group guide 2015 Layout 2 14/01/2015 11:49 Page 1 Medway guide 2015 proof 2.pdf · nRiverside...

www.visitmedway.org

MedwayGroup Travel Guide 2015/16

group guide 2015_Layout 2 14/01/2015 11:49 Page 1


Medway - rich heritage, great future

3www.visitmedway.org

Contents

This information can be made available inother formats and languages, please phone01634 338118.

Published by Medway Council’s TourismTeam, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham,Kent ME4 4TR. Phone: +44 01634 338118, Email: [email protected]

Designed by Medway Council’sCommunications Team. G9344www.medway.gov.uk/communications

Disclaimer: The inclusion of attractions,accommodation providers and localbusinesses within this publication does notimply a recommendation or approval. Whileevery care has been taken to ensure theaccuracy of the information in thispublication, Medway Council cannot acceptresponsibility for any errors, omissions orsubsequent alterations.

Medway is a vibrant, thriving destination with many stories to tell. It takesits name from the River Medway and is made up of five towns – Rochester,Chatham, Gillingham, Strood and Rainham.

n Rochester Castle and Cathedral

Welcome to Medway 4

Travelling to Medway 5

Coach friendly destination 6

Historic Rochester and Dickensian connections 8

Themed itineraries 10

Places to visit 12

Leisure attractions 16

Country parks, trails and cycling 17

Shopping 17

Festivals and events 18

What’s new in Medway 20

Accommodation for groups 21

Maps 22


www.visitmedway.org

If you’re looking for a place to visit on a daytrip, somewhere to stop for lunch or anideal base for an excursion, then Medway isthe place for your group. It is coach friendly,offering first-class award winning facilitiesfor visiting groups and is close to Londonand the Channel ports.

When it comes to planning a tour itinerary,the area has so much to see and do. Withfascinating military and maritime attractionsat Chatham just waiting to be explored;historic buildings dating back centuries inHistoric Rochester that have featured in theworks of Charles Dickens, to exciting opentop bus tours around Medway in thesummer and festive tours onboard theDickens Country Experience tour bus thatcelebrates the area’s links to author CharlesDickens. Guided and costumed walkingtours around the ancient cathedral city ofRochester can be arranged for pre-booked groups.

Medway is renowned as an events capitalwith over 30 days of free festivals hostedacross the area each year, more thananywhere else in the south-east.

For groups looking to combine fresh air and countryside the rural areas of Medwayare just waiting to be explored. Gloriouscountry parks, RSPB nature reserves andwalking and cycle routes across the northKent marshes provide a way of seeing richlandscape and nature at its best.

The retail mix of local markets, high streetfavourites, independent family runbusinesses and the larger brand-namedstores will ensure groups seeking someretail therapy on their trip will not bedisappointed. Medway is blessed with anarray of outstanding restaurants offeringcuisines from all around the world to suitindividual tastes and budget.

We would be delighted to welcome yourgroups to this special place of ours.

Cllr. Howard DoePortfolio Holder forCommunity Services

Medway offers one of the most diverse and fascinatingcollections of heritage, maritime and themed attractionsin one destination.

Welcome to Medway

nUpnor Castlen Riverside Country Park

© Wayne HuzzeynDickens World

n The Historic Dockyard Chatham

nDickens Festival


By roadMedway can easily be reached via majormotorways. From north, south and west viaM25/A2/M2 (junctions 1-4). From Londonvia M25/M26/M20 (junction 4 for A228 or 6 for A229). From the Channel ports/Eurotunnel via the M20 (junction 6 for A229or via A2/M2 for junctions 1-4).

The A289 makes access to all parts of Medwayeven easier. It gives you direct access fromjunction 1 of the A2/M2 to Chatham andGillingham via the Medway Tunnel.

By airMedway is 43 miles from Gatwick airport via the M23/M25/A2/M2. It’s 75 miles fromHeathrow airport via the M25/A2/M2 and 52 miles from Stansted via M11/M25/A2/M2.

By sea/tunnelThe area has excellent links to the Channelports and Eurotunnel. Medway is just 40miles from Dover and Folkestone and canbe reached via the A2/M2 and M20/A229.

By railMedway has five main rail stations: Strood,Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham andRainham. Frequent services operate fromLondon Victoria, Charing Cross and St. Pancras International Station. Highspeed trains link Medway to London’s St. Pancras International Station in just 35 minutes. For up-to-date offers visitwww.southeasternrailway.co.uk

Rail travel from Europe to Medway is fasterand easier by Eurostar. EbbsfleetInternational Station is 20 minutes by coachfrom Medway. For more information visitwww.eurostar.com

National rail enquiriesTo plan your rail journeys in advance orwhen visiting the area phone 08457 484950or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk

Travelling around MedwayThe area is well served by public transport.Once here you can easily move aroundusing local train, bus and taxi services.Arriva Southern Counties provides afrequent 10 minute bus service dailybetween historic Rochester and ChathamMaritime. They also operate several otherservices throughout Medway, Gravesend,Maidstone and West Malling from theChatham Waterfront bus station. For moreinformation visit www.arrivabus.co.uk

For information on all public transport inMedway visit www.medway.gov.uk/busesor visit the Travel Information Centre atChatham Waterfront Bus Station.


Avisit to Medway couldn’t be easier. Situated just 30 miles from London and 40miles from the Channel ports and Eurotunnel, it’s an easy place to get to byrail, road or air. Simply follow the signs to Rochester, Chatham or Gillingham.

Travelling to Medway


6 www.visitmedway.org

Medway VisitorInformation CentreNo visit to Medway would be completewithout making the Medway VisitorInformation Centre your first port of call.

The award winning Visitor InformationCentre is in the heart of Rochester’s historicHigh Street. The centre offers first-classfacilities for visitors – these include adedicated coach setting-down/pick-uppoint, public toilets, art gallery on the

ground floor, café with inside and outsideseating areas and a full tourist informationservice for visitors where they can obtainadvice, leaflets on local attractions andsouvenirs to take home.

