Medway visitor guide 2014 by Medway Council

Medway

discover

Rochester Chatham Gillingham

2014/15

www.visitmedway.org

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Welcome to Medway Medway is one of the south-east’s most aspiring and developing destinations, marrying its celebrated heritage with a rapidly emerging continental-style cultural scene. It is ideally located, close to London and within easy reach of the channel ports. Medway takes its name from the magnificent river that flows through it and comprises of Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham, Rainham and Strood.

contents

Getting around

Transport links and travel information for Medway

Maps of the area

A quick visual guide of where the attractions can be found

Places to visit

The must-see sights in Medway

A bit of inspiration

A couple of ideas on how to make the most of your time

Over 1,000 years of history in one day

Explore Medway on our tourism open top bus Individually, the towns have their own place in history and unique identity – in particular Rochester with its iconic castle and cathedral and connections to Charles Dickens, and Chatham with its maritime and military heritage and defences. Together, they provide a diverse and exciting shared story visitor experience.

10 reasons to visit

A diverse and exciting destination

Retail therapy

An eclectic mix of shopping opportunities

Food for thought

Something on oﬀer for all tastes The area is the south-east’s festival and events capital – hosting more than 30 days of free festivals and events each year. From bustling street festivals, open air concerts and theatre performances to major international sporting events at Medway Park. Medway’s extensive regeneration programme has changed the area dramatically over the years. This is most evident at Chatham Waterfront with the restoration of Sun Pier now allowing regular leisure sailings, events and festivals to take place and Chatham Maritime with its attractive marina, shopping and leisure development.

What’s new?

There’s always an new attraction worth checking out

Dickensian Medway

Discover the many links we have with the famous author

Festivals and events

Over 30 days of free festivals - here are some highlights

Get active

A wide range of sporting activities are here to enjoy

A breath of fresh air

Wide open green spaces and riverside walks

Defence of the realm

Medway’s rich heritage at the frontline of defence As you browse through the pages of this guide, you will be amazed how much there is to see and do whatever your age or your passion. We look forward to welcoming you to Medway and helping you discover this maritime city in the making.

Frontline Medway

How we are remembering the outbreak of the Great War

From towers to tunnels

Ancient castles, impressive houses and secretive tunnels

Meander on the Medway Councillor Howard Doe

Making the most of the Medway estuary

Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Services

Family fun

28 31

Explore the child in all of us

Arts and culture

Something to stimulate, inspire and entertain

Where to stay

A selection of the many places to rest your head

Disclaimer: Inclusion of establishments in this publication does not imply recommendation or approval. While every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of the information, the publishers, their agents or employees cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omissions or subsequent amendments.

Written and designed by Medway Council’s Tourism and Communications Departments. Printed by The Marstan Press Limited, Kent. © Medway Council 2014 Reference: G8698/2014

A visit to Medway couldn’t be easier. We’re just 30 miles from London and 40 miles from the Channel ports and Eurotunnel. By road When travelling by road, there is easy access from London and the Kent coast on the M2/A2 and M20 motorways, linking with the M25. There are direct links from the A2/M2 to Rochester/Chatham/Gillingham via the A289 Medway Tunnel. If travelling by car, to find out about town centre parking visit www.medway.gov.uk Regular National Express coaches run from London Victoria to the area. For more information visit www.nationalexpress.com

Getting around

By rail Medway has five mainline rail stations – Strood, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham and Rainham. All have frequent services from London mainline stations. The high-speed train from St. Pancras takes just 35 minutes to reach Medway. Rail travel from Europe to Medway is faster and easier by Eurostar. To plan your rail journeys phone 08457 848950 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk Ebbsfleet International Station is only 20 minutes from Medway. For more information visit www.eurostar.com

Public transport (buses) A majority of bus services in Medway are provided by Arriva, although some services are provided by ASD coaches, Nu-Venture and Chalkwell. For details on bus routes throughout Medway and timetables visit www.medway.gov.uk/buses

Visit historic Rochester and Chatham by bus with Arriva Visit historic Rochester, The Historic Dockyard Chatham and Dickens World with Arriva’s 140/141 service that runs every 10 minutes, Monday to Saturday. The Arriva Inner Medway Ticket gives you flexibility to hop on and oﬀ at various places of interest along the route and if you’re staying longer, you can save by purchasing a weekly ticket. Tickets can be purchased from the bus driver.

Explore Medway aboard an open top bus From 26 July to 7 September 2014 the only open top bus in Kent will oﬀer a daily service to take you on a fascinating historical journey back in time visiting castles, houses of history, maritime heritage all while listening to our pre-recorded commentary. For further details see pages 10 and 11. For information on all public transport in Medway visit www.medway.gov.uk/buses or visit the Travel Information Centre at Chatham Waterfront Bus Station.

Medway Visitor Information Centre Medway Visitor Information Centre in Rochester is the ideal first port of call for a warm welcome for visitors to the area. The centre is located in the heart of historic Rochester, it is wheelchair accessible and oﬀers a full tourist information service, with gift shop, café with seating areas, art gallery and public conveniences. Call into the centre to pick-up information on local attractions, books, postcards and souvenirs to take home. If you are looking for a place to stay, the centre can provide advice and assistance with finding accommodation to suit your requirements and budget.

Medway Visitor Information Centre 95 High Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1LX Phone: 01634 338141 Fax: 01634 847891 Email: visitor.centre@medway.gov.uk Web: www.visitmedway.org

Where are we?

These maps will give you a quick guide to Medway and the many places of interest you can visit. For more detailed maps and routes please visit the Medway Map Service page on www.medway.gov.uk

Vanguard Way W

Frindsbury sb ry Road sbur

Medway Tunnell

Strood Strood

Pier Road

Dock Road D Station ta ation ti n Road R

High H ig gh Street g St

Boley Hilll

Street

High Street ett Vines Lane ne e

5 6

Rochester Ro ochester

Star Hill lll

JJeffery Street

w ay

Key

The T h Brook

New Road d

Nelson Road High h Street Strree e

1 0 10 Best B estt S e Street t

City y Way Wa

Place of interest (detailed list below)

Open top bus route and stopping points Chatham bus station National rail station

Maidstone e Road

New Road R ad

Chatham Cha atha tha am

Rock Avenue

Chatham m Hill Hilll

Canterbury Streett

Car park with more than 100 spaces Visitor Information Centre

10 4

High H igh g Street

Brompton Road d

11 11

Gillingham Gillingha am

Dock Road D

1 o 12 CCorporation 12

Prince Arthur Road P

Riv

Wood Street W

A228

A226

A289

LONDON

M2 M2

A226

A289

Strood Str rood

A231

A228

A289

Gillingham am G illingha 21

Rochester Rocheste oc r

A289 B2004

Chatham Cha atha am

A249 A2

Rainham Rainha am

A229 A22 A230

12A228

M2 M2

12 A278

A2 MAIDSTONE

P Places laces o of f iinterest nterest 1

Temple Manor

Eastgate House

R Rochester ochester C Castle astle

R Restoration estoration House

Guildhall M Museum useum

T The he C Central entral T Theatre heatre

R Rochester ochester C Cathedral athedral

Old Br Brook ook P Pumping umping S Station tation

Six P Poor oor Travellersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Travellersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; House

The he Br Brook ook T Theatre heatre 10 T

CANTERBURY & DOVER

Fort Fort Amherst Amherst

16 M Medway edway Park Park

The Historic Dockyard y Chatham

17 Ranscombe Farm Reserve

Dickens W World orld

18 Diggerland Diggerland

R Royal oyal Eng Engineers ineers Museum, Museum, Libr Library ary and Archive Archive

19 Upnor Castle Castle

T The he Gr Great eat Lines Her Heritage itage P Park ark

20 Capstone Capstone Farm Farm C Country ountry Park Park 21 Riverside Riverside Country Country Park Park and

Berengrave Berengrave Na Nature ture R Reserve eserve

Rochester Cathedral

Places to

Founded in 604AD, Rochester Cathedral is the second oldest in England. It’s been a place of pilgrimage and worship for over 1400 years.

The Historic Dockyard Chatham

The Precinct, Rochester, ME1 1SX Phone: 01634 843366 Email: visits@rochestercathedral.org Web: www.rochestercathedral.org

Dock Road, Chatham ME4 4TZ Phone: 01634 823800 Email: info@chdt.org.uk Web: www.thedockyard.co.uk

The Historic Dockyard Chatham is one of Britain’s leading maritime heritage destinations with historic warships, galleries, touring exhibitions and guided tours.

