11 AWESOME things to do in Rochester, Kent
Looking for the best things to do in Rochester, Kent? You’ve come to the right place.
Rochester is a picturesque gem nestled in the heart of Kent, South East England.
With its diocese dating back to AD 604, it proudly holds the title of the second oldest in England.
This charming town oozes character, seamlessly blending its rich historical tapestry from Tudor to Victorian times.
Small but mighty, Rochester is brimming with things to do and it’s one of the best day trips from London.
Wander through quirky independent shops, soak up the scenic beauty along the Medway River, and journey back in time at some the town’s many historical sites.
It’s no wonder Rochester was a favourite of Kent’s own Charles Dickens, who immortalised Rochester’s charm in his short stories.
Curious about the best things to do in Rochester, Kent?
Read on below to find out more!
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The best things to do in Rochester
Walk through the cobbled streets
Number one on the list of the best things to do in Rochester, Kent is taking a leisurely stroll down the High Street.
What I absolutely love about quaint British towns are the historical buildings, cobbled streets, and cheerful bunting that adorns the roads—and Rochester has all three in spades.
The High Street is a delightful walk from end to end, bursting with charm and character.
Picture this: Tudor cottages and 17th-century townhouses lining the streets, each with its own story to tell, making every step feel like a walk through history.
Have brunch at Cafe Nucleus
Cafe Nucleus is an award-winning gem and the top-rated cafe in Rochester. Come here for a delicious brunch and soak in the beautiful interiors.
Cafe Nucleus prides itself on delivering not just amazing food, but a full-on culinary experience. This is one spot you definitely don’t want to miss!
Looking for more UK inspiration? Check out my other guides here.
Explore Rochester Cathedral
Rochester Cathedral has been a beacon of Christian worship since AD 604, proudly standing as the second oldest cathedral in the UK after Canterbury Cathedral, which is just a scenic 50-minute drive away.
This architectural marvel boasts stunning Norman and Gothic influences, offering a feast for the eyes and a journey through centuries of history.
Since the 13th century, Rochester Cathedral has been a cherished pilgrimage site, and it still draws pilgrims from near and far today.
While you’re free to wander on your own, a guided tour for just £5—bookable upon arrival—will give you fascinating insights into it’s the Cathedral’s past.
Don’t miss the chance to climb to the top of Rochester Castle’s towering keep for some truly breathtaking views.
Exploring Rochester Cathedral is a must-do, and it’s easily one of the best ways to experience the charm and history of Rochester, Kent.
Wander around the old castle
Right across from the impressive Rochester Cathedral, you’ll find the equally stunning Rochester Castle.
This amazing piece of Norman Romanesque architecture, with its sturdy stone walls and tall keep, was built to guard an important river crossing on the Medway.
Put up in 1080 by Gundulf, the Bishop of Rochester, it’s one of the oldest buildings of its kind in England.
Rochester Castle has seen it all—sieges, fires, and centuries of history. Despite all that, it still stands strong, a proud reminder of Britain’s past.
These days, you can explore its historic grandeur and even catch a movie in its unique open-air cinema.
Picture watching a film under the stars, surrounded by ancient walls that have stood for centuries—a perfect mix of old and new.
You can grab a ticket to explore the castle for just £7.50 via the English Heritage website.
Admire Rochester Bridge and walk along the River Medway
Rochester Bridge in Medway has been the go-to crossing over the River Medway for ages.
The current iron bridge has been holding up since 1914.
Take a walk across it, away from the high street, and head over to the Strood side for an awesome view of Rochester Castle and Rochester Cathedral.
Browse the boutique and Vintage stores
Pick up unique gifts for friends, family, or yourself at one of the many boutique and vintage stores along Rochester High Street.
Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s totally worth taking a stroll to check out the beautiful displays.
These shops have a fun mix of handmade crafts, quirky antiques, and cool fashion finds, making window shopping a blast.
