Medway

City of Great Expectations

Medway is steeped in history and rich in maritime heritage.  Situated midway between London and the Channel Ports it’s been a stopping off point for eminent visitors for centuries, and the river famously divides “Kentish Men” from the “Men of Kent”. 

Step back in time with your own stop at historic Rochester a place loved and inspired by Charles Dickens that he featured it in his work more than any other city, other than London.  Many of the buildings found on the High Street carry plaques giving details how Dickens incorporated the site into his novels, and a gentle stroll around local sites and graveyards, will reveal where he found the names of many of his characters.  

Nearby, discover 400 years of maritime heritage at The Historic Dockyard, Chatham.  This was once home to the Royal Navy and the birthplace of many of Britain’s noblest ships from the Age of Sail.  Gain insight into Medway’s military past at the Royal Engineers Museum and the bravery of our soldier engineers.  

From Easter 2007, an exciting new visitor attraction will open in Chatham Maritime.  Dickens World based on the great author’s life, work and times will transport you back to the Victorian era.

If you relish being outdoors, whether walking, cycling or getting close to nature, the area’s countryside park and the RSPB nature reserves is a must. Or chill out aboard one of the last surviving coal-fired paddle steamer in the world, The Kingswear Castle, watching the breathtaking river scenery glide by.

For more information please visit www.medway.gov.uk/tourism

Historic Rochester

The ancient cathedral city of Rochester, with its Norman castle was place cherished by the Victorian novelist, Charles Dickens, who lived in the area as a child and returned as a successful author.  

Historic Rochester has maintained much of its Victorian charm – with its wide pavements, ornate lamp posts and buildings of great architectural and historic interest.  It is unique for the absence of the usual High Street names and boasts a wide choice of independent speciality shops where you can find that unusual gift or souvenir to take home.  There are ample of places to eat and drink on the High Street from the quaint old world to modern style bistros, to cafes and inns serving value for money lunches.

Many of the buildings that featured in the works of Dickens can still be seen today.  These include Restoration House, used in Dickens’ novel ‘Great Expectations’ as the home of Estella and Miss Havisham, The Six Poor Travellers House, immortalised by the author in a Christmas short story and the impressive Guildhall Museum of local history.  At the Guildhall Museum, visitors can learn more about the author and his works in the Dickens Discovery Room via a multi-lingual touch screen technology and film.

During the summer months, visitors can explore the city on foot with a local guide or they can literally follow in the footsteps of Dickens’ on a self-guided walking tour and see the buildings he wrote about in his works (leaflet available with map).

The city boasts a full calendar of lively and colourful events.  These include the famous Rochester Sweeps festival with loads of street entertainment, Summer Dickens Festival with parades of costumed characters and the Rochester Castle Summer Concerts, culminating with a spectacular firework display.  

Chatham

Chatham lies at the heart of Medway and is the largest of the three of towns.  In the centre of Chatham shoppers will find a fully pedestrianised High Street and the Pentagon Shopping centre with nearly 100 shops to choose from, indoor bowling alley and fitness centre.  The Brook and Central theatres located in the heart of the shopping area provide regular evening entertainment for all ages.

Naturally Chatham’s most famous attraction is The Historic Dockyard, dating back more than 400 years to the age of sail.  Today it is one of the world’s most important maritime heritage destinations and a prospective World Heritage Site along with its defences. 

On the attractive marina front at Chatham Maritime next to the dockyard is the Dockside Outlet Centre.  It is a great place for visitors to shop and purchase designer clothing, household items and accessories at discounted prices. 

From Easter 2007, adjacent to the shopping outlet centre Dickens World will be opening its doors.  Dickens World is an exciting £62m visitor complex themed around the life, books and times of one of Britain’s best loved authors, Charles Dickens.  Include in the complex is nine-screen cinema operated by Odeon, six branded restaurants and the Dickens World own themed restaurant.

Gillingham

Gillingham is an important retail centre serving the local community.  It has a twice weekly market which is ideal for the bargain hunters to wander around. 

The town has strong maritime and military connections with the nearby Historic Dockyard in Chatham, and Royal Engineers barracks based in the town.    To learn about the bravery or our soldier engineers from 1066 to the present day, a visit to the Royal Engineers Museum is a must.  The museum is Kent’s only designated museum of national importance and has 26 galleries, displays of military tanks, torpedoes, jump jets and exceptional items including Duke of Wellington’s battlemap used in the battle of Waterloo. 

Gillingham is also the birthplace of the Elizabethan seafarer, William Adams who founded the first Japanese navy and made famous of James’ Clavell’s novel shogan.   Today the town is twinned with the cities of Ito and Yokosuka in Japan and every September celebrates these connections and the life of seafarer at the Will Adams Festival.