Fort Amherst The fort was built in 1756 to protect the Royal Dockyard at Chatham from landward attack. It houses a fascinating network of tunnels and underground chambers. Dock Road, Chatham, ME4 4UB Phone: 01634 847747 Email: info@fortamherst.com Web: www.fortamherst.com

Six Poor Travellers House A Tudor-founded charity house that provided board and lodgings for six poor travellers, right up until the Second World War. High Street, Rochester, ME1 1LX Phone: 01634 845609 Web: www.visitmedway.org

Restoration House A city mansion, stayed in by Charles II on the eve of his restoration and the inspiration for Satis House in Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. Crow Lane, Rochester, ME1 1ER Phone: 01634 848520 Email: robert.tucker@ restorationhouse.co.uk Web: www.restorationhouse.co.uk

Upnor Castle Upnor Castle was built in 1559 to defend the Navy warships of Queen Elizabeth I and the Royal Dockyard at Chatham. High Street, Upper Upnor, Rochester, ME2 4XG Phone: 01634 718742 Email: upnor.castle@ medway.gov.uk Web: www.visitmedway.org

Why not explore Medway aboard our open top bus? 6

Guildhall Museum

visit

The Guildhall, built in 1687, is one of the finest 17th century civic buildings in Kent and is now home to more than 250,000 years of Medway’s history. High Street, Rochester, ME1 1PY Phone: 01634 332900 Email: guildhall.museum@medway.gov.uk Web: www.visitmedway.org

Royal Engineers Museum, Library and Archive The museum provides a fascinating insight into Britain’s explosive military history and the part our soldier engineers have played in this. Prince Arthur Road, Gillingham, ME4 4UG Phone: 01634 822839 Web: www.re-museum.co.uk

Whatever your interest, Medway is full of heritage and fun family attractions to visit. Further details about the attractions featured on these pages can be found on www.visitmedway.org Temple Manor A 13th century house belonging to the Knights Templars - a religious order of Knights. It provided lodgings, food and fresh horses for the Knights travelling to and from the crusades. Knight Road, Strood ME2 2AH Phone: 01634 332901 Web: www.visitmedway.org

Dickens World – The Grand Tour Step back in time for a 90-minute guided journey of discovery through the Victorian England loved by Charles Dickens. Leviathan Way, Chatham Maritime, ME4 4LL Phone: 0844 858 6656 Email: enquiries@dickensworld.co.uk Web: www.dickensworld.co.uk

Rochester Castle The Old Brook Pumping Station Listed as an ancient monument, the pumping station was incorporated into Chatham’s main drainage system from 1929 until 1980. Solomons Road, Chatham, ME4 4LA Phone: 01634 362847 Web: www.oldbrookpumping.co.uk

Rochester Castle is one of best preserved and finest examples of Norman architecture in England. Spectacular views of the area can be enjoyed from the castle’s keep. Castle Hill, Rochester, ME1 1SW Phone: 01634 332901 Email: rochester.castle@ medway.gov.uk Web: www.visitmedway.org

Operates 26 July to 7 September. See pages 10 and 11 for more information 7

On these pages you will find inspiring itineraries to help you make the most of your visit to Medway.

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Over of There’s no better way to explore what Medway has to oﬀer than on board our open top bus. Tours start from the coach bays at the back of the Medway Visitor Information Centre in Rochester. However, if getting to this starting point is a problem, don’t worry as you can join the bus at any of the stops featured en-route, simply buy your all-day, hop on/oﬀ ticket from the bus driver. Costumed characters will welcome you onboard to enjoy the pre-recorded commentary from Brian Blessed about places you can see and visit. Take advantage of discounted entry at local attractions on production of a valid bus ticket at the admissions desk. Details available on the bus, Medway Visitor Information Centre and online www.visitmedway.org Service operates daily from 26 July to 7 September 2014.

Stop number 1 and 12 Medway Visitor Information Centre The bus tour starts and finishes here with the first bus departing at 10am, then running hourly with the last bus departing at 4pm. The Medway Visitor Information Centre is in the heart of historic Rochester and is the ideal first port of call for visitors to the area. It is a great place to pick up information on local attractions or browse the souvenir and gift shop. The centre has a café serving hot and cold refreshments with an indoor and outdoor seating area making it the perfect place to take a rest stop.

Medway Visitor Information Centre The following heritage attractions are all within easy walking distance from the Medway Visitor Information Centre: l Rochester Cathedral; l Rochester Castle; l Guildhall Museum; l Restoration House; l Six Poor Travellers House; l Eastgate House and Dickens’ chalet.

Stop number 2

l Adults £5.50

Boley Hill

l Concessions £4.50

Take in England’s second oldest cathedral and historic Norman castle that has stood guard over the Medway since the 11th Century.

l Children £3 l Family ticket £13 (based on 2 adults/2 children or 1 adult/3 children).

The route the bus takes around Medway is shown on the map on page five, and you can hop on/hop oﬀ the open top bus at any of these points:

Stop number 3 Rochester Station for Medway Little Theatre Where regular shows, performances and local amateur dramas take place at Medway Little Theatre.

1,000 years history in one day Stop number 4 Chatham Waterfront Bus Station Step oﬀ here to visit Chatham town centre, Brook and Central theatres and 1st Bowl ten-pin bowling in the Pentagon Shopping Centre. The bus also stops here on its return journey.

Stop number 5 Dock Road/Gun Wharf for Fort Amherst This is the stop to visit Fort Amherst, built in 1756 to protect the naval dockyard from landward attack. Daily tunnel tours at 11am and 2pm.

Stop number 6 Royal Engineers Museum, Library and Archive This museum, library and archive provides a fascinating insight into Medway’s soldier engineers with exhibitions throughout the year. Closed Mondays.

Stop number 7 Chatham Maritime for Dickens World and Dockside Outlet Centre Dickens World celebrates the life, books and times of Charles Dickens while the Dockside Outlet Centre boasts leading retailers. Also on site is a nine screen cinema, restaurants and bars.

Stop number 8 The Historic Dockyard Chatham Step oﬀ here to explore the world’s most complete dockyard from the Age of Sail and a backdrop for popular TV drama, Call the Midwife.

Stop number 9 Chatham Waterfront Bus Station for Upnor Castle Use your guided tour bus ticket to switch to the 197 service from Chatham Waterfront Bus Station to Upnor Castle, at no extra charge.

Stop number 10 Chatham Station for Ordnance Terrace Ordnance Terrace, was Dickens’ childhood home. The Dickens family lived here from 1817.

Stop number 11 Eastgate House and Dickens’ Chalet Step oﬀ to explore the buildings that inspired Dickens including Restoration House.

Walking tours around Rochester Tours start from Medway Visitor Information Centre. City of Rochester Society – Free tours

Footsteps in Time - costumed character tours

A free walking tour around historic Rochester takes place every Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from Good Friday to the end of October. Tours take place at 2.15pm and last 90-minutes. Donations welcome.

Join a costumed walking tour led by one of Dickens’ characters and visit 13 locations that featured in the author’s works. Tours take place at 12noon on the fourth Sunday of the month, February - November. £4 per person (under 6-year-olds free).

Medway is a diverse and exciting destination with so much to see and do. It is steeped in history and rich in military and maritime heritage. These pages will take you on a whistlestop tour and give you a taste of what is on oﬀer in Medway.

10 reasons to visit

History and Heritage

Discover Medway’s history and heritage by visiting some of the most fascinating attractions that are just waiting to be explored. Explore more than 1,000 years of history in Rochester with a visit to the castle, cathedral, the historic houses and museums. The Historic Dockyard Chatham and Royal Engineers Museum oﬀer an insight into the area’s military and maritime past.

River and Waterways

Beautiful green spaces

The River Medway has long been recognised as one of Britain’s most important for leisure activities and has a fascinating and illustrious maritime heritage. The River Festival is just one of the many festivals and events that that take place along Chatham Waterfront. If you want to experience the river close up try a river trip onboard the Edith May Thames sailing barge or the exciting new rapid Jetstream boat experience.

The breath taking landscapes and spectacular wildlife of the North Kent Marshes are an essential visit to Medway. For nature lovers explore the walking and cycling trails at Capstone and Riverside country parks or enjoy the 18-mile circular Heron Trail cycle route that passes through the RSPB nature reserves on the Hoo Peninsula. The Strand Leisure Park in Gillingham is popular with families throughout the year.

Dickensian Medway

Vibrant music scene

Medway’s most famous resident was the great British author, Charles Dickens. Visit the places that were an inspiration to the author in his works and experience more than just Dickens at the twice-yearly Dickens festivals in Rochester.

Medway hosts a series of open-air music performances each year at Rochester Castle, from pop, folk, soul and classical, as well as local bands and singers performing all genres of music across Medway.

Free festivals and events

Culture Quarter

Business and enterprise

Come and enjoy more than 30 days of free festivals and events in Medway. The calendar includes the Chinese New Year with colourful celebrations; the English festival, the traditional May Day celebrations at the Rochester Sweeps festival, twice-yearly Dickens festivals, open-air theatre productions at the castles and the River Festival to name just a few.

Major Sporting Events Medway is developing a strong reputation for hosting international, national and regional major sporting events and competitions. Medway’s flagship centre of sporting excellence can be found at Medway Park in Gillingham where you can enjoy top-class sporting facilities.

Enjoy a wide variety of arts, crafts, literary festivals and touring exhibitions at the galleries and studios found across Medway. It is worth visiting www.visitmedway.org for more information.

For business, Medway is an ideal base to host a conference, workshop or exhibition, due to its proximity to London and Channel ports and Eurotunnel.

Easy to get to

Medway is only 30 miles from London and 40 miles from the Channel ports and Eurotunnel. Getting to and around Medway couldn’t be easier by road or rail as the area has excellent public transport links. The high-speed train from London St. Pancras International Station takes just 35 minutes to reach Medway.

Retail therapy

Medway oﬀers a mixture of shopping experiences that can be found in historic high streets, town centres and modern indoor shopping centres.