The centre is fully accessible throughoutand leads directly on to Rochester HighStreet. For opening hours visitwww.visitmedway.org

Contact:Medway Visitor Information Centre95 High Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1LXPhone: 01634 338141Fax: 01634 847891Email: [email protected]

Coach drop-off/pick-upin RochesterFour dedicated coach bays are available foroperators to set-down and pick-up theirpassengers in complete safety. These arelocated at the back of the Medway VisitorInformation Centre, Rochester on the A2.

This area is available during the centre’sopening hours and drivers must adhere tothe 15-minute waiting restriction imposedin this area to avoid a Penalty Charge Notice(PCN) being issued. No coach parking ispermitted in this area, and drivers areadvised to park at Acorn Wharf Coach Park,which is just 200 yards from this point.

Welcome to Medway, the most coach-friendly destination in the world. The Medway Visitor Information Centre in Rochester is an ideal first port of call for group visitors to the area.

n Acorn Wharf Coach Park

The coach-friendly destination


Coach drop-off/pick-upin Chatham town centreFor tourist coaches coming into Chatham,passengers can be dropped-off and picked-up at stand D19, Waterfront Way(see map). Coaches are permitted to waitfor 15 minutes. Strictly no parking allowed.Coaches must park at Acorn Wharf CoachPark in Rochester. Advance notice isrequired in order to avoid receiving anautomatic penalty charge notice.

See page 17 or visit www.visitmedway.orgfor further details on how to book your visitto Chatham with your group.

Acorn Wharf Coach Park The coach park offers free secure parkingfor 32 coaches with on-site public toilets forpassengers. Access to the coach park isavailable 24 hours-a-day by remote controlled

bollards that operate via the council’s CCTVsystem when the attendant is not on duty.

Coach facilities available at the coach parkinclude a purpose-built coach wastedisposal point and fully furnished drivers’rest room with comfortable seating, TV,microwave and complimentary refreshments. Free internet access is also available via adedicated PC located in the attendantsoffice, so drivers can now surf the web todownload AA and RAC route planners and access their email accounts. Note: The coach park does not have Wififacility for use on personal laptops andsmartphones.

These facilities are only available Monday toFriday, 10am to 4pm when the coach parkattendant is on duty. In recognition of thisfacility being properly managed, AcornWharf is a Park Mark® coach park. Postal address for Sat Nav is Gas House Road,ME1 1QG

Emergency contactsMedway Maritime HospitalWindmill Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5NYPhone: 01634 830000 www.medway.nhs.uk

Kent PolicePurser Way, Gillingham, Kent ME7 1NEPhone: 101Overseas callers and calls from outside ofMaidstone phone 01622 690690www.kent.police.uk

www.visitmedway.org

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n Chatham Town Centre - Coachdrop-off/pick-up arrangements

nMedway Visitor Information Centre

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8

The history of Rochester can be traced backcenturies. The Romans came and madeRochester one of their most importanttowns by building a stronghold and bridgeover the River Medway. Today, standingproudly on the banks of the River Medwayand with the tallest keep in England,Rochester Castle is an impressive andprominent feature of the Medway skyline.

Rochester is home to England’ssecond oldest cathedral, founded in604AD. The glorious Normanarchitecture of the nave and parts of thecrypt, as well as one of the finestRomanesque facades in England,make it an inspirational place to visit.

One of Rochester’s mostfamous connections is thatwith Charles Dickens. Hisfamily moved to Chathamwhen he was five-years-old when his father John,a clerk to the Royal Navy payoffice, was transferred in 1817.

See the pay office today at The HistoricDockyard, where costumed guides offerwalking tours of what is now one of Britain’sleading maritime heritage attractions.

Dickens’ happiest and most impressionablechildhood days were spent in Medway. The historic cathedral city of Rochester

inspired the author so much that hefeatured it in his work more than anycity, other than London. Many of the

buildings found in the High Streetcarry plaques giving details how

Dickens incorporated the site intohis novels. A gentle stroll

around local sites andgraveyards will reveal

where he found thenames of many of hischaracters.The author’s life,times and works canbe explored at the

Dickens’ DiscoveryRoom in the Guildhall

Museum in Rochester HighStreet. Authentic Dickens’

related objects are on display, along withgraphic panels and a multi-lingual touch-screen, highlighting sites in andaround Rochester associated with the author. A short-film on the author’s connections withthe area is shown continuously throughoutthe day in the museum’s audio-visual theatre.

Only three miles from Rochester is DickensWorld visitor attraction. Dickens World inChatham Maritime, takes visitors on afascinating journey of the author’s lifetimeas they step back in time to DickensianEngland to experience the highs and lows ofurban life, complete with sounds and smells.

Although there have been many famous people associated with Medway, noneis more celebrated than Charles Dickens, arguably England’s greatest novelist. What better place to discover more about him?

www.visitmedway.org

“A gentle stroll around localsites and graveyards will revealwhere he found the names ofmany of his characters.”

nDickens World

n Eastgate House

n Rochester Castle

Historic Rochester and Dickensian connections



“Dickens’ happiest and mostimpressionable childhooddays were spent in Medway.”


nGuildhall Museum

n Chertsey Gate, Rochester

n Fresco insideRochester Cathedral n Footsteps in Time, costumed walking tour

nNo 3 Slip at The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Guided and costumedwalking tours

Footsteps in Time (costumed guided tours)Dickens comes to life, with a walking tour ofthe old city of Rochester where you can seeand learn about the beautiful buildings theauthor immortalised in his books. Some ofDickens’ most famous characters, includingNancy, the ‘tart with a heart’, will escort youaround the Rochester he knew and loved.This is not just a walking tour, but 90 minutes of entertainment andinformation. This walk is suitable forwheelchair users. Bookings and paymentmust be made in advance.Phone: 01634 818630Email: [email protected] www.footstepsintimerochester.co.uk

