Rochester
Rochester
The historic town of Rochester sits on the River Medway, in Kent. With a beautiful cathedral and many museums, art galleries, historic houses and castles, shops, parks and gardens, there is plenty to occupy even the most restless of people.
This quaint town was the inspiration to many of Charles Dickens’ novels, with several buildings still in the town that feature in his work. Restoration House, for example, was used in Dickens’ novel Great Expectations as the home of Estella and Miss Havisham.
In the Guildhall Museum, there is extensive information on the local history of Rochester and a Dickens Discovery Room, which allows visitors to learn more about the author and his works via an interactive multi-lingual touch screen and a film.
Rochester Cathedral features striking Norman architecture and is the second oldest cathedral in England; founded in 604 AD, by Bishop Justus. The cathedral also features spectacular later Gothic style and a 14th century Chapter Library door (that can be viewed by special appointment).
The square keep of Rochester Castle and the gun fort that is now Upnor Castle both provide entertaining experiences and exciting stories that will grip and intrigue all visitors.
Today, Fort Amherst, the best surviving example of a Napoleonic fortress, built in 1756 in case of an invasion, and used as a civil defence centre for both world wars offers visitors: over 300 years of fascinating military history, 20 acres of parkland, daily tours of the underground tunnels and opportunities to investigate one of Kent’s most haunted locations.
There are many parks, reserves and gardens in and around Rochester, and all worth a visit. This luscious countryside provides ample farmland, woodland, lakes, meadows, wildlife, picnic areas, sculptures and events that run throughout the year.
Location
Rochester
Rochester
The historic town of Rochester sits on the River Medway, in Kent. With a beautiful cathedral and many museums, art galleries, historic houses and castles, shops, parks and gardens, there is plenty to occupy even the most restless of people.
This quaint town was the inspiration to many of Charles Dickens’ novels, with several buildings still in the town that feature in his work. Restoration House, for example, was used in Dickens’ novel Great Expectations as the home of Estella and Miss Havisham.
In the Guildhall Museum, there is extensive information on the local history of Rochester and a Dickens Discovery Room, which allows visitors to learn more about the author and his works via an interactive multi-lingual touch screen and a film.
Rochester Cathedral features striking Norman architecture and is the second oldest cathedral in England; founded in 604 AD, by Bishop Justus. The cathedral also features spectacular later Gothic style and a 14th century Chapter Library door (that can be viewed by special appointment).
The square keep of Rochester Castle and the gun fort that is now Upnor Castle both provide entertaining experiences and exciting stories that will grip and intrigue all visitors.
Today, Fort Amherst, the best surviving example of a Napoleonic fortress, built in 1756 in case of an invasion, and used as a civil defence centre for both world wars offers visitors: over 300 years of fascinating military history, 20 acres of parkland, daily tours of the underground tunnels and opportunities to investigate one of Kent’s most haunted locations.
There are many parks, reserves and gardens in and around Rochester, and all worth a visit. This luscious countryside provides ample farmland, woodland, lakes, meadows, wildlife, picnic areas, sculptures and events that run throughout the year.