located in the town and surrounding areas. Orchard B&B at nearby Cliffe Woods offers self-contained accommodation overlooking orchards, as its name suggests. All rooms have TV, WiFi and en suites.
A familiar sight – and noise - in the High Street is Rochester’s red-robed town crier who rings his bell and calls out newsworthy announcements. With such an interesting location, he’s certainly got plenty to shout about.
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