City of Rochester SocietyThe best way to explore historic Rochesteris with a local guide from the City ofRochester Society, who will take you on a90 minute circular tour around the historiccity. Tours can be adapted to suit thegroup’s interest, including Dickens,architecture or industrial heritage. The society can also offer a courier servicefor coach parties wishing to exploreDickensland – the area around Rochestermade famous in Dickens’ novels. Phone: 01634 320598Email: [email protected]

In the footsteps of DickensVisitors can now follow inthe footsteps of Dickenson a self-guided walkingtour around historicRochester and visitattractions, whichfeatured in theauthor’s works

en-route, such as Restoration House,Guildhall Museum and the Six PoorTravellers House. Leaflet with map isavailable from Medway Visitor InformationCentre for £1.

The Dickens Country ExperienceJoin the fictional Elijah Puddlephat and MrDickens on an exciting two hour tourvisiting the places of interest that featuredin the life and works of Charles Dickens.Tours start and finish in historic Rochesterand include the villages of Cobham,Cooling, Cobham Hall and Dickens’ lasthome Gad’s Hill Place in Higham. Forfurther details visit www.visitmedway.org


10

Itinerary one – Chatham& Historic Rochester

Discover more than 400 years of maritimehistory at The Historic Dockyard Chatham,one of Britain’s leading maritime heritagedestinations. A fantastic range of galleriesand attractions to explore, and a fabulousprogramme of touring exhibitions at No.1Smithery make this a must see attraction.Why not pre-book one of the followingguided tours at The Historic DockyardChatham? Here are a few tour options tochoose from.

Call the Midwife ExperienceLed by our very own midwife, your groupwill visit areas used as the locations for manyof the scenes in the popular TV series. Thereis an option of enjoying afternoon tea atCommissioner’s House, which also made anappearance in series two as the GrosvenorHotel Restaurant.

Royal Dockyard Tour Allow our guide to board your own coach, ortake you on a walking tour through thedockyard. Discover world-class maritimehistory, through its buildings, ships,architecture and people.

Commissioner’s House Garden ToursNew for 2015! Wander through the beautiful and secludedgarden of the Commissioner’s House with avery knowledgeable guide. Add this to anafternoon tea in the house for somethingjust a little bit special.

Film ToursTake your group on a cinematic journeythrough The Dockyard, visiting the locationsfor hit films such as The Golden Compass, Les Miserables, Children of Men, SherlockHolmes, James Bond and The Mummy. As well as TV series such as Mr Selfridge….just to name a few!

Spend a relaxing afternoon in RochesterHigh Street enjoying lunch at one of itsmany eateries or exploring the second-

hand book shops, specialist stores andfascinating heritage attractions such as thecastle, cathedral, museum or historichouses. The best way to see Rochester is on foot with a local guide from the City of Rochester Society. Tours lasts about 90 minutes and provide visitors with a

fascinating insight into Rochester’srich heritage and history.

The itineraries featured on this page are suggestions to assist tour planners to make the most of their group’s visit to Medway and can be adapted to suitbudget and interests.


nGuildhall Museum

n Eating in Rochester

n Baggins Book Bazaar - England’s largest rare and secondhand bookshop

n Rochester’stown crier

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www.visitmedway.org

Themed itineraries


Itinerary two – Dickens’Great Expectations

Start your day witha costumedguided walkingtour led byFootsteps in Time. Visit the sites inRochester madefamous by Dickensin GreatExpectations. These

include the Guildhall Museum, which is freeto visit, Restoration House, the home of MissHavisham and Estella, and Six Poor TravellersHouse, immortalised by Dickens’ short storyThe Seven Poor Travellers.

Hop on your coach and head for DickensWorld at Chatham Maritime where you canstep back in time on The Grand Tour. This 90 minute interactive guided tour experiencetakes visitors back in time to the VictorianEngland that Charles Dickens knew and wrote

about in his novels and short stories. On weekends in November/December theDickens Country Experience tour bus is amust. Tours start and finish in Rochesterand visits places with strong connections to the author.

Itinerary three – Military & Maritime

The towns of Chatham and Gillingham havestrong military and maritime connections.Re-live the fascinating story of Britain’smilitary engineers through the centuries atthe Royal Engineers Museum. The museumprovides an insight into the life of themodern day sapper through the mostrecent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan;discover the art of the bridge builder andthe evolution of the bridge with substantialmodern bridge collections. There are manygalleries and exhibits to explore at themuseum and fascinating stories of the Firstand Second World Wars.

The Napoleonic Fort Amherst, built in 1756to protect the naval dockyard from landwardattack, is just a short distance from the RoyalEngineers Museum. The fort houses afascinating network of undergroundchambers and tunnels, shelters, barracks,gun batteries and guardrooms. Guided toursare available for pre-booked groups.

Take the afternoon to explore The HistoricDockyard (see itinerary one) where ‘Fish &Ships’ offers a unique lunchtime experienceand a pre-booked Royal Dockyard Tourprovides a great introduction to thiswonderful maritime heritage site.

For attraction contacts see pages 12-15,costumed and guided walks see pages 8-9.


n Call the Midwife experience

n Fort Amherst

n The Dickens Country Experience

n Royal Engineers Museum

nDickens World

nDickensWorld



Rochester CastleCastle Hill, Rochester, Kent ME1 1SW Phone/fax: 01634 332901Email: [email protected] www.visitmedway.org

Rochester castle is known as one of the best preserved and finestexamples of Norman architecture in England. At 113 feet (34 metres)high the views from the castle’s battlements are truly breathtaking.The castle has a chequered history having been subjected to siegethree times, and in 1215 was partly demolished by King John whogained entry by undermining the south-east tower using the fat of40 pigs to set fire to the pit props. Throughout the year the castleand its grounds play host to a number of spectacular events frommedieval festivals to open-air performances and concerts. Audio guides are now available for a nominal fee.