Historic Rochester offers a wide range of independent and specialist shops offering a different type of shopping experience to find that unusual gift or souvenir. It is also a place to admire yesterday’s curios, ranging from rare books that can be found in the England’s largest second-hand bookshop, to porcelain, arts and crafts to decorate your home.

range of fashion, beauty, music and games, home ware and sporting accessories. The town centres of Gillingham, Strood and Rainham serve the local community.

Twice weekly markets take place in Gillingham and Strood and on the third Sunday each month locally produced goods can be found at the Rochester Farmers’ Market.

Chatham is in the heart of Medway and the largest of the town centres. There’s plenty of shops to browse around and where you will find the leading store names on the high street and at the Pentagon indoor shopping centre. Further leading retailers, offering great discounts can be found at the nearby Dockside Outlet Shopping Centre at Chatham Maritime. This shopping centre is next to a delightful marina and the attractions of Dickens World and The Historic Dockyard Chatham. For an out-oftown shopping, take a trip to Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre, located just off the M2 motorway (junction 4), which offers a

Food for thought

If you are visiting Medway for business or pleasure you are sure to be spoilt for choice when it comes to places to dine.

In Rochester High Street there’s a superb choice of restaurants and bistros, serving dishes from around the world. Outside dining is encouraged during the summer here. There are quaint cafés with mouthwatering cakes and pastries to choose from and pubs oﬀering traditional lunches. It is worth looking out for the daily specials that can be found on blackboards outside the various premises. If it’s dining near the waterfront that takes your fancy, then a visit to Chatham Maritime is a must. Here you can have a pub lunch next to an attractive marina - try out Mexican, Chinese, succulent steaks at the many restaurants around Dickens

World. More restaurants and leisure entertainment can be found at Medway Valley Park, Rochester, just oﬀ the M2 motorway (junction 2). If gourmet pubs are more your thing then a gentle drive through the more rural parts of the area will take you to picturesque villages and towns where you can discover family-run pubs serving homemade dishes for lunch and dinner. Beer lovers should look out for local brews in pubs produced by the dockyard’s Nelson Brewery. Up to 100 barrels a week are produced by the brewery. All the ales have nautical themed names to correspond with the surroundings in which they are brewed.

Photograh courtesy of Simon Kelsey

Eastgate House Rochester

Opening summer 2015

Eastgate House is a grade one listed building in the heart of historic Rochester. This beautiful Tudor townhouse was built in the late 1590s for Sir Peter Buck, Clerk of the Cheque at Chathamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Royal Dockyard. Throughout the centuries the house has been a family home, a Victorian boarding school, and most recently the town museum. Much loved by Charles Dickens, it features as Westgate in The Pickwick Papers and as the Nun's House in The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

Now, thanks to generous funding from Heritage Lottery Fund, this treasured Medway landmark is being restored to its former glory and will soon be open to the public once again. Along with major repairs to the building, access for visitors will be improved with a new lift and the re-instatement of a staircase, removed more than a century ago. There will also be exhibitions and displays telling the story of Eastgate House and those who have lived, worked and played there for more than 400 years.

Keep in touch with the project at www.visitmedway.org/eastgatehouse 14

If you’re returning to Medway or paying us your first visit there’s always something fresh to enjoy. Here are a few of the exciting new attractions for 2014/15.

What’s new?

Command of the Oceans

The Historic Dockyard Chatham has received a grant of £4.53m from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to support its £8.75m Command of the Oceans project.

excelled in once they had settled. The Huguenot Heritage Centre will open in Spring 2015 on the first and second floors of the Medway Visitor Information Centre in Rochester’s High Street.

Rochester Cathedral – Hidden Treasures, Fresh Expressions

Command of the Oceans will secure the repair and preservation of a range of The Historic Dockyard’s Scheduled Ancient Monuments and its 18th Century Ship’s Timbers Archaeological find. It will create world class galleries, interpretation and visitor facilities to reveal the story and significance of the dockyard and its defences during the age of sail and deliver an appropriate sense of arrival for visitors. Simply put, this investment will, through excellent storytelling and conservation, unlock the value of Chatham’s world-class heritage.

The Hugenot Heritage Centre The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has confirmed a grant of £1.2million to set up the Huguenot Heritage Centre in Rochester. The Huguenot Heritage Centre will tell the story of the Huguenots flight from persecution, how they integrated into British society and the trades they

Works on Rochester Cathedral’s Hidden Treasures, Fresh Expressions project will soon be underway thanks to the Heritage Lottery Funded (HLF) bid of £3.55m granted in 2013 and the generosity of other funders contribution of over £1m. The project focuses on the Crypt, Library and the ‘hidden collections’ in the cathedral’s ownership. At the heart of the project is the creation of a secure exhibition space within the medieval crypt for the display of collections – a wealth of texts, books, documents, charters, stonework, embroidery, plate, paintings and historical artefacts that are currently hidden away from public view. Rochester Cathedral believes in the ability of people to bring the cathedral’s history alive through inventive activities and inspiring events.

Eastgate House and Gardens

Cheque at the Royal Dockyard in Chatham, and later Mayor of Rochester. Throughout its four hundred year history Eastgate House has been a family home, a Victorian boarding school and the town museum. It was also Charles Dickens’ inspiration for The Nun’s House in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and as Westgate House Seminary in The Pickwick Papers. In the gardens stands the Swiss chalet where Dickens worked on some of his most famous novels.

Eastgate House is now being restored thanks to an exciting Heritage Lottery Funded (HLF) conservation project, and will be fully open to the public in the summer of 2015, with improved access and visitor facilities.

Eastgate House is a nationally significant Grade I listed building in the heart of historic Rochester. It was first built around 1590 for Sir Peter Buck, Clerk of the

River Trips Exciting new river trips will be starting in April 2014 from Sun Pier in Chatham. Summer sailings will be available on the beautifully restored Edith May Thames Sailing Barge and visitors can get a chance to get wet and wild on the exciting new Jetsteam boat ride (see display advert on page 39).

Christmas in Rochester Get into the festive spirit with a visit to Rochester this Christmas.

Rochester is famous for its connection to the Great British author, Charles Dickens and oﬀers a unique festive shopping experience with a large selection of independent shops and places to eat and drink on the High Street. If you are looking for something extra special to make your Christmas perfect - Rochester is where you will find it.

2014 highlights for November/December include: f Christmas Light switch-on ceremony. f Rochester Christmas Market with festive fayre and Santa’s grotto 29-30 November, 5-7 and 12-14 December. f Dickensian Christmas – 6 and 7 December. f Santa Fun Run. f Rochester Cathedral Christmas carols and services. f Heritage attractions to visit – Rochester castle, cathedral and the Guildhall Museum. f Independently owned shops, restaurants, bars and tea-rooms.

And much more…

For further details phone Medway Visitor Information Centre on 01634 338141 or visit www.visitmedway.org 16

Charles Dickens’ long association with Medway area began when the Dickens family moved to a small house in Chatham. Dickens’ father, John, was originally a clerk in the Navy Pay Oﬃce in Portsmouth Dockyard. He was transferred to London in 1816 and then to Chatham in 1817. Dickens’ most impressionable childhood days were spent in Medway and it was the place where he found inspiration for some of his work’s greatest characters and settings. Many of the buildings found on Rochester’s historic high street carry plaques detailing how the author incorporated them into his novels. Take a gentle stroll around local graveyards and you will discover where he found names of many of his characters.

Dickensian Medway Many heritage buildings in Rochester are featured in the works of Dickens. These include the Guildhall Museum, Restoration House, Eastgate House and Gardens, Six Poor Travellers House and in his last unfinished novel, Rochester Cathedral and precincts. To discover more on these buildings and other places that inspired Dickens in his novels a short-film is played continuously throughout the day at the Dickens Discovery Room at the Guildhall Museum. A self-guided walking trail with map is available from Medway Visitor Information Centre for £1. The best way to explore Rochester and its connections with Dickens is by taking a guided walking tour with a local guide. The City of Rochester Society oﬀer free 90-minute walking tours (April-October) on selected days. No need to pre-book, just turn up and enjoy the tour. On the fourth Sunday each month (February-November) costumed walking guided walking tours are

available with Footsteps in Time (a charge for costumed tours apply). Dickens was not only famous for his classic books but also his ghost stories. On the last Sunday of each month join Count Von Dickens on a haunted ghost walk around Rochester. Only three miles from Rochester is the Dickens World visitor attraction. Dickens World in Chatham Maritime takes visitors on a fascinating journey of the author’s lifetime as they step back in time on the Grand Tour.

