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.
Sat, 8 Nov - Sun, 28 Dec, 10am-5pm
Discover unique gifts and stylish decorations in a charming Tudor setting.
Entry to the shop is free.
Sat, 20: 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm,
4pm, 5pm (quiet session)
Sun, 21: 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
Tue, 23: 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm (quiet session)
Come and hear a new festive story read by Victorian Father Christmas, dressed in his green robes.
Tickets:
To book your place, please call the house on 01634 332700 (Saturdays and Sundays).
Sat, 14, Wed, 18, Thu, 19, Fri, 20, Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 10am to 5pm (last admissions 4.15pm)
Explore Rochester’s most mysterious mansion this half term and learn about mythical creatures from the past.
Included with general admission to the house.
Sun 22, Sat 28 and Sun 29 Mar 2026, 12noon, 1.30pm, 3pm, 4.30pm and 6pm
From the company that brought you A Christmas Carol. Meet Pip, Miss Havisham, Magwitch and many more as you immerse yourself in an hour of dramatised scenes from Dickens’ masterpiece, performed in the majestic setting of a building he loved. Suitable for ages 12 and up.
£12.50
Tickets can be booked here or call 0333 666 3366
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 3-7, 10-14, 17-23 and 27-28 December (Weekends resume from 3 January 2026). Eastgate House will also be open 26-30 Nov.