Restoration HouseCrow Lane, Rochester, Kent ME1 1RF Phone/fax: 01634 848520Email: [email protected] www.restorationhouse.co.uk

A unique example of an ancient city mansion, Restoration Housederives its name from the stay of Charles II on the eve of therestoration. Beautiful interiors with exceptional early paintwork arehome to a fine collection of English furniture and portraits. CharlesDickens used the house as the home of Miss Havisham and Estella inGreat Expectations.

Rochester CathedralThe Precincts, Rochester, Kent ME1 1SX Phone: 01634 810066 / 810064Email: [email protected] www.rochestercathedral.org

Founded in 604AD, Rochester Cathedral is the second oldest inEngland. With glorious Norman architecture in the nave and crypt,and one of the finest Romanesque facades in the country, there ismuch to see for the casual visitor and specialist groups alike. Audio-visual tours in a number of different languages are availablefor visitors to use to explore the cathedral. Groups must pre-book toensure entry to the cathedral on the desired date, and greatdiscounts on pre-booked tours - audio or guided - are available. The cathedral tea room is the perfect rest stop for pre-booked groups.

1-1.5 Average length of visit (hrs) 4 Group discounts 4 Coach parking nearby4 Driver/guide concessions4 Pre-booking required4 Educational packs4 Educational officer services4 Guided audio tours

4 Gift shop Restaurant/café 4 Group menu 4 Picnic area4 Toilets 4 Disabled toilet 4 Wheelchair access (grounds only)4 Free inspection visits

1-1.5 Average length of visit (hrs)4 Group discounts 4 Coach parking nearby4 Driver/guide concessions4 Pre-booking required4 Educational packs4 Educational Officer services4 Guided/costumed/audio tours

4 Gift shop4 Restaurant/cafe4 Group menu available Picnic area4 Toilets4 Disabled toilets4 Wheelchair access 4 Free inspection visits

Places to visit

n Rochester Castle

n Restoration House

n Rochester Cathedral


13

2-3 Average length of visit (hrs)4 Group discounts (20+)4 Coach parking on-site4 Driver/guide concessions4 Pre-booking required4 Educational packs4 Educational Officer services Guided/costumed/audio tours

4 Gift shop Restaurant/cafe Group menu available Picnic area4 Toilets4 Disabled toilets4 Wheelchair access 4 Free inspection visits

The Historic Dockyard ChathamChatham Historic Dockyard Trust, The Sail and Phone: 01634 823815 / 823800Colour Loft, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Fax: 01634 823801 Kent ME4 4TE Email: [email protected]

www.thedockyard.co.uk

As the world’s most complete dockyard of the Age of Sail, TheHistoric Dockyard Chatham is unique and one of Britain’s leadingmaritime heritage destinations. With a fantastic range of attractions,iconic buildings and historic ships to explore, plus a contemporaryexhibition space, the friendly, knowledgeable guides bring 400 yearsof history to life throughout the 80 acre site. Make your own rope onthe Victorian Ropery Tour, experience life at sea on board the ThreeHistoric Warships, be inspired by the people who worked there inSteam, Steel and Submarines and discover maritime treasures and arange of temporary exhibitions in No.1 Smithery. With the RNLIHistoric Lifeboat Collection, 3 Slip the BIG Space and the Hearts ofOak gallery retelling the story of the construction of wooden-hulled,sail powered warships, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Guided tours andcatering options are also available.

Royal Engineers MuseumPrince Arthur Road, Gillingham, Kent ME4 4UG Phone: 01634 822839Fax: 01634 822371 Email: [email protected]

The Royal Engineers Museum is Kent’s only designated museum ofinternational historical importance. The museum provides afascinating insight into the debt owed to, and the part played by, oursoldier engineers in past times to the present day. The many galleriesand exhibits of the museum tell a fascinating story. The First andSecond World War galleries give visitors a feel of life during the moregruelling parts of the 20th century. A dedicated gallery tells the storyof the most recent conflicts involving the Royal Engineers in Iraq andAfghanistan, with a glimpse into the life of the modern day Sapperand a gallery dedicated to the art of the bridge builder and evolutionof bridge building with substantial model collections.

Temple ManorKnight Road, Strood, Rochester, Kent ME2 2AH Phone: 01634 335882www.visitmedway.org

A rare surviving 13th century house belonging to the KnightsTemplar – an order of soldiers established in the crusading period toprotect the holy lands and the pilgrims who travelled to them. Its original purpose was to provide lodgings and fresh horses formembers of this order on their way to and from the crusades. Groupsmust pre-book their visit.

4-5 Average length of visit (hrs)4 Group discounts (15+)4 Coach parking on-site4 Driver/guide concessions4 Pre-booking required4 Educational packs4 Educational Officer services4 Guided/costumed/audio tours

4 Gift shop4 Restaurant/cafe4 Group menu available4 Picnic area4 Toilets4 Disabled toilets4 Wheelchair access 4 Free inspection visits

www.visitmedway.org

n Royal Engineers Museumn The Historic DockyardChatham

n Temple Manor

n Temple Manor



Guildhall MuseumHigh Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1PY Phone/fax: 01634 332900Email: [email protected] www.visitmedway.org

The Guildhall built in 1687, is one of the finest 17th century civicbuildings in Kent. Colourful and informative displays record morethan 250,000 years of Medway history. At the centre of the museumis a three-tier reconstruction of a Medway prison hulk of theNapoleonic period. This walk-through experience illustrates theterrible conditions in which prisoners were kept. Learn about the lifeand work of Charles Dickens in the Dickens’ Discovery Rooms whereauthentic objects are on display. Text and graphic panels and a multi-lingual touch-screen highlights sites of Dickens’ interest aroundMedway. A short film on the author’s connections to the area isplayed continuously throughout the day in the audio-visual theatre.