Walking tour contacts: City of Rochester Society (90-minute free tours) – phone 01634 320598 or visit www.city-of-rochester.org.uk Footsteps in Time (costumed walking tours) – phone 01634 818630 or visit www.footstepsintimerochester.co.uk Ghost walks – phone 01634 819746 or visit www.visitmedway.org

Medway hosts more than 30 days of free festivals and events each year, more than anywhere else in the south-east. Featured here are just some of our most popular ones. Further details on these and other Medway festivals and events can be found by visiting www.enjoymedway.co.uk

Festivals Dickens Festivals

30 May-1 June 2014 / 29-31 May 2015 Rochester

English Festival 18 April 2015 Riverside Country Park, Gillingham

Medway River Festival

This annual festival celebrating English culture, history and tradition with family entertainment including Punch and Judy and donkey rides at The Seaside, farm animals at The Countryside Experience and a range of tasty tradition treats throughout the festival. Phone 01634 338141 or visit www.enjoymedway.co.uk

Chatham Waterfront and River Medway A spectacular free family event with activities on the river including races and floating processions; plus activities on the waterfront and children’s entertainment, as well as trade and food stalls. Phone 01634 338141 or visit www.enjoymedway.co.uk

Medway Festival of Steam and Transport

Fuse Medway Festival

5-6 April 2015 The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Various locations throughout Medway Fuse Medway Festival transforms Medway’s streets and open spaces with free arts events and people from all walks of life. Activities include theatrical shows and performances, circus acts and street entertainers. Phone 01634 338319 or visit www.fusefestival.org.uk

Enjoy the spectacular sights, sounds and smells of steam locomotives, traction engines and hundreds of amazing vintage and classic vehicles. New for 2014: Amazing Hot Rods, drag cars and trucks. The curious world of Steampunks. Animal encounters and Modelling Zone. Live music (folk, blues and sixties in 2014). Event admission applies. Phone 01634 823807 or visit www.thedockyard.co.uk

Rochester Sweeps Festival 3-5 May 2014 / 2-4 May 2015 Rochester Medway’s Sweeps Festival recreates the joy and laughter enjoyed by Victorian chimney sweeps at their traditional annual festival. Festivities include national and international folk bands, parades, stalls and Morris dancing. Phone 01634 338141 or visit www.enjoymedway.co.uk

The festival celebrates the work and life of one of England’s greatest novelist, Charles Dickens. Step back in time to the Victorian era and enjoy street entertainment, parades, song, dance, competitions, traditional funfair and much more. Phone 01634 338141 or visit www.enjoymedway.co.uk

12 July 2014

13-15 June 2014

Castle Concerts 2014 Rochester Castle Gardens Wednesday, 16 July Level 42 with special guests Shakatak Thursday, 17 July Shane Filan plus support. Friday, 18 July UB40 plus support (Sold Out) Saturday, 19 July Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra with Jo Appleby and Noah Stewart. Four fantastic evenings of music take place every year at Rochester Castle. Enjoy some

and Events Major Sporting Events

Medway Sport, the council’s sporting legacy team, runs an extensive programme of activities in sport centres and community settings across Medway. For further details on forthcoming sporting events including our Festival of Sport see pages 20 and 21 or visit www.medway.gov.uk/onyourmarks

of your favourite music in the fabulous open-air and intimate setting of the gardens of one of England’s most beautiful castles. For further details about the 2014 line-up visit www.thecastleconcerts.co.uk. This is a ticketed event where charges apply. Phone 01634 338338 or visit www.medwayticketslive.co.uk

Will Adams Festival 13 September 2014 / 12 September 2015 Gillingham Park Experience a mix of Japanese culture and traditions at this one-day free festival that celebrates the life and work of Gillinghamborn Will Adams – England’s first Samurai. Activities include martial arts demonstrations, face-painting, workshops, Tudor activities and authentic cuisine. Phone 01634 338141 or visit www.enjoymedway.co.uk

Medieval Merriment 6-7 September 2014 / 5-6 September 2015 Rochester Castle Gardens Step back in time and enjoy a weekend of medieval merriment at the castle. Activities include medieval fashion show, re-enactors, cooking displays and have-ago archery, period stalls and traders bring history to life. Phone 01634 338141 or visit www.enjoymedway.co.uk

Salute the 40s 20-21 September 2014 / 19-20 September 2015 The Historic Dockyard Chatham Soak up the atmosphere as Life on the Home Front is superbly re-created at this nostalgic 1940s event with fantastic wartime entertainment, vintage fashion and re-enactors. See hundreds of military vehicles and Home Front displays and an amazing Spitfire air display. Event admission applies. Phone 01634 823807 or visit www.thedockyard.co.uk

For details on these festivals and events and more taking place throughout the year visit www.enjoymedway.co.uk Disclaimer: Please note that circumstances can and do change and publishers cannot accept responsibility for any subsequent amendment. As a charge applies for some events featured or dates may subsequently change, it is advisable to phone or visit websites for further information. Some events at The Historic Dockyard Chatham may be not included for return visits with the 12-month ticket but have separate ticketing and pricing arrangements.

Christmas in Rochester Dickensian Christmas

6-7 December 2014 / 5-6 December 2015 Step back in time and start the festive shopping season in Dickensian style with some of Charles Dickens’ favourite characters that come to life as they wander around Rochester’s historic high street. Highlights include The Seven Poor Travellers Parade, Grand Parade and a Candlelit Procession with carols in the snow.

Rochester Christmas Market 29-30 November, 5-7 December and 12-14 December 2014 The Christmas market is held in the iconic setting of the castle gardens. Festive lighting, Christmas tree and a programme of entertainment and music will entertain visitors while they browse the stalls to find festive gifts, souvenirs and stocking fillers.

Phone 01634 338141 or visit www.enjoymedway.co.uk

where international champions clash

Medway Park is Medwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flagship centre of sporting excellence. n International and national sporting event venue n 12

multi-sports halls for badminton, table tennis, basketball, five-a-side football and wheelchair sports.

n Athletics

track n Football pitches n Squash courts n Swim and dive pools

www.medwaypark.org.uk 01634 336655

From elite level sport, running routes and cycle routes, Medway has much to oﬀer the active visitor.

Get active

Medway is passionate about sport and getting active and offers a whole Festival of Sport, something for everyone whether you want to play, compete or spectate. It showcases excellence, offers opportunities for participation and inspires everyone to get involved. It kicks off with the Medway Big Ride, a brand new cycling festival on Saturday, 17 May. Bring your bike and enjoy all the free activities on offer. The festival finishes with the Medway Mile on Friday, 25 July, a mass participation one-mile run around historic Rochester including activities and entertainment. You don’t have to be a resident to take part everyone is welcome. Make the most of your time in Medway and join in our Festival of Sport. The 80 days between 17 May and 25 July are packed with opportunities to try something new and enjoy sport as a family or on your own. Visit www.medway.gov.uk/festivalofsport to find out more. Medway is fast becoming known as a destination for hosting major sporting events with spectators visiting Medway’s top class sports facilities and getting the opportunity to watch elite level sport. The Modern Pentathlon World Cup in 2010 was the first global sporting event to be hosted in Medway. Thousands of

spectators enjoyed four days of competition by the world’s leading multisport athletes, including world and Olympic champions. Building on the success of the Modern Pentathlon World Cup Medway was chosen to host the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in July 2013, widely heralded as the most professional and successful tournament in the sport’s history. Following the triumph of last year’s Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup, England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales return for a Four Nations Tournament. So if you missed the World Cup then make sure you visit us to watch these elite athletes in action. For more information visit www.medway.gov.uk/majorsportsevents Medway is also home to Gillingham FC, Kent’s only professional football league team. Gillingham Football Club works closely with the local community, oﬀering the opportunity to enjoy family football with their ‘Kids for a Quid’ promotion, which is available at designated matches. So while you are visiting take the opportunity to come along and watch high quality football in Medway. To find out more about the Gills fixtures visit www.gillinghamfootballclub.com

Kentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-kept golfing secret l 18

hole, par 71 course

l Exquisitely

kept fairways and greens set in rolling parkland

l 11

bay floodlit driving range

l Lessons

for all abilities

l Twilight

sessions available

l Clubhouse l Pay

bar and restaurant

and play options available

l Home

to Medway Open

l Pro-shop

for all your golfing needs

A true test of golf designed by internationally renowned architect F.W. Hawtree, Deangate Ridge is a classic among the Kent golf courses

Annual memberships from only ÂŁ624* Deangate Ridge Golf Club Duxcourt Road, Hoo, Rochester, Kent ME3 8RZ. www.deangateridge.co.uk 01634 333966

*senior and age-group discounts

A breath of fresh air

The breathtaking landscapes and spectacular wildlife of the North Kent Marshes are an essential part of any visit to Medway.

The Hoo Peninsula cycle route, known as the Heron Trail, is a great way to explore an important part of this area. The 18-mile circular trail takes in both the Cliﬀe Pools and Northward Hill RSPB reserves.

The Riverside and Capstone Farm country parks are ideal places to get active and explore as a family with their walking and nature trails, cycling routes and children’s play areas. Both have on-site visitor centres that provide excellent advice and educational resources and it’s worth checking out the programme of regular workshops and events that take place throughout the year.

Capstone Farm Country Park Capstone Road, Gillingham, ME7 3JG Phone 01634 338191 or visit www.medway.gov.uk There are 280 acres of ancient woodland, orchards and meadows to explore. Facilities include a visitor centre, café, fishing lake and full programme of workshops and events.

Ranscombe Farm Reserve Sundridge Hill, Cuxton, Rochester, ME2 1LA Phone 01634 292062 or visit www.plantlife.org.uk Set in a 600 acre nature reserve and working farm on the slopes of the North Downs Area of Outstanding Nature Beauty. Trails oﬀer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Riverside Country Park and Berengrave Nature Reserve Lower Rainham Road, Gillingham, ME7 2XH Phone 01634 337432 or visit www.medway.gov.uk Riverside Country Park is situated on the Medway estuary with a backdrop of meadows and marshes. Facilities include a visitor centre, café and full programme of workshops and events. Just one mile from Riverside is Berengrave Nature Reserve. This disused quarry pit not only has tremendous historical value, but also has many species of wildlife and provides a variety of habitats.

