Chatham - one of Kent's five Medway towns - is a place of remarkable contrasts. The town centre, a cheerful shopping area, betrays little of its own extraordinary history. Only minutes away stands the most extensive concentration of listed buildings in the UK: Chatham's 80-acre Historic Dockyard is the world's most complete example of a dockyard in the Age of Sail. Ancient ships, preserved buildings and museum exhibits recall a dramatic maritime tradition which began with the foundation of this Royal Navy base by Henry VIII. For 400 years, guards protected the privacy of the yard as it constructed ships (famously Nelson's HMS Victory), repaired them, and sent them off to join the Spanish Armada, or the Falklands fleet. In 1984, the dockyards were closed but subsequently opened to the public for the first time, and families now flock to see Victorian sloops, WW2 destroyers, 1960s submarines and important parts of the historic Cutty Sark, taken to Chatham for restoration before a 2007 fire engulfed the vessel in Greenwich. The dockyard complex includes a unique RNXS museum, the Kent Police Museum which exhibits a human scalp, and river cruises on the country's last coal-fired paddle steamer. Nearby is the fascinating Fort Amherst, a perfect Georgian structure built to defend the dockyards, with tunnels and caverns gouged out of the chalk cliffs. Chatham's latest big attraction, the £62 million Dickens World, recreates Victorian England as experienced by the legendary author, who spent a happy childhood in Chatham from 1817 to 1822. For contemporary entertainment, Chatham has two theatres. the Central Theatre presents shows, films, concerts, comedy, panto and plays, while the Brook Theatre also functions as an arts centre. Wildlife lovers enjoy the riverside bird sanctuaries. Darland Banks, running between Chatham and Gillingham, is the biggest stretch of countryside in Medway.
Attraction
Buckmore Park Karting Ltd
Dickens World
Fort Amherst Heritage Park and Caverns
Historic Dockyard Chatham (The)
Old Brook Pumping Station
Paddle Steamer Kingswear Castle
Camping
Classes
Dance - Dance Alley
Yoga - Jennifer Bentley
Club
Doctor
Princes Park Medical Centre
The Halfway Surgery
The Medical Centre
Tunbury Avenue Surgery
Walderslade Medical Centre
Health and Fitness Club
Inn
Performing Arts
Central Theatre
Fernando Abba Tribute Show
Kings Theatre
Pub and Bar
Command House
General At Sea
Kestrel
Kings Arms
New Fox & Hounds
Robin Hood
Royal George
Upper Bell Inn
Von Alten
Restaurant
Bridgewood Manor
Panda Garden
Paramount Restaurant
Robin Hood
Spice Fusion
Spice Provence
Solicitor
Taxi
Cab 24 TaxisChariot Taxis
Taxi Freephone
Theatre
Vet
Sports Clubs
Medkwai Judo Club (Martial Arts)
Walderslade Judo Club (Martial Arts)
Wigmore CC (Cycling)
Shops
Ottakar's PLC
Ginger Lily
Boots
Early Learning Centre
Discount Pet Supplies
Palmers Pharmacy
Better Eyes
J & J Shoes
Esquires Menswear
Waterstones
BodyShop
PC World
Wickes
Holland and Barratt
H Samuel
Homebase
Specsavers
J J B Sports
Pets At Home
Buds 2 Blooms
P J Steel Jewellers
Antiques
Activities
Linton Motor Yacht Charters(Boat Trips and Cruises)
Kent Cycling Association(Cycling)
Buckmore Park Karting Ltd(Motor Sports)
Places to Stay near Chatham
Woodlands B&B (0.81 miles)
Howfield Manor Hotel (0.83 miles)
Howfield Manor is located in the heart of the Kent countryside and set in five acres of landscaped gardens. Visiting Canterbury and the surrounding villages, avoid the traffic by staying ... More
Homelea Bed & Breakfast (1.46 miles)
Homelea b&b” a countryside residence, backing onto the river Stour and North Downs Way, yet only three and a half mile drive from the beautiful Cathedral City of Canterbury. We ... More
Old Alma (1.88 miles)
Iffin Farmhouse (2.22 miles)
Luxury Bed & Breakfast in the best of both worlds ... More | visit website
Travelodge Canterbury Dunkirk (2.34 miles)
The Travelodge Canterbury Dunkirk is situated just 5 miles from the historic town centre of Canterbury at the Gate Service area. The hotel is also within easy reach of many major attractions such as Canterbury ... More | visit website
Thanington Hotel (2.45 miles)
This superior Georgian Bed and Breakfast Hotel, with its beautiful, spacious and tranquil accommodation, is only minutes walk to the City centre and Cathedral.
An oasis in a busy tourist city, we ... More
Woolpack Inn (2.46 miles)
Tudor beamed houses surround this cosy inn, which is graced by the Grey Lady, a resident, but friendly, ghost! Probably one of the cosiest inns in Kent, if not in England, ... More
Victoria Hotel (2.62 miles)
"A comfortable modern hotel and restaurant with traditional character and charm" The Victoria is situated a short walk from the heart of the wonderful city of Canterbury. Spacious rooms with all modern ... More
Anns house (2.71 miles)
Traditional victorian house situated close to the city centre, railway stations and bus station. Comfortable rooms with en-suite bathrooms and FREE Wi-Fi internet access. All our rooms are fully equiped ... More
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