Six Poor Travellers HouseHigh Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1LX Phone: 01634 845609www.visitmedway.org

The Tudor charity was founded by the Elizabethan MP Richard Watts to provide board and lodgings for six poor travellers and continued todo so right up to the Second World War. The house and charity isimmortalised in Dickens’ short story entitled The Seven Poor Travellers. Acourtyard herb garden attracts many visitors in the summer.

Dickens WorldLeviathan Way, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4LLContact: Group bookings - 0844 858 6656 Fax: 01634 891972Email: [email protected] www.dickensworld.co.uk

Dickens World is an exciting indoor themed visitor attraction basedaround the life, books and times of one of Britain’s best-loved authors,Charles Dickens. The Grand Tour takes you through the sights, soundsand smells of Victorian England. The 90 minute interactive tour is led byprofessionally trained guides that present the most exciting, informativeand interesting experience. Tours are suitable for visitors of all ages.Enjoy a meal in Porters Restaurant, have afternoon tea or choose manyof the talks about Charles Dickens to enhance the visit further (all mustbe pre-booked by groups).

The Old Brook Pumping StationSolomons Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4LAPhone: 01634 362847 www.oldbrookpumping.co.uk

Listed as an ancient monument, the Brook Pumping Station wasincorporated into Chatham’s main drainage system from 1929 until1980. Groups need to pre-book their visite.

1 Average length of visit (hrs)4 Group discounts (20+) – Free 4 Coach parking nearby4 Driver/guide concessions – Free 4 Pre-booking required4 Educational packs4 Educational Officer services Guided/costumed/audio tours

4 Gift shop Restaurant/cafe Group menu available Picnic area Toilets Disabled toilets4 Wheelchair access (ground floor only)4 Free inspection visits

3 Average length of visit (hrs) 4 Group discounts (20+)4 Coach parking on-site4 Driver/guide concessions4 Pre-booking required4 Educational packs4 Educational officer services4 Guided/costumed/audio tours

(on request)

4 Gift shop4 Restaurant/café 4 Group menu Picnic area4 Toilets 4 Disabled toilets 4 Wheelchair access 4 Free inspection visits

nGuildhall Museum nDickens World

n The Old BrookPumping Station

n Six PoorTravellers

House

n Six Poor Travellers House


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Upnor CastleHigh Street, Upper Upnor, Rochester, Kent ME2 4XG Phone/Fax: 01634 718742Email: [email protected] www.visitmedway.org

This attractive turreted castle is set in a picturesque village area,backed by rolling wooded hills on the banks of the River Medway.The castle was built to protect Queen Elizabeth’s warship whenanchored in the Medway. Its importance matched the growth of thedockyard in Chatham. Although the castle was an important link inthe defence line, it proved ineffective when the Dutch sailed up theMedway in June 1667, under the command of Admiral de Ruyter, toattack the dockyard. The Dutch met resistance, but when they lefttwo days later they had destroyed and captured a large number of Royal Navy ships anchored at Chatham. Occasional events areenjoyed at the castle, including re-enactments and outdoor theatre performances.

Medway’s tour buses – NEW!Medway offers a diverse range of bus tours for visitors to enjoy. Theopen top bus operates during the summer and comes complete withpre-recorded commentary by the actor Brian Blessed and costumedcharacter meet and greeters. The tour takes approximately 45 minutes starting from the Medway Visitor Information Centre’scoach bays, and is a great way to learn more on the history of theMedway area. The bus accommodates 45 people seated on theupper deck with additional seating on the lower deck, includingspace to accommodate one wheelchair user.

During November/December, at weekends only, the Dickens CountryExperience tour bus is a great way of discovering more on the lifeand times of the Great British author, Charles Dickens. It includes avisit to the villages of Cobham and Cooling, Cobham Hall and Gad’sHill Place in Higham. Tours are led by two professional actors andtakes approximately 2.5 hours to complete. The bus accommodates26 persons and space for one wheelchair user.

Tours can be booked by groups in advance. For details visitwww.visitmedway.org or email [email protected]

Fort Amherst Heritage Park and CavernsDock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4UB Phone/fax: 01634 847747Email: [email protected] www.fortamherst.com

Built in 1756 to protect the naval dockyard from landward attacks,the fort houses a fascinating network of underground chambers andtunnels. These tunnels were used to create vast underground stores,shelters, magazines, barracks, gun batteries and guardrooms. Guided tours available for pre-booked groups.

1-2 Average length of visit (hrs) 4 Group discounts 4 Coach drop-off at village bus stop4 Driver/guide concessions4 Pre-booking required4 Educational packs4 Educational officer services4 Audio tours 4 Gift shop Restaurant/café Group menu 4 Picnic area4 Toilets Disabled toilet4 Wheelchair access (limited)4 Free inspection visits

www.visitmedway.org

n Look out for Upnor’s themed eventssuch as The Dutch are Coming.


n Fort Amherst nUpnor Castle


Leisure attractions


DiggerlandMedway Valley Leisure Park, Roman Way, Strood, Kent ME2 2NUPhone: 0871 227007 Fax: 0901 2010 300Email: [email protected] www.diggerland.com

An ultimate adventure park experienceoffering more than 15 rides and drives tochoose from using real constructionmachinery including JCBs and dumper trucks.

Buckmore Park Karting Maidstone Road, Chatham, Kent ME5 9QGPhone: 01634 201562 Fax: 01634 686104Email: [email protected] www.buckmore.co.uk

Experience the thrills of high speed withsharp bends at Buckmore Park’s 1,200metre international outdoor kart circuit.