RSPB Nature Reserves Cliﬀe Pools and Northward Hill Phone 01634 222480 or visit www.rspb.org.uk/reserves

Cycle routes Medway Council’s cycle map shows all on and oﬀ-road cycle routes in the urban areas of Medway and includes the Heron Trail. For a copy of the map email transport.planning@medway.gov.uk or phone 01634 331254.

Cliﬀe Pools sits alongside the Thames and is the place to enjoy bird watching across the saline pools. Just four miles up the road is Northward Hill RSPB reserve, home of Britain’s largest herony, which is accessed via an attractive woodland walk.

Shipbuilding has long been a focal industry along the banks of the River Medway. It grew in importance when the Royal Dockyard was founded at Chatham more than 400 years ago and has forged Medway’s proud maritime heritage.

Set in 80 acres, The Historic Dockyard Chatham is a popular visitor attraction and film location, including the setting for the popular TV drama series Call the Midwife. This spectacular maritime heritage attraction oﬀers visitors a variety of things to see and do as they wander around the heritage site exploring several galleries, climb aboard historic warships and learn about the skills of the trade required to be a first class shipbuilder. In 2013, The Historic Dockyard Chatham opened the Hearts of Oaks Gallery. Building on the most loved elements of the former Wooden Walls of England Gallery, new technology and interpretation techniques bring the story of people, ships and processes to life in a vivid, engaging and exciting way.

Defence of the realm For centuries Medway has been at the frontline of defending the English from invasion. The Royal Engineers Museum oﬀers a fascinating insight into the work of the engineers over the centuries and houses a collection of international importance, telling the explosive history of Britain and its empire. Explore interactive displays, military vehicles and exceptional artefacts, including the Duke of Wellington’s map, used at the Battle of Waterloo.

Further along the road is Fort Amherst. The fort was built in 1756 to defend the naval dockyard from landward attack, and it continued to serve this purpose up until the end of World War Two. A fascinating maze of underground tunnels and chambers can be explored at the fort on a guided tour. Spectacular views of the River Medway can be enjoyed from the Great Lines Heritage Park. On the banks of the River Medway, Upnor Castle was built on the orders of Queen Elizabeth I to defend her naval warships moored at Chatham but proved ineﬀective when the Dutch sailed up the river in 1667 to attack the British fleet at anchor.

Time Bleeds First World War Family Activities 27 - 30 May 2014 Royal Engineers Museum, Library and Archives, Gillingham What happens if we forget?. Uncover the contents of the pockets of a First World War Royal Engineers greatcoat and unravel his story. Discover what it meant to have a ‘Fumsup’ good luck charm and craft your own to gain a lasting memory of his story.  www.re-museum.co.uk

Stories from the Great War 24 May to 11 January 2015 Guildhall Museum, Rochester What happened in Medway during World War One? This brand new exhibition illustrates the local aspects of this terrible conflict by investigating the stories behind the events and people of the period - those well-known (such as Gillingham's own fighter 'ace' James McCudden VC) and not so well-known. On display will be many objects lent by Medway residents to help tell those stories, and help us all remember. www.visitmedway.org

In 2014 Medway commemorates 100 years since the outbreak of World War One, 75 since the outbreak of World War Two and 70 since D-Day.

Frontline Medway Medway has played a significant role on the frontline of England’s defences for centuries. The following exhibitions, events and activities will be taking place during 2014. For admission prices and times visit the attractions websites for details. workers and the Chatham Port Division of the Royal Navy in the ‘Great War’, shown through the eyes of those who served. Four years of sacrifice and loss will be depicted using objects and artefacts drawn mainly from The Historic Dockyard’s own collection. Included in the dockyard normal admission price. www.thedockyard.co.uk

First World War Family Activities 29 July - 29 August 2014 Royal Engineers Museum, Library and Archives, Gillingham ‘Royal Engineers Go to War’ Join us as we reveal the extent of Royal Engineers involvement in the First World War. Discover interesting facts about diﬀerent specialisms such as transportation, tunnelling, surveying, chemical warfare, camouflage and the postal service. Find out how the war aﬀected people’s lives in Medway. www.re-museum.co.uk

Kitchener's Army Weekend 2 - 3 August 2014 Royal Engineers Museum, Library and Archives, Gillingham

Valour, Loss and Sacrifice Temporary Exhibition 26 July - 30 November 2014 The Historic Dockyard Chatham An exhibition portraying the significant role played by Chatham Dockyard, its

Your Country Needs You? Join living historians to recreate the 'recruiting boom' at Brompton Barracks in August 1914 and make history come to life! Find out if you could meet the strict specifications for joining the army in 1914 by coming face to face with a Royal Engineers recruiting oﬃcer. Take part in basic training techniques and discover what specialisms you could have been trained in. www.re-museum.co.uk

Oh! What a Lovely War Film screening 23 August 2014 Royal Engineers Museum, Library and Archives, Gillingham Join us for a special film screening of Oh! What A Lovely War, portraying some of the more famous and infamous incidents of the First World War. Mark Connolley, Professor of Modern British History at University of Kent, will introduce the film and give a short presentation of his research into some of the events portrayed in the film. Suitable for age 16+. www.re-museum.co.uk

A First World War Centenary event 22 September 2014 The Historic Dockyard Chatham Commemorating the loss of the Three Royal Navy Cruisers (HMS Aboukir, HMS Hogue and HMS Cressy). A Commemorative Church Service, an afternoon Beat Retreat Ceremony with the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines and opportunities to share family history stories. www.thedockyard.co.uk

War Time Christmas 13 - 14 December 2014 Royal Engineers Museum, Library and Archives, Gillingham Find out how Christmas was celebrated during the Second World War through demonstrations of cooking Christmas favourites with rationed food, making traditional festive decorations, browse the in-house vintage market, listen to Christmas Carols and watch ‘Medway Lindy Hoppers’ dancing in the style of the 1940s.  www.re-museum.co.uk

From towers Discover the centuries of history and heritage that Medway has to oﬀer.

Houses of history Each house of history has its own story to tell, from the rich and famous, Kings and Queens, heroic men of war and one of Britain’s best loved novelists and storyteller, Charles Dickens. Rochester Cathedral is the second oldest cathedral in England and has been a place of worship and prayer for over 1,400 years. The glorious Norman architecture of the nave and parts of the crypt, as well as one of the finest Romanesque facades in England, make it an inspirational place to visit. Audiovisual tours in several languages bring to life the untold stories of its stones. As you wander through historic Rochester, a cluster of historic houses of history can be found. Eastgate House a delightful Elizabethan house, which is of great architectural and historic significance, built in 1590 for Sir Peter Buck, once Alderman and Mayor for the City of Rochester and Clerk to the Cheque at Chatham Dockyard. The house featured in the works of Charles Dickens as a school for young ladies and in the author’s unfinished novel, The Mystery of Edwin Drood. 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.

Just a short stroll from Eastgate is Restoration House, an imposing red-brick city mansion, so named after Charles II stayed here on the eve of his restoration to the throne. It was also used as the home of Miss Havisham and Estella in Dickens’ Great Expectations. The house and gardens are open to the public on selected days during the summer.

Other houses of history that can be seen in Rochester, just a short stroll from the High Street include Minor Cannon Row, comprising of seven charming 18th century houses at the rear of the cathedral and Satis House on Bakers Walk which is the property Dickens borrowed the name from and attached it to Restoration House for his novel Great Expectations.

In the heart of Rochester’s historic High Street stands the Six Poor Travellers House – a charity founded property immortalised by Dickens in one of Christmas short stories. A few doors away from the house is La Providence, a delightful Victorian square with properties with accommodation to provide homes for people of Huguenot descent.

Just across the river in Strood stands Temple Manor. A 13th century house built to provide lodgings and fresh horses for the Knights Templars as they joined or returned from their crusades to the Holy Land.

to tunnels

Castles and ruins No one can miss the great square keep of Rochester Castle as it towers above the River Medway. It was on this site that the Romans originally built the first fort to guard the bridge that connected the London to Dover route. The castle was partly demolished in 1215 at the hands of King John, who famously attacked it burning the pit props using the fat of 40 pigs, to recapture it from the rebel noblemen. The rebuilt circular tower, contrasts with the three remaining square ones as a reminder of one of the bloodiest sieges in history. Further along the banks of the River Medway, Upnor Castle was built to protect Queen Elizabeth Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s warships moored at Chatham. Despite a brave attempt, the fort proved ineďŹ&#x20AC;ective in 1667, when the Dutch sailed up the river to attack the British fleet at anchor. An audiovisual experience relives

this dramatic raid in detail at the castle. As a result of the Dutch raid, the first fort near Gillingham was built. Cookham Wood Fort was begun in 1669 to hold guns on two tiers that would fire at hostile vessels entering at Gillingham Reach. Fort Amherst was built in 1756 to defend the naval dockyard from landward attack. The fort has a fascinating and thrilling complex of underground tunnels, chambers that were extended in the early 19th century by French prisoners of war to create a vast underground stores, guardrooms and barracks. Guided tours of the tunnels are available throughout the year. As you explore Medway in more detail, you will discover many other forts dotted along the rivers edge. Hoo Fort, Fort Luton and Fort Darnet all with their own interesting stories to tell.