You’ll come across everything from artisanal jewellery and vintage clothes to one-of-a-kind home decor.
The lively and eclectic vibe of these stores adds to Rochester’s charm, making it one of the best things to do in Rochester.
I would definitely recommend having a browse at the beautiful displays at Field Staff Antiques.
Six poor travellers house
The Six Poor Travellers House in Rochester, Kent, is a cool historical spot from the 16th century.
It was set up by Richard Watts in 1579 to give six poor travellers a free place to stay for a night, along with some food and a little bit of money.
Today, this charming Tudor house, with its cosy courtyard and old-timey furniture, is a museum where you can get a feel for the past and see how people used to help those in need.
Charles Dickens also describes the house and the charity in one of his short stories named “The Seven Poor Travellers.”
Guildhall Museum
Located on Rochester High Street, the beautiful Guildhall Museum is a 17th-century treasure. Step inside to be amazed by its stunning traditional interiors and incredible exhibits.
Highlights include a 200,000-year-old axe you can actually touch, civic silver and regalia from Medway’s history, and the world’s most complete set of 18th-century cabinet maker’s tools.
Pick up some treats from the local deli’s
There are lots of independent cafes along Rochester High Street, so it’s definitely worth it to pop in and grab some one-of-a-kind goodies.
I would highly recommend popping into The Cheese Room for some cheesy treats.
As a cheese fanatic, this was one of my favourite things to do in Rochester.
Go on a Charles Dickens walking tour
If you are a fan of Charles Dickens then this Charles Dickens walking tour will be right up your street.
If there’s one literary name tied to Rochester, it’s Charles Dickens.
One of the most popular walking tours to do in Rochester takes you through the town’s many spots that inspired the work of Charles Dickens.
You’ll see places from ‘The Pickwick Papers,’ ‘Great Expectations,’ ‘The Seven Poor Travellers,’ and his unfinished ‘The Mystery of Edwin Drood.’
Head out on this fun tour and learn more about Dickens’ life and how he became the highest-earning author in the world by the time he died in 1870.
If you want to take things to the next level, you can also book on to a costume- guided Charles Dickens tour where you will see Rochester through the eyes of a Victorian.
Go swimming at St Andrew’s Lakes
St Andrews Lakes used to be a quarry but is now a beautiful lake with a man-made beach.
You can swim, paddleboard, fish, and even scuba dive there.
It’s only a 15-minute drive from the town centre and is definitely worth visiting on a nice sunny day.
Just remember to book ahead otherwise you might not be able to enter.
How to get to Rochester?
There are 3 easy ways to get to Rochester: car, train or coach.
Car
From Central London, Rochester is just a 1hr 20-minute drive. There are a few car parks in the town which you can find below:
- Almon Place car park
- High Street Furrells car park
- Cathedral Rochester car park
- Boley Hill car park
- Rochester Riverside car park
Train
By train, you can be in Rochester in just 40 minutes from London Victoria Station.
Tickets start from just £15 one way and you check out ticket prices here.
Coach
You can book a coach from London Victoria coach station to the town of Gillingham with National Express for just £6 one way.
From Gillingham, you get on a train, bus or even walk to Rochester.
Where to stay in Rochester?
If you’re planning on staying the night in Rochester, some of the best hotels in Rochester include:
FAQ’s about Rochester, Kent
Is Rochester, UK worth visiting?
Yes, Rochester is worth visiting, especially if you are looking for a quick and easy day trip from London.
With a rich history spanning centuries, Rochester is packed with incredible sights and activities.
There’s so much to explore in this historic gem of a city!
What is Rochester, Kent most famous for?
Rochester is most famous for its rich history.
Right in the centre, you’ll find the impressive Rochester Cathedral and castle.
Plus, there are loads of other historic buildings and famous people such as Charles Dickens linked to the area.
Happy Exploring
I hope this blog post has helped you uncover all of the best things to do in Rochester, Kent.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
