If you are looking for a day trip from London, then the charming and history-rich destination of Rochester is a fantastic choice. Just a short train ride away from central London, you can be admiring medieval architecture and shopping in the quaint, independent shops in no time at all
In this guide, I will cover everything you need to know about planning the perfect day trip to Rochester from London including: How to get there; Things to Do; Where to Eat and tips for making the most of your visit.
Why visit Rochester, Kent?
It is one of the best historic towns near London to explore in just one day. Originally a city, granted during the reign of Henry III in 1227. It lost it’s city status in 1998 when a new local authority, Medway Council, was created for the group of Medway Towns in the area.
Read more: Rochester City Status
Rochester started life as a small Saxon village but became quite an important town to the Romans in 43AD when they built a stronghold and bridge over the River Medway. It was on the site of the original Roman Fort that King Rufus in 1088 had the stone castle built which is still standing today. Opposite the Castle, he also asked his architect, Bishop Gundulf, to build the existing Cathedral
Charles Dickens, the famous Victorian author lived in the area growing up. He based many of his novels in Rochester and surrounds. Many of the houses and buildings were incorporated in Dickens’ novels. Spot the blue plaques as you walk around the high street.
Things to Do in Rochester
Explore Rochester Castle
The Norman stone keep is the tallest in the country. It is fascinating to walk around the perimeter walls from the basement all the way up to the very top to experience the far-reaching views over the town and Kent countryside.
I visited at Easter when they gave children an Easter treasure hunt with a small prize at the end. There isn’t much to do other than walk around the outer corridors as the centre of the Keep is hollow but is definitely worth the half hour visit. To make the most of your visit, pick up an audio guide from the entrance desk.
It is not free to visit but is part of English Heritage. If you are a member, it is included in your membership.
Visit Rochester Cathedral
I loved this Cathedral. We were given such a warm welcome by the Greeters on the door. We were told, that although this is the second oldest Cathedral in the country, (with Canterbury being the oldest) it was a very close call with Canterbury Cathedral being built first due to finances only as the land was bought at the same time.
Make sure you visit the Medieval Crypt as not only has it got a beautiful café but has an exhibition showcasing the events from the last 1400 years.
We enjoyed walking around, admiring the magnificent organ and seeing the Chapter doorway into the library.
It is free to visit with donations welcome.
Self-guided walking tour
To make the most of your day, I would recommend following this self-guided walking tour. I managed to see most of the places on this but my son quickly became bored of walking so we didn’t finish it unfortunately.
I was particularly taken with La Providence, the old Frech Hospital. It was converted into apartments for the elderly Huguenot’s. It also has a little short cut to the train station in the far left corner (as you are looking from the High Street).
Guided tour
If you prefer to join a guided tour, then if you are visiting between April and October you can join this free, 90 minute walking tour. Hosted by the City of Rochester Society on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2.15pm, meeting outside The Huguenot Museum.
Walk down the High Street
I want to return and visit the shops here. My son does not like shopping! This Victorian High Street has many independent shops that you could spend all afternoon browsing in. There are quite a few vintage shops so make sure you bring a shopping bag.
I particularly enjoyed wandering around Baggins Book Store. At first glance, it is just a small, second hand book shop, but it doesn’t stop at the back wall, there are warrens of rooms and piles of books everywhere. You could seriously spend a couple of hours in here alone!
Eastgate House is worth a visit if you are interested in Charles Dickens as his original Swiss Chalet, used as his study, is in the gardens. As a Grade 1 listed 16th century townhouse, it has been used as family home and as a Victorian boarding school.
The Guildhall Museum is on the High Street near the Cathedral. Built in 1687, it featured in Dickens’ novel Great Expectations and now tells the story of Medway from its Roman origins to the present day.
Walk along the River Medway
If you are after a break from shopping or looking at Medieval architecture then you could blow away some cobwebs by taking a walk along the River. If you just want to take a look at the view, then the best place is from the castle grounds. You can see more from the top of the Keep but you can see the bridges and river from the grounds just as well.
Best Places to Eat in Rochester
The Cheese Room Deli
I didn’t get the time to eat here but have heard amazing things. If you like cheese, then I can recommend the Cheese Barge back in London.
Morleys of Rochester Bakery
We stopped here for a snack and drink. It has a lovely pastry selection but not the most comfortable café. If you visit on a warm day, then I would recommend picking up a takeaway drink and snack and sitting in the grounds of the cathedral or castle.
The Crypt Café in the Cathedral
We ate lunch here. Simple sandwiches and Jacket potatoes but the glorious architecture left me in awe. It is pretty special. I liked the children’s play area to keep them entertained while you eat in peace!
Seasonal Events and Festivals in Rochester
Rochester Sweeps Festival
Held in May, over the Bank Holiday weekend, this lively folk and music festival has parades and Morris dancing. Originally, it was a celebration on the Chimney Sweeps’ annual holiday on 1st May. Now, there dance teams and bands with thousands of visitors over the weekend.
Dickens Festival
During the first week of June, it seems the whole of Rochester dresses up in Victorian costumes to celebrate the novels by Charles Dickens. Parading both the castle grounds and the High Street, you might get to see Ebenezer Scrooge, Miss Havisham or even Oliver Twist.
Rochester Christmas Market
Set in the grounds of the Castle, this festive market features stalls, food and mulled wine. This celebration has an emphasis on A Christmas Carol, so you will see many a Dickens’ character while you eat a roasted chestnut.
Getting To Rochester
Trains run from Victoria, St. Pancras and London Bridge taking approximately 40 minutes.
Book ahead to get the best price on tickets which should cost no more than £17 per person.
When you arrive at Rochester train station, you will need to cross over the main road. Look slightly to your left and you will see an alleyway leading to La Providence which is a short cut to the High Street. If you need Step free access, then follow the brown signs to the High Street to the right, instead.
If you have a car, then there is plenty of parking just by the High Street in Blue Boar Lane Car Park. This is just by the Roman Wall.