Chatham Ski &Snowboard CentreAlpine Park, Capstone Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 3JHPhone: 01634 827979 Fax: 01634 814075Email: [email protected]

The centre is open all-year round with two floodlit slopes, three lifts, full range ofequipment to hire and the longesttoboggan run in the country.

Silver BladesAmbley Road, Gillingham Business Park, Gillingham, Kent ME8 0PP Phone: 01634 388477Email: [email protected] www.theicebowl.co.uk

Silver Blades offers indoor ice-skating sevendays a week and is a sporting centre ofexcellence in ice hockey and figure skating.

Medway ParkMill Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 1HFPhone: 01634 338855 Email: [email protected]

A sporting centre of excellence in the regionwith indoor and outdoor sports facilitiesincluding athletics tracks, judo centre, sportshall, swimming and dive pools.

Arethusa Venture CentreLower Upnor, Rochester, Kent ME2 4XBPhone: 01634 719933 Fax: 01634 295905Email: [email protected] www.arethusa.org.uk

Climbing wall and watersports centre withits own swimming pool, which is ideal foreducational groups. On-site hostel styleaccommodation and catering available.

The Central Theatre170 High Street, Chatham, Kent ME4 4ASBox office: 01634 338338 Email: [email protected]

This beautiful 965 seat venue is alreadyhome to a myriad of memories and it iswaiting for you to come along and makemore unforgettable ones of your own.

Musically you can relive the West End greats,pay tribute to some of the world’s greatestbands or get up close and personal with thebest acts on the folk circuit. Visit the websiteto browse all upcoming performances.

The Sandwich Cellar bar at the theatre isfully licensed and offers a range of hot andcold refreshments.

The Brook TheatreOld Town Hall, Chatham, Kent ME4 4SEBox office: 01634 338338 Email: [email protected]

Formerly Chatham Town Hall, this stunningVictorian architecture provides anunforgettable backdrop for professionaltheatre and community productions at TheBrook Theatre. Also starring centre stage isthe irreverent and controversial MedwayComedy Club, jazz and folk evenings, danceperformances and Studio Showcaseevening – intimate performances can alsobe seen in the smaller studio theatre, next tothe main auditorium.

Medway Little Theatre256 High Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1HYPhone: 01634 400322 Email: [email protected]

Britannia Theatre atDickens WorldLeviathan Way, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4LLPhone: 0844 858 6656Email: [email protected]

Rochester Art Gallery andCraft CaseMedway Visitor Information Centre, 95 High St, Rochester,Kent, ME1 1LXPhone: 01634 338319 Email: [email protected]/arts

n The Brook Theatre Chatham

nDiggerland

n The Brook Theatre


Capstone Farm Country ParkCapstone Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 3JGPhone: 01634 338191 Fax: 01634 338192Email: [email protected]

There are 280 acres of ancient woodland,orchards and meadows to explore. Facilitiesinclude a visitor centre, café, fishing lakeand full programme of events and workshops.

Ranscombe Farm ReserveSundridge Hill, Cuxton, Rochester, Kent ME2 1LAPhone: 01634 292062Email: [email protected]/ramscombe

Set in a 600 acre nature reserve andworking farm on the slopes of the NorthDowns Area of Outstanding Nature Beauty.Offering breathtaking views of thesurrounding countryside.

Riverside Country ParkLower Rainham Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 2XHPhone: 01634 337432 Fax: 01634 263827Email: [email protected]

Situated on theMedway estuarywith a backdrop ofmeadows andmarshes. Facilitiesinclude a visitorcentre, café and fullprogramme ofevents andworkshops.

RSPB nature reservesCliffe Pools and Northward HillPhone: 01634 222480 Fax: 01634 222489Email: [email protected]/reserves

Cliffe Pools sits alongside the Thames and is

the place to enjoy bird watching across thesaline pools. Just four miles up the road isNorthward Hill RSPB Reserve, home ofBritain’s largest heronry, which is accessedvia an attractive woodland walk.

Country walking andcycling trailsFor the keen walker, Medway has a goodselection of walking publications availablethat provide recreational access to thecountryside using the public right of waynetwork. Cycle through the picturesquerural villages and countryside, part of theSustrans National Cycle Network. The HeronTrail is a circular route covering 18 miles(29km) and takes about two hours to cycle.Some of these villages have a connectionwith Charles Dickens, who based several ofhis famous novels in the area.

17

Medway is surrounded by a stunning natural environment and has a widevariety of parks, wetlands and natural green spaces to explore. Go for awalk or cycle and don’t forget the camera and binoculars.

n Riverside Country Park

Shopping

Chatham town centreChatham is the largest of shopping centresin Medway, offering a wide range ofshopping and leisure facilities includingmajor store names.

Coaches visiting Chatham town centre andthe theatres are required to pre-book theirvisit at least 48 hours in advance if theywish to enter Chatham Waterfront. Thecoach drop-off and collection point is onlypermitted at Bus Stop D19, Waterfront Way(see map). Coach drivers have a 15 minutewaiting time in this area and must go to

Acorn Wharf Coach Park in Rochester topark. To book your visit, please email thebus station manager and parking servicesand provide them with the followingdetails: date of visit; reason for visit;estimated arrival and preferred departuretimes; coach company name and contactdetails and vehicle registration (if known).Email to be sent to [email protected] [email protected] or visitwww.medway.gov.uk

Historic RochesterRochester’s Victorian High Street, lined withalluring family-owned businesses, is theplace to seek out yesterday’s curios,paintings and porcelain, jewellery,handbags and accessories. Every thirdSunday of the month, Rochester’s farmers’market offers visitors the chance to buylocal produce direct from the supplier.Rochester is a great place for a meal-stop asit offers free coach parking at Acorn WharfCoach Park, which is within easy walkingdistance of the High Street.

