Town Profile
Castle and cathedral Guarding an important crossing point on the River Medway and the old road to London, Rochester Castle is one of the best preserved keeps in England or Wales and well worth a visit. Its gardens are an ideal picnic spot. Just across the road, the tall spire of
Rochester Cathedral dominates the scene. Founded in 604AD, this beautiful place of worship is the second oldest cathedral in England and attracts tourists from all over the world. The cathedral is open daily from
7.30am to 6pm (5pm on Saturdays) with free admission to individuals although donations are welcome. A small charge applies to groups and audio guides cost £1 per person. The cathedral tea room is an ideal place to stop for that much needed rest when visiting. Rochester Castle has survived three sieges, although it was partly demolished in 1215 by King John. The determined monarch gained entry by undermining the south- east tower, using the fat of 40 pigs to set fire to the pit props. The castle is open daily from 10am to 4pm in October to March and until 6pm during the rest of the year. Last admission is 45 minutes before closing.
Farmers Market If you happen to be in town on the third Sunday of every month, head for Corporation Street where there’s a popular farmer’s market selling a wide variety of fresh local produce at affordable prices. The next ones are on October 20 and November 17.
Dickens Christmas December 7-8 Start the festive shopping in Dickensian style when some of the author’s best- known characters come to life and wander around Rochester’s historic High Street. Highlights include Victorian parades and a candlelit procession with carols.
Food and drink
Family fun History buffs would also enjoy a visit to nearby Upnor Castle on the opposite bank of the River Medway. Built to protect Queen Elizabeth’s warships when moored in the river, the castle proved ineffective when the Dutch fleet arrived in 1667 and captured a large number of ships anchored at Chatham. The Historic Dockyard
at nearby Chatham is the world’s most complete dockyard of the age of sail, with a fantastic range of attractions including three warships. Allow plenty of time for your visit as there is a huge amount to see and do.
Other places of interest
just a few minutes drive away include Dickens World at Chatham Maritime. This family
attraction offers the chance to jump on board the Great Expectations Boat Ride or get spooked in the Haunted House of 1859. Or you can take a step back in time
to the Dickensian era and speak when spoken to in the Victorian classroom. Just a stone’s throw away, Diggerland
provides action-packed buckets of fun for all the family. There’s a chance to ride and drive real full-size construction machinery - no driving licence required.
Whatever your taste in food there are lots of places to eat and drink. Enjoy a coffee and cake, lunch or afternoon tea in one of the many bistros, cafes and tea rooms, or traditional home-made pub fare. Al fresco dining is popular during the summer on the pedestrianised areas of the High Street For evening meals there is a wide
choice of restaurants including Chinese, Indian, Thai and Italian cuisine. There are also lots of places to enjoy a drink, ranging from contemporary wine bars such as the City Walls to the cosy and ancient Coopers’ Arms. Look out for Rochester Bitter, a special ale produced in the micro- brewery at the Historic Dockyard, Chatham, and available at several pubs in Rochester.
Mid Kent Living 21
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