The City of Rochester has grown from a little Saxon village to a historic city representing one of England finest cities. Romans came over in 43AD and made Rochester one of their most important towns by building a stronghold and a bridge over the River Medway.
It wasn't until 1088 after the Norman invasion that Rochester had its first stone castle built on the remains of the old Roman Fort. The then King, Rufus asked his Bishop Gundulf, an architect, to build him a stone castle and later a magnificent Cathedral, which is the second oldest in the country. Bishop Gundolf also built a leper hospital namely St. Bartholomew's which was the oldest hospital in the country, albeit the original hospital has since disappeared.
One of Rochester most famous connections is that with Charles Dickens. His family moved to Chatham when his was five years of age. After moving away from Chatham he later returned to Gad's Hill place in Higham. By then many of his novels were published and read around the world. However, he died whilst writing his novel "The Mystery of Edwin Drood". Many of Dickens novels included references to Rochester and the surrounding area where today two festivals are held in his honour, the Dickens and Dickensian Christmas Festival.
Many other festivals are held in Rochester: from May, with the 'Sweeps Festival' , July with the Summer Concerts held in the castle grounds, through to the 'Dickensian Christmas' and the lamp light procession through the streets of Rochester. Not only are there celebrations and festivals going on throughout the year, there is also Rochester's quaint Victorian High Street containing many of the original shops of the time.
The City of Rochester in the county of Kent is situated some 20 miles south east of the capital of England, London. The City of Rochester is also within easy reach of mainland Europe and is only one and half hours from France by train.
Attraction
Charles Dickens Centre
Dickens Gad's Hill Place
Guildhall Museum
Restoration House
Rochester Castle
Rochester Cathedral
RSPB Northwood Hill Reserve
Six Poor Travellers House
Temple Manor
Upnor Castle
Care Home
Friston House
Rochester House
Winchester House
Council
Farmers Market
Golf Club
Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club
Health and Fitness Club
Esporta Health and Fitness
Rochester Health and Fitness Centre
Yogaworks
Market
Rochester Farmers MarketSeaham Car Boot
Pub and Bar
Bell
Britannia Inn
City Wall
George
Good Intent
Holiday Inn Rochester - Chatham
Horseshoe
Jolly Knight
Kings Head
Man Of Kent Alehouse
North Foreland
Rising Sun
Sans Pareil
Two Brewers
Watermans Arms
School
Gad's Hill School
King's Preparatory School
King's School Rochester
Taxi
Ace Taxis
Frindsbury Taxis
HWS Taxis of Rochester
Vet
Christmas Lane Veterinary Surgery
Sports Clubs
Holborough Anchorians CC (Cricket)
Holcombe (Men's Hockey)
Holcombe (Women's Hockey)
Medway Golden Gloves Amateur Boxing Club (Boxing)
Medway RFC (Rugby Union)
Medway Yacht (Sailing)
Old Williamsonians RFC (Rugby Union)
Wilsonian Sailing Club (Sailing)
Shops
World of Difference
Fletcher Ian
Francis Iles Galleries
The Fine Art Gallery
Mollycoddles of Rochester
Rochester Cameras
Hot Crocs
Rochester Fireplaces
Nimbus Lighting
Antiques
Fieldstaff Antiques
City Antiques Ltd
Amhuerst Auctions Ltd
Fieldstaff Antiques
Places to Stay near Rochester
Lightship16 Apartments (1.39 miles)
King Charles Hotel (1.50 miles)
The Ship & Trades (1.86 miles)
One of the jewels in Shepherd Neame's crown, The Ship & Trades is a spacious and stylish pub with accommodation overlooking a yacht basin.
The upstairs level has marvellous views across the Medway towards Upnor Castle ... More | visit website
Holiday Inn Rochester - Chatham (2.92 miles)
A warm welcome awaits you at the Holiday Inn Rochester - Chatham hotel situated within easy reach of the Medway towns of Rochester, Chatham and Gillingham. Plentiful on-site parking is available for all our guests. Our ... More | visit website
Premier Inn Gillingham (3.19 miles)
Bridgewood Manor (3.29 miles)
Bridgewood Manor Hotel is conveniently situated for excellent shopping at Bluewater and sightseeing at the historical city of Rochester, the fascinating Chatham Historic dockyards and the new Dickens World attraction. This hotel offers fine dining ... More | visit website
Travelodge Medway M2 (3.86 miles)
There are loads of reasons our customers choose to stay at Travelodge. Our great value clean and comfortable rooms with en-suite provide everything needed for a good night's sleep and are close to where people ... More | visit website
Premier Inn Gillingham A2 (4.07 miles)
Inn on the Lake (4.26 miles)
Premier Inn Gravesend (A2/Singlewell) (5.67 miles)
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