Dockside outlet shoppingcentreHome to more than 40 leading retailersoffering great discount prices. The centre isadjacent to Dickens World visitor complex.For coach parking arrangements call thecentre on 01634 899389 or visitwww.docksideshopping.co.uk

Hempstead ValleyShopping CentreExplore over 50 popular retailers under oneroof, including major store names and foodcourt. Coaches should pre-book their visitin advance by calling 01634 387076 orvisiting www.hempsteadvalley.com

Whatever is on your shopping list, there is no reason to look any further thanMedway. From big named stores to independent delights, there’s an offerto suit every pocket.

MEDWAY STREET

THE BROOK


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www.visitmedway.org

Country parks, trails and cycling


18

English Festival 18 April 2015Riverside Country Park, GillinghamThis annual festival celebrating Englishculture, history and tradition takes place atRiverside Country Park, Gillingham. Free event. Coaches visiting need to pre-book parking.

Festival of Steam &Transport5-6 April 2015 / 27-28 March 2016The Historic Dockyard ChathamA great day out for all groups on EasterSunday and Monday. Alongside the steamdisplays, locomotives and classic carsthroughout the ages, you will see; streetentertainment, live music, Call The Midwifefilm location tours, animals, farmers market,traditional steam fair and so much more.Charges apply for this event. For groupprices and to make book a group bookingphone 01634 823815 or [email protected]. For moreinformation visit www.thedockyard.co.uk

Rochester SweepsFestival2-4 May 2015Rochester town centreMedway’s Sweeps Festival recreates the joyand laughter enjoyed by Victorian chimneysweeps at their traditional annual festival.Festivities include national and internationalfolk bands, parades, stalls and Morrisdancing. Coach parking is available atAcorn Wharf Coach Park.

Rochester Dickens Festival29-31 May 2015Rochester town centreThe Dickens Festival celebrates the workand life of one of England’s greatestnovelist Charles Dickens. Streetentertainment, readings, recitals,costumed characters and parades providegreat entertainment for groups of allages. Coach parking is available at Acorn Wharf Coach Park.

Castle Concerts15-18 July 2015Rochester Castle GardensWitness some of the biggest names inmusic perform in the intimate setting of thegardens of one of England’s most beautifulcastles. This is a ticketed event wherecharges apply. Coach parking is available atnearby Acorn Wharf Coach Park.

Medway hosts over 30 days of free festivals and events each year, more thananywhere else in the south-east. Featured here are just some of our most popular. For further information on festivals and events visit www.enjoymedway.co.uk

www.visitmedway.org

n Sweeps Festivaln The English Festival

nMedway Festival ofSteam & Transport

nMorris dancers are an integral part of the Rochester Sweeps Festival.

Events and festivals


www.visitmedway.org

Salute to the ‘40s19-20 September 2015The Historic Dockyard Chatham One of Britain’s Best Vintage Festivals.During this weekend your group will betransported back in time to see; 1940’sentertainers, dancers, military and homefront displays, air displays, 1940’s fashionand vintage fairs. KEEP CALM AND CARRYON TO CHATHAM! Charges apply for thisevent. For group prices and to make book agroup booking phone 01634 823815 oremail [email protected]. For more information visitwww.thedockyard.co.uk

Dickensian Christmas5-6 December 2015 Rochester town centreStep back in time and start the festive season in Dickensian style. Costumedcharacters, street entertainment andspectacular parades take place daily.Coaches visiting need to pre-book parking.

n Castle Concerts nDickensian Christmas

n Salute to the ‘40s

n A variety ofcostumed characters

can be seenroaming aroundRochester duringthe RochesterDickens and

DickensianChristmas

festivals.

Disclaimer: Please note thatcircumstances can and do change andthe publishers cannot acceptresponsibility for any subsequentamendment. It is advisable to phone orvisit websites for further information.

What’s new 2015/16New and exciting events will becoming to Medway. Keep a close eye on our What’s On websitewww.enjoymedway.co.uk over the comingmonths for details on the Siege of Rochester 2015and special events to commemorate the 350thanniversary of the Dutch Raid on Chatham. Further details of these and other events can be found online.

19



The Huguenot Heritage CentreOpening 2015The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) hasgranted £1.2m to set up the HuguenotHeritage Centre in Rochester. The centretells the story of the Huguenots fight frompersecution, how they integrated intoBritish society and the trades they excelledin once they had settled. Opening Spring2015 on the first floor of Medway VisitorInformation Centre in Rochester.

Eastgate House &GardensOpening 2016Eastgate House is a nationally significantGrade I listed building in the heart ofhistoric Rochester. Built around 1590 for SirPeter Buck, Clerk of the Cheque at the Royal Dockyard in Chatham and later Mayorof Rochester.

The house featured in the works of CharlesDickens as The Nun’s House in The Mystery ofEdwin Drood and Westgate House Seminaryin The Pickwick Papers. Eastgate House is nowbeing restored thanks to a Heritage LotteryFunded (HLF) conservation project.

Rochester Cathedral –Hidden Treasures, Fresh ExpressionsOpening 2015The cathedral has received a grant of£3.55m from the Heritage Lottery Fund(HLF) and generous contributions of over£1m to focus on its project on the crypt,library and the hidden collections in thecathedral’s ownership.

At the end of 2015 the crypt will bedisplaying two historic documents side-by-side, the Magna Carta and Textus Roffensisfor the first time in history.

The Historic DockyardChatham - Command ofthe Oceans Opening Spring 2016The Historic Dockyard Chatham hasreceived a grant of £4.5m from the HeritageLottery Fund (HLF) to support its £8.75mCommand of the Oceans project.

Visit new interactive galleries and take avoyage back to the ‘age of sail’ - a timewhen the people of the Dockyard builtships for the Royal Navy, which helpedthem establish Britain’s worldwide

command of the oceans. Using the latest inexhibition design and technology, powerfulstories are unearthed, revealing theincredibly important role ChathamDockyard, its defences and its peopleplayed during this extraordinary period ofBritish History. ‘Command of the Oceans’reveals - for the first time - Chatham’s trulyastonishing story during the age of sail.

