Eastgate House
Eastgate House
Eastgate House
Eastgate House
The Swiss Chalet at Eastgate House
This Grade I listed 16th and 17th Century townhouse is one of the most impressive and distinctive buildings on Rochester’s historic High Street. It also has many fascinating stories to tell…
Once the family home of Sir Peter Buck, a senior officer at the Royal Tudor Dockyard, the house has also been a Victorian boarding school, a hostel, a museum and an inspiration to the great author Charles Dickens.
As part of a £2.2million Heritage Lottery Funded project, Eastgate House underwent major refurbishment works and is now open to the public.
Many of the building's original features and decorative schemes have been carefully restored, and new heating and lighting has been installed. The second floor of the house is open to visitors for the first time in more than 40 years.
Visitors to the house can explore the amazing rooms of the house while learning the remarkable story of those who lived, worked and played here throughout the centuries.
In the gardens of the house stands Dickens’ Swiss Chalet, used by the author as his study at his home at Gad’s Hill Place.
For details of upcoming events at the house visit www.friendsofeastgatehouse.org or follow House on Facebook and Twitter.
Step inside Eastgate House and explore a maze of beautiful rooms and displays telling the stories of those who lives there throughout the centuries.
The splendid oak-panelled ceremony room at Eastgate House features a gorgeous fireplace and offers a true sense of occasion.
Eastgate is a ceremony-only venue that seats 40 guests.
Sunday, 9 March 2025, 2 & 4pm
Dramatic performances, quotes and readings from Jane Austen’s greatest works.
Tickets: £10
Please book via the link below or call 01634 332700
Sat, 12, Sun, 13 and Sat, 19 Apr at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm, 3.30pm and 5pm
Back by popular demand. Come and celebrate the 160th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s classic children’s story, with this magical theatre performance.
Customer reviews of last year’s show:
“Great show, brilliant actors, and very funny.”
“The children loved the show and the interactive nature. It was lovely to be so close to the show.”
Tickets: £12 (adult), £8 (children - suitable for ages 4+)
Sat, 31 May and Sun, 1 Jun at 11am to 4pm
A weekend of colourful characters and crazy costumes, suitable for all ages.
Come and learn about the weird and wonderful traditions of Steampunk. Includes a demonstration of Tea Duelling and Familiar Flinging – you won’t want to miss it!
Free with admission to the house.
Sun, 27 Jul at 11am and 2pm
Back in Rochester by popular demand! Rah Rah Theatre present a fun fifty-five-minute show with songs, dancing, and a friendly bear. Bring along a picnic and your favourite teddy. Ideal for children aged 2-6.
Ticket holders can enjoy free admission to Eastgate House and Tiny Teds Trail.
Tickets: £8 (adult), £5 (children aged 2-16 years) and U2's free.
*All children must be accompanied by at least one adult.
Tickets go on sale Monday, 7 April.
Book here.
Sat 3, Sun 4, Mon 5, Sat 10, Sun 11, Sat 17, Sun 18, Sat 24, Sun 25, Mon 26 May
10am to 5pm (last admission 4.15pm)
In folklore gnomes bring good luck to the home, and they are hiding all around the house for the merry month of May! Find all the groovy gonks and solve their puzzle with our fun trail.
Free (with admission to the house). No booking required.
Sat, 26 Jul - Sun, 31 Aug, weekends and bank holiday Mon only from 10am to 5pm (last admission 4.15pm)
Have lots of fun exploring the house and finding all our tiny teddies hiding about the place.
Free (with admission to the house).
Admission prices from 29 March 2025:
For private hire, weddings and educational visits please email.
The house will be closed for the following dates for weddings:
The house will be open for Event ticket holders only on:
Address
Eastgate House
High Street, Rochester, Kent
ME1 1EW
Open weekends only (except during events) from 10am-5pm (last admission 4.15pm). Open bank holiday Mondays. Open Wednesday to Sunday during Easter (5-20 April) and October school holidays (18-26 October). Open 3-7, 10-14, 17-23 and 27-28 December (Weekends resume from 3 January 2026).