Getting out on the water is a unique way to experience what makes the Medway estuary one of Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most important maritime heritage destinations. People have lived and worked on or around the river for thousands of years. As a result it is rich in both archaeological and historical remains including prehistoric droveways (used to move cattle); Roman pottery kiln sites, Anglo Saxon fish traps and numerous military installations going back centuries, and two historic dockyards. Many defences can be seen from the river that were important to the dockyards, these include Upnor Castle, built on the orders of Queen Elizabeth I to protect the naval warships at Chatham and Fort Amherst situated on a hill built in 1756 to protect the dockyard from landward attack, and continued to serve this purpose up until the end of World War Two.

Meander on

The river continues to support an immensely diverse ecosystem, providing the perfect habitat for thousands of breeding and wintering birds. These birds are so important that the estuary is protected by both national and international designations. Along the river there is a fascinating array of yacht clubs, marinas and boatyards oďŹ&#x20AC;ering a wide range of mooring facilities. Boat owners can explore the estuary and experience the spectacular maritime attractions throughout Medway. Public pier access is available in Rochester and at Sun Pier Chatham.

Exciting new river trips will be operating from Chathamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sun Pier during the summer months. In July, plenty of action on the river can be seen from Chatham Waterfront at the annual Medway River Festival. This is a spectacular family event with activities on the river including races, floating processions; plus activities on the waterfront for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you are looking to relax in the glow of incredible beauty, or get active on water or land, the River Medway has something for everybody.

Edith May Thames Sailing Barge

Jetstream Tours

A fully restored example of the iconic Thames sailing barges that would ply their trade under canvas alone. Regular sailings from Sun Pier Chatham take place during the summer on the river. Web: www.edithmaybargecharter.co.uk

Twist is a 9m aluminium jet boat that has been specially adapted to suit the River Medway. The wet and wild experience starts from Sun Pier, Chatham and lasts 90-minutes with onboard commentary on the local area. See our display advert on page 39 for further details. Web: www.jetstreamtours.com

the Medway Light Vessel 21 (LV21) A 40 metre steel-hulled lightship being transformed into a floating cultural facility. It has been designed to provide a range of services promoting and supporting the creative industries in the area. Web: www.lv21.co.uk

Medway Queen Preservation Society The paddle steamer Medway Queen has now returned home to Gillingham and is currently being fitted out. For details on the works progress to date and how to get involved in the restoration project visit the website. www.medwayqueen.co.uk

• riverside walk • café • miniature railway • play area • • netball • basketball • crazy golf • 5-a-side football • • tennis • outdoor swimming pool with lazy river* • • paddling pool* • pitch and putt golf course •

*Seasonal opening

www.medway.gov.uk/strand 30

01634 333925

Come rain or shine, there are plenty of family fun attractions in Medway to inspire, amuse and captivate the whole family.

Family fun

The Strand Leisure Park in Gillingham is a great family fun outdoor attraction. Throughout the year there are tennis and netball pitches, crazy golf and a pitch and putt nine hole golf course, a miniature railway and children’s play areas. During the summer months, the outdoor swimming pool with a lazy river provide great family entertainment.

Sporting fun for families is available at Medway’s sports centres and green spaces. Further details on getting active in Medway can be found on pages 20 and 21. There are buckets of fun to be had at Diggerland, the ultimate adventure park where adults and children get the opportunity to drive real dumper trucks, as well as more than 15 other rides to choose from. Try the exciting new Big Digger Experience, where you can get behind the controls of a giant Komatsu

Excavator for a 90-minute one-to-one session with an expert instructor.

To experience high speed with sharp bends then Buckmore Park Kart Circuit is a place to head for. It’s where Lewis Hamilton and many of Britain’s recent Forumula One drivers learned their trade. An all-round entertainment experience can be enjoyed at Medway’s ten-pin bowling alleys in Rochester’s Hollywood Bowl and at the MFA Bowl Chatham. Oﬀering family rates and special children deals, on-site restaurants and amusement areas. Special activities for children, including workshops and events can be enjoyed at Medway’s heritage attractions and countryside parks. It is worth checking the websites of these venues when planning a visit to the area. For further details visit www.visitmedway.org

Diggerland Phone: 0871 2277007 Web: www.diggerland.com

Buckmore Park Kart Circuit Phone: 01634 201562 Web: www.buckmore.co.uk

MFA Bowl Chatham Phone: 0843 2908930 Web: www.mfabowl.com

Hollywood Bowl Rochester Phone: 0844 243007 Web: www.hollywoodbowl.co.uk

Arts and culture Medway’s art and culture will stimulate your senses and imagination.

Medway hosts more than 30 days of free festivals and events each – more than anywhere else in the south-east. The well-established traditional festivals celebrating Charles Dickens’ connections with the area, Dickens Festival and Dickensian Christmas, are world famous, but are only one part of the festival scene, which includes the English Festival, Sweeps, Fuse and River Festival to name a few. The Medway calendar of culture begins with the Chinese New Year celebrations organised by the Chinese community in Chatham town centre – with lion and dragon dancing in the streets and people dressed in colourful traditional costumes. In July, the Castle Concerts oﬀer several evenings of music in the spectacular castle gardens. During the summer open air theatre productions take place at Rochester and Upnor Castles. There is an enticing choice of theatre from the mainsteam productions at Chatham’s Central Theatre to the more experimental oﬀerings of the Brook Theatre, also in Chatham. Regular performances of a quirky and intimate nature can be found at Medway Little Theatre in Rochester and a wide range of productions, comedy nights and tribute evenings can be enjoyed at the Britannia Theatre, Dickens World.

Medway’s arts scene has deep-reaching roots, with Billy Childish, Zandra Rhodes and Jeﬀ Banks having nurtured their talents in the area. Arts centres and galleries can be found in Chatham and Rochester town centres. Regular touring exhibitions can be found at No.1 Smithery at The Historic Dockyard Chatham and at the Medway Visitor Information Centre’s art gallery and craft case. The commercial arts scene is highly developed in Rochester’s High Street’s art and craft galleries, exhibitions and workshops that take place at Francis Iles Galleries and Nucleus Art Centre. There are many things visitors on a tight budget can do for free. Visit the cultural attractions in Rochester such as the Six Poor Travellers House and Guildhall Museum, attend a free festival or on selected days between April to October join a free guided walking tour around historic Rochester with a local guide from The City of Rochester Society. The Rochester Literature Festival brings together writers, performers, musicians, producers and film-makers together to produce a series of events, performances, workshops and productions. For more information visit www.rochesterlitfest.com

Throughout the year many exhibitions, workshops, talks and special weekend events take place in Medway. The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Berlin Wall Art Family Activities

www.thedockyard.co.uk

28 - 31 October 2014

Marvellous Monsters

Discover why the wall was popular with artists from all over the world and what styles and techniques they were using to create street art. Even the youngest of visitors will have plenty of inspiration to contribute to the Museum’s expressive mural.

14 May - 1 June 2014 Zog story telling with a musical diﬀerence and take a 'Monster Safari' – a trail across the site. Some elements are at a small additional cost.

Doc. Yard’s ‘Techsplorers’ and Pirate Play Days

The Unseen Project 30 October 2014 - 27 March 2015

25 October - 2 November 2014

The Unseen Project is an experimental photo-series which uses some of the last infrared colour film ever produced. The work explores the boundaries of our perception, allowing us to see things outside our normal visual spectrum. Including the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear power station (Ukraine) explosion which contaminated the soil, water and atmosphere creating ‘The Red Forest’ that has taken over the abandoned villages and towns nearby.

Pumpkin carving, storytelling and a spooky spider trail around the site.

Fort Amherst, Chatham

26 July - 31 August 2014 A range of hands-on family activities for budding engineers. Science show delivered by Doc. Yard and his assistant Bunsen. Large demonstrations and participatory elements.

Wicked Webs and Spider Spells

War Games

www.fortamherst.com

June - September 2015

Tunnel Tours

A V&A Museum of Childhood touring exhibition A dynamic and provocative exhibition that illustrates the diverse ways that play and toys recreate and represent warfare – Revealing the ‘secret history’ of toys used as tools of war and espionage, and bringing to light the dramatic impact that conflict has had on children’s play and toy manufacturing. Featuring toy soldiers, toy weapons, board and computer games and much more.

Daily 11am and 2pm Come and discover how the tunnels were used during Napoleonic times for shelter, storage and defence.

Ghost Tours First Friday of every month Enjoy a lantern-lit ghost tour around Kent’s most paranormally active location Not suitable for children under eight-years-old.

Paranormal Investigations

Royal Engineers Museum, Library and Archive, Gillingham

Spend a night in one of the most paranormally active places in Kent with resident medium Richard Ware. Over 18s only. Visit website for dates and prices.

www.re-museum.co.uk

Halloween Horrors

‘Swing Back In Time’ at the Royal Engineers Museum

October

24 May 2014

Enjoy the Halloween experience in the labyrinth caves and old fort.

Dust oﬀ those dancing shoes and join us at the Royal Engineers Museum for an evening full of energetic swing dancing in celebration of World Lindy Hop Day and as part of the annual Museums at Night festival. This evening looks to be an entertaining and fun night appealing to dancers and nondancers alike.

Rochester Art Gallery

Bridge Building Father’s Day Competition 14 - 15 June 2014 Spend time with the family and take part in a fun bridge building competition. Using a variety of materials, see who can use their engineering skills to build the strongest bridge to carry all their family across the pretend River Medway.