Medway Tour Buses –The Open Top Bus andthe Dickens CountryExperienceExplore Medway during the summermonths aboard the open top sightseeingbus. A full tour takes approximately 45minutes and starts and finishes inRochester. Each tour has a meet ‘n’ greetcostumed character onboard and pre-recorded commentary provided byactor, Brian Blessed. The Dickens CountryExperience tours operate at weekends onlyin November/December. The tours takeapproximately 2.5 hours, visiting the placesassociated with the author, and led bycostumed professional actors. For details see page 15.

If you’re returning to Medway or paying us your first visit, there’salways something new to enjoy. Here are a few of the excitingnew attractions for 2015/16.


n Command of the Oceans

What’s new in Medway 2015/16


Accommodation for groups


BRIDGEWOOD MANOR HOTEL (★★★★ hotel)Bridgewood Roundabout, Walderslade Woods, Chatham ME5 9AXPhone: 01634 201333 Fax: 01634 201330Email: [email protected]: www.qhotels.co.ukSituated at the edge of historic Rochester with links to the M2 (J3) and the M20 (J6). Modern conference hotel -100 wellappointed bedrooms, restaurant, 2 bars, leisure/spa/pool. Rooms: 100, all en-suiteCoach parking: On site 4 miles south of Rochester S Chatham 3 miles

KING CHARLES HOTEL (★★★ hotel)Brompton Road, Gillingham ME7 5QT Phone: 01634 830303 Fax: 01634 829430 Email: [email protected]: www.kingcharleshotel.co.ukA privately owned modern hotel with a cosy restaurant and firstclass conference and banqueting facilities. Ideal base for exploringSouth East England and London.Rooms: 98, all en-suiteCoach parking: On site 1 mile south of Gillingham S Gillingham 1 mile

HOLIDAY INN ROCHESTER-CHATHAM (★★★★ hotel)Maidstone Road, Chatham ME5 9SF Phone: 0871 942 9069 Fax: 01634 673673 Email: [email protected] Web: www.holidayinn.co.ukModern and friendly 24hr service hotel. Health club/indoor pool. Restaurant, bar and lounge. Accessible rooms and conferencefacilities. Ideally located for historic areas of Kent.Rooms: 149, en-suite and air conditionedCoach parking: On site 3.5 miles from Rochester S Chatham 3.5 miles

S Gravesend 3 miles

RAMADA ENCORE CHATHAM (★★★ hotel)Western Avenue, Chatham Historic Dockyard, Chatham ME4 4NTPhone: 01634 891677 Fax: 01634 895152 Email: [email protected]: www.encorechatham.co.ukA fantastic modern 90-bed hotel situated in the heart of ChathamMaritime. All rooms are vibrant, fresh and modern with wet rooms,wooden floors, flat screen TVs and tea/coffee making facilities. Rooms: 90 all with en-suite Coach parking: On site 1 mile from Chatham S Chatham 1 mile

INN ON THE LAKE (★★★ hotel)A2, Shorne, Gravesend DA12 3HB Phone: 01474 823333 Fax: 01474 823175 Email: [email protected]: www.innonlake.co.ukThe Inn on the Lake offers a friendly and comfortable stay in amodern, family run establishment. Excellent base for exploringSouth East England and London. Rooms: 80, all en-suite Coach parking: On site 3 miles from Gravesend

Student accommodation and host families

ARETHUSA VENTURE CENTRELower Upnor, Rochester, Kent ME2 4XBPhone: 01634 719333 Fax: 01634 295905Email: [email protected] Web: www.arethusa.org.uk Hostel accommodation, with three separate blocks each sleeping approximately 40 with modernpurpose built facilities. Available all year at weekends and during weekdays out of term time only.Extensive on-site facilities and full catering available.

UNIVERSITY OF KENT AT MEDWAYLiberty Quays, Blake Avenue, Gillingham, Kent ME7 1FLPhone: 01634 853285 Email: [email protected]: www.libertyliving.co.uk/city/medwayLiberty Quays offers 545 single study bedrooms plus 59 studio apartments fitted to a high standardwith en-suite shower, toilet and wash-basin plus a data point for high-speed internet access. Allstudy bedrooms share a fully fitted kitchen and living area. Studio apartments are self-contained.

EDUCATIONAL HOLIDAYSPhone: 01634 849355 Fax: 01634 402730Email: [email protected] Established in 1969, Educational Holidays offers student group host family accommodation andcultural and educational programmes. English lessons arranged. Host family accommodation forindividual students is also available.

TRINITY LINGUA TOURS (TLT)Phone/fax 01634 721140 Email: [email protected] offer a bespoke educational and language holiday organising service for groups andindividuals. It provides host family accommodation, home and classroom English languagetuition and guided tours.

Over 30 days offree festivals andevents each year

Find out what’s on and whenwhatsonmedway.co.uk

Medway boasts a wealth of eventsand festivals celebrating it’s

colourful past and exciting present.These include the English Festival,

Sweeps Festivals, twice-yearlyDickens festivals, and new and

exciting events coming in 2015/16.



Getting to MedwayRochester, Chatham and Gillingham



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Britain’s Maritime Heritage at its best, plus:

GREAT GROUP VISITS!

FILM AND TV TOURS ‘Call the Midwife’ Experience Film locations tour

EXCLUSIVE CATERING Fish ‘n’ Ships Lunches and Afternoon Teas

ENGAGING EXHIBITIONS A changing programme of temporary exhibitions each year

ENTERTAINING EVENTS Easter: Festival of Steam and Transport September: Salute to the ‘40s

thedockyard.co.uk [email protected] 823815The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TE (For SATNAV use ME4 4TY)Registered Charity No. 292101. Fully Accredited Museum


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