Medway Visitor Information Centre High quality programme of touring contemporary art and craft exhibitions take place throughout the year.

The Central and The Brook Theatres A full schedule of regular evening entertainment at Medway’s theatres in Chatham visit www.medwayticketslive.co.uk

Britannia Theatre, Dickens World For a full schedule of regular evening entertainment, music nights and parties taking place visit www.dickensworld.co.uk

Britannia Theatre, Dickens World

No.1 Smithery, The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Phone: 0844 858 6656 Web: www.dickensworld.co.uk

Phone: 01634 823800 Web: www.thedockyard.co.uk

The Central and Brook Theatres

Nucleus Arts Centres (Chatham and Rochester)

Phone: 01634 338338 Web: www.medwayticketslive.co.uk

Phone: 01634 812108 Web: www.nucleus-arts.com

Medway Little Theatre, Rochester

Francis Iles Galleries

Phone: 01634 400322 Web: www.danwillis.freeserve.co.uk

Phone 01634 843222 Web: www.francis-iles.com

Looking for a place to stay? Whatever your taste or budget, you’ll find accommodation to suit your needs.

Where to stay

How to book your accommodation In this guide the accommodation is listed alphabetically by area. Prices given are for bed and breakfast (B&B) per room, per night, unless otherwise indicated. All prices include VAT (at the current rate of 20 per cent) and service charges. Once you have chosen where you would like to stay, you can book your room by phone, fax or email (where available) directly with the establishment of your choice. Quality assured All the accommodation in this guide and on our website has been inspected either by the Automobile Association (AA), VisitBritain or has applied for a rating and is awaiting assessment. Hotels and guest accommodation (including B&Bs) are assessed using the same one to five stars criteria. The star rating reflects the overall quality of the experience.

Key to symbols

French spoken Dutch spoken German spoken ^ No smoking establishment o Evening meal by arrangement ˙ Dogs accepted ± Tea/coffee making facilities m Restaurant No smoking rooms available ; Central heating } Alcohol licence

Accessibility Much of the accommodation featured in this guide is able to cater for a range of disabilities. A number have ground floor bedrooms. To ensure that your needs can be catered for, contact the accommodation provider to discuss your requirements before booking. Medway Visitor Information Centre If you need advice or assistance with seeking a suitable place to stay in Medway, this can be obtained from the Medway Visitor Information Centre in Rochester by calling 01634 338141. Further information about accommodation in the area with contact details and links to individual establishments own websites (where applicable) can be found at www.visitmedway.org

p > 3 Ò t s 9 ◊ Ω S

Cot available Indoor/outdoor swimming pool Children welcome (minimum age) Building of literary or architectural interest Credit cards accepted TV Phone in bedrooms Ground floor bedroom available Garden Parking Closest rail station WiFi The VisitEngland Breakfast Award

Key to additional symbols - self-catering t s ` D a œ ‡ T

Linen hire service Linen provided free Laundry facilities Washing machine and drying facilities Dishwasher Microwave in each unit Gas/electricity by meter Games room

Ç † Í = ‚ ∑ d w

Showers Public payphone Shop on site Chemical waste disposal Entertainment/recreation on park On working farm Fresh water Toilets

General advice If you experience a problem with accommodation, you should tell the proprietor/manager immediately. He/she should be keen to address your situation. If the problem remains unresolved please write to Quality in Tourism, Security House, Alexandra Way, Ashchurch, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 8NB. Phone: 0845 3006996 Email: qualityintourism@uk.g4s.com Web: www.qualityintourism.com

Star ratings made easy H Simple, practical, no frills

HH Well presented and well run

HHH Good level of quality and comfort

HHHH Excellent standard throughout

HHHHH Exceptional with degree of luxury All self-catering accommodation and hostels have been quality assessed and they are also rated from one to five stars.

Hotels, inns, guesthouses, bed and breakfast

Chatham HHHH Hotel BRIDGEWOOD MANOR HOTEL Bridgewood Roundabout, Walderslade Woods, Chatham, ME5 9AX Tel: 01634 201333 Fax: 01634 201330 Email: bridgewoodmanorreservations@qhotels.co.uk Web: www.qhotels.co.uk S Chatham 3 miles Situated at the edge of historic Rochester with links to the M2 (J3) and the M20 (J6). Modern conference hotel -100 well appointed bedrooms, restaurant, 2 bars, leisure/spa/pool. 1 Jan-31 Dec Twin/double from £75-£135, single from £125 Rooms: 100, all en-suite Free ± m ;}-p>Òts9Ω 4 MILES SOUTH OF ROCHESTER MAP B - D13

Gillingham HHH Hotel KING CHARLES HOTEL Brompton Road, Gillingham, ME7 5QT Tel: 01634 830303 Fax: 01634 829430 Email: reservations@kingcharleshotel.co.uk Web: www.kingcharleshotel.co.uk The King Charles Hotel is a privately owned modern hotel, S Gillingham 1 mile with a cosy restaurant and first class conference and banqueting facilities. We have 98 bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryer, telephone, wireless internet and satellite television. We are ideal as a base for exploring south east England and London, and we offer extremely competitive group rates. Please phone for details. We have a civil wedding licence, with three bridal suites available. 1 Jan-31 Dec Twin/double from £30, family room from £65

Rooms: 149, en-suite and air conditioned 31/2 MILES FROM ROCHESTER

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Chatham HHHH Hotel HOLIDAY INN ROCHESTER-CHATHAM Maidstone Road, Chatham, ME5 9SF Tel: 0871 9429069 Fax: 01634 673673 Email: reservations-rochester@ihg.com Web: www.holidayinn.co.uk Modern and friendly 24hr service hotel. Health Club/indoor pool. S Chatham 31/2 miles Restaurant, bar and lounge.Families welcome. Accessible rooms and conference facilities. Ideally located for historic areas of Kent. 1 Jan-31 Dec Twin/double and family rooms from £60 (subject to availability) single £65-£75 ;}-p>Òts9◊Ω MAP B - D12

HHH Hotel Chatham RAMADA ENCORE HOTEL Western Avenue, Chatham Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4NT Tel: 01634 891677 Fax: 01634 895152 Email: reservations@encorechatham.co.uk Web: www.encorechatham.co.uk Fantastic hotel based in the heart of the Chatham Historic S Chatham 1 mile Dockyard area, close to Rochester. All rooms are vibrant and modern with wet room bathrooms. 1 Jan-31 Dec Room rate at weekends from £49.95, mid-week from £79.95 Rooms: 90, all en-suite 1 MILE FROM CHATHAM

±m^}->ÒtsΩ MAP A - N1

Gillingham HHH B&B ABIGAILS HOTEL 17 The Maltings, Rainham, Gillingham, ME8 8JL. Tel: 01634 365427 Email: davidjpenfold@talktalk.net Contact: Pamela Penfold S Rainham 1/3 mile Welcoming family establishment, quiet cul-de-sac, rural views to rear. Near motorways, station, shops, pubs and restaurants. WiFi, private bathrooms, four-poster bed. Off-road parking. 1 Jan-31 Dec Twin £55, single £30, family £55. Rooms: 3, all en-suite ^±;>t◊Ω 4 MILES EAST OF CHATHAM

Rooms: 98, all en-suite 1 MILE SOUTH OF GILLINGHAM

˙±m;}->Òts9◊Ω MAP A - O5

Gravesend HHH Hotel INN ON THE LAKE A2, Shorne, Gravesend, DA12 3HB. Tel: 01474 823333 Fax: 01474 823175 Email: reservations@innonlake.co.uk Web: www.innonlake.co.uk S Gravesend 3 miles Set in 12 acres of woodland, the Inn on the Lake Hotel, offers a friendly and comfortable stay in a modern, family run establishment. With excellent transport links to London, the Channel Ports and the Medway towns, as well as the M2, M20 and M25 motorways, the stunning views across the two lakes are surprisingly tranquil and relaxing, with many of our rooms having direct access to the lakes. 1 Jan-31 Dec Twin/double from £59.50, family room from £99

MAP B - K12

HHHH Silver Award B&B Cliffe Woods, nr Rochester ORCHARD B&B 11 View Road, Cliffe Woods, Rochester, ME3 8JQ. Tel: 01634 222780 Email: enquiries@orchardcottagekent.co.uk Web: www.orchardcottagekent.co.uk S Higham 13/4 miles Self contained accommodation overlooking orchards. All rooms TV/WiFi, en-suite. Easy access to motorways. Ideal for business, families wedding guests and exploring the Kent countryside. 1 Jan-31 Dec Double/twin £70-£80, single £45-£50, family room £95. Rooms: 5, all en-suite 3 MILES FROM ROCHESTER

^±;->t9◊Ω MAP B - D5

Rooms: 80, all en-suite 3 MILES FROM GRAVESEND

˙±m;}->Òts◊Ω MAP B - WEST OF A8

Rochester B&B (Awaiting grading) MEDWAY LITTLE TOWN HOUSE 14 Love Lane, Rochester, ME1 1TN Tel: 01634 408034 Contact: Linda or John Russell Email: medwaylittletownhouse@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.medwaylittletownhouse.co.uk Central location, modern townhouse with antique original S Rochester 1/2 mile décor. Double en-suite and double with private bathroom. Outstanding river views with balcony. Breakfast. Off road parking. Evening meals available. Cards accepted. 1 Jan-31 Dec Single from £40, double from £70. Festival weekends min stay 2 nights. Rooms: 2 with en-suite and private bathroom. CENTRE OF ROCHESTER

o˙±;-}>ÒtΩ MAP A - B7

Rochester HHHH B&B GREYSTONES 25 Watts Avenue, Rochester, ME1 1RX Tel: 01634 409565 Email: greystonerochester@gmail.com Web: www.greystonesbandb.org.uk Contact: Bill Lang S Rochester 1/2 mile Comfortable quiet Victorian house within easy walking distance of Rochester’s castle, cathedral and High Street. Beautifully appointed rooms each with wired and wireless internet access. 1 Jan-31 Dec Twin/double £65-£75, single from £40, family room from £90 ^±;Ò->t9◊Ω Rooms: 6, 3 en-suite 1 /2 MILE FROM ROCHESTER MAP A - B8

Rochester HH Silver Award B&B CHURCHFIELDS 6 Churchfields Terrace, St Margaret’s Street, Rochester, ME1 1TQ Tel: 01634 400679 Email: sian-smiles@supanet.com Web: www.churchfieldsbandb.co.uk Contact: Siân Fowler S Rochester 1/2 mile Comfortable town-house within five minute walk from historic Rochester. River views. Not suitable for children under 12. Welsh spoken. Wireless internet. Walkers welcome. 1 Jan-31 Dec Twin £58-£60, single £28-£30 ^ ± ; >(12) t Ω Rooms: 2 1 /4 MILE FROM CENTRE OF ROCHESTER MAP A - A8

Rochester HHHH Silver Award B&B SALISBURY HOUSE 29 Watts Avenue, Rochester, ME1 1RX Tel: 01634 400182 Contact: Roger and Janet Reader Victorian family house within easy walking distance of the castle, cathedral, historic High Street and station. Large comfortable well-appointed rooms.

Rochester HHH Silver Award B&B THE COTTAGE 66 Borstal Road, Rochester, ME1 3BD Tel: 01634 403888 Contact: Beryl Dover Email: pinkhousecottage@gmail.com Web: www.thecottagerochesterbandb.weebly.com S Rochester 1 mile Victorian cottage in quiet location.10 minutes walk to historic centre and restaurants. Easy street parking. Garden room en-suite available. Wireless internet.

Rochester HH B&B THE SUNDIAL 18 Ranscombe Close, Strood, Rochester, ME2 2PB Tel: 01634 721831 Email: sean@company8234.freeserve.co.uk Very comfortable quality accommodation with attractive S Strood 2 miles courtyard. Friendly atmosphere. TV with freeview channels. Close to M2/20 motorways. Local restaurants and entertainment centre close by.

2 Jan-15 Dec Double from £48, single from £32 Rooms: 2, with private bathrooms 1 /2 MILE SOUTH OF ROCHESTER

2 Jan-15 Dec Double from £50, single from £25 Rooms: 3, 1 with en-suite 2 MILES FROM ROCHESTER

1 Jan-31 Dec Twin/double £75, single £45, family room £90 Rooms: 2, both en-suite /2 MILE FROM CITY CENTRE

^±;->t◊Ω MAP A - B8

^ ˙ ± ; >(12) t ◊ Ω MAP B - D10

S Rochester 1/2 mile

>-t◊Ω MAP B - C9

Rochester HH Hotel GORDON HOUSE HOTEL 91 High Street, Rochester, ME1 1LX Tel: 01634 831000 Fax: 01634 847034 Email: info@gordonhousehotel.net Web: www.gordonhousehotel.net Contact: Mei Shome S Rochester 1/2 mile Historic building in central Rochester and ideal for exploring this lovely city. All rooms en-suite and ample parking Opposite cathedral and close to the castle. Full restaurant facilities. 1 Jan-31 Dec Double from £58, single from £48, family room from £85 Rooms: 14, 11 en-suite, 3 with private bathroom ± ^ m ; } - > 3 Ò t s ◊ Ω CENTRE OF ROCHESTER

MAP A - C6

Self-catering accommodation Rochester HHH Self-catering THE CHIMES 6 Hawkwood Close, Rochester, ME1 1HW Tel: 01634 842923 Contact: Norma Chambers Email: normachambers@hotmail.co.uk The Chimes is a modern non-smoking mews cottage, moments away from Rochester High Street and 3 minutes from Rochester Station. Off-street parking is provided. Sleeps 2. 1 Jan-31 Dec £80 per night. 3nights £240, 7 nights £540 1 cottage for 2 people CENTRE OF ROCHESTER

S Rochester 100 yards

^sD>tœÇΩ MAP A - F9

High Halstow HHHH Self-catering DECOY FARM COTTAGES Decoy Hill Road, High Halstow, Rochester, Kent, ME3 8SR Tel/Fax: 01634 256185 / 07946 088646 Email: decoyfarmcottages@jkm-international.co.uk Contact: Kim Myatt S Strood 8 miles Three cottages in converted barn on a working farm. Views across Northward RSPB nature reserve to Thames Estuary. Quiet rural location yet close to Rochester and motorways. 1 Jan-31 Dec 3 nights £175-£520, 7 nights £225-£695 Rooms: 3 cottages for 2 to 6 people ROCHESTER

^s`tœÇ MAP B - H8

Doddington HHHH Hostel PALACE FARM HOSTEL Palace Farm, Down Court Road, Doddington, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 0AU Tel: 01795 886200 Contact: Liz and Graham Cuthbert Email: info@palacefarm.com Web: www.palacefarm.com Flexible comfortable accommodation with private ensuite S Teynham 4 miles rooms. Continental breakfast inc. Ideal for singles, families and groups. Situated in village with pub. Wi-Fi internet available. 1 Jan-31 Dec from £16 per person, per night Rooms: 10 141/2 MILES FROM CHATHAM Rochester STABLE COTTAGES

^>±Ò-9∑ MAP B - SOUTH OF R13

Snodland HHHH Self-catering SANDHOLE BARN c/o South Cottage, 235 Sandy Lane, Sandhole, Snodland, ME6 5LG Tel: 01634 241988 Email: me.scutt@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.sandholebarnkent.co.uk S Snodland 1 mile Comfortable, well-equipped ground floor accommodation with private garden and parking. Quiet location near Leybourne Lakes, ideal for walkers and water sports. Rochester 7 miles. Excellent base for touring. Low season 3 nights £350, 7 nights £425 Peak season 7 nights £525 Accommodation: Unit sleeps 2-4 persons 7 MILES FROM ROCHESTER

^s`tœDaÇ MAP A - A13

HHHH Self-catering cottages

Fenn Croft, Newlands Farm Road, St Mary Hoo, Rochester, ME3 8RE Tel: 01634 272439 Email: info@stablecottages.com Web: www.stablecottages.com Contact: Debbie Symonds 1 Jan-31 Dec Small cottages 7 nights £325-£650, 3 nights £275-£375. Large cottages 7 nights£700-£1,000, 3 nights £425-£575.

S Strood 6 miles These charming oak beamed cottages are fully central heated, luxuriously furnished idyllically set in 20 acres of secluded farmland on the Hoo Peninsula with panoramic views of the Thames. There is a heated indoor swimming pool, steam room, mini-gym and games room for the exclusive use of cottage occupants. Tucked away down a private lane this secure site with electric gates offers peace of mind rarely found. Conveniently located with easy access to all motorways and ports. Situated 15 minutes from historic Rochester. London, Canterbury and the coast are all 45 minutes away. We are close to a RSPB reserve and the Saxon Shore way making this the perfect base for walking, bird watching, sightseeing or just getting away from it all. Two four bedroom cottages with two en-suites sleeping eight people and four two bedroom cottages sleeping 5-6 people, fully equipped kitchen, lounge, dining table and chairs, bathroom with bath and shower. There are two fully equipped utility rooms on site, ample parking, a garden with barbeque, children’s toys etc. Guaranteed a warm welcome by Jason and Debbie Symonds who live on site.

6 cottages for 5-8 people 6 MILES FROM ROCHESTER

-˙ps`DœtTÇ MAP B - I 3

Medway has a selection of hotels and accommodation providers who provide accessible rooms and services For more information about accessible rooms in Medway, please ring the Medway Visitor Information Centre on 01634 338141 or contact us by email visitor.centre@medway.gov.uk Please be advised that you may need to contact the accommodation establishment directly if you have specific requirements. A selection of places to stay can be found on www.visitmedway.org

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Castle CONCERTS

Castle JULY 16-19

ROCHESTER CASTLE GARDENS

www.thecastleconcerts.co.uk CONCERTS Box office: 01634 338338 #castleconcerts

Explore the River Medway on this Wet & Wild Boat Tour!

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This is Medway’s newest and loudest tourist experience. Explore the history and heritage of the River Medway on this incredible sightseeing journey. Our commentated tours leave every 2 hours during weekends, weekends, from the new Sun pier at Chatham, where your discovery will include the Historic Dockyard, Upnor Castle, Cookham Fort and the estuary islands.

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Join us on this unforgettable Jet boat adventure!

Private hire and other trips available, see jetstreamtours.com for more details and bookings

Scan here to book

Adults £31.50 £31.50 Children Children £21.50 £21.50 Family Family (2+2) £100