Top Things to do in Medway
Top Hotels in Medway
- 1. Premier Inn Rochester hotel
- 2. Premier Inn Chatham/Gillingham (Victory Pier) Hotel
- 3. Bridgewood Manor Hotel & Spa
- 4. St. George Hotel
- 5. Travelodge Rochester
- 6. Travelodge Chatham Maritime Hotel
- 7. Premier Inn Gillingham Business Park hotel
- 8. The Golden Lion Hotel
- 9. King Charles Hotel
- 10. Holiday Inn Rochester - Chatham, an IHG hotel
The 10 Best Things to do in Medway, England
Discover the best top things to do in Medway, United Kingdom including The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Royal Engineers Museum, Rochester Cathedral, Rochester Castle, Guildhall Museum, Six Poor Travellers House, Riverside Country Park, Capstone Farm Country Park, Copper Rivet Distillery, Upnor Castle.
Restaurants in Medway
1. The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,537 reviews
Step into the heart of Chatham’s legendary ship building heritage and return to the ‘Age of Sail’, when the Dockyard built mighty ships that won command of the world’s oceans. Test your sea legs as you peer through the periscope of a Cold War Submarine, command the bridge of a WWII Destroyer and ring the ship’s bell aboard a Victorian Sloop. Delve into the award-winning Command of the Oceans interactive gallery and imagine the crash of the waves as you explore the UK’s largest collection of RNLI Historic Lifeboats before gaining first-hand experience of life as a Victorian ropemaker. And don’t forget to check out the exciting programme of events and seasonal activities throughout the year.
Reviewed By Transitguru
Thank you trip advisor! Your reviews made us go, where the dockyard website might not have - it is confusing regarding pricing. Basically - when you buy a ticket it will be valid for a year (no option for ‘one-off’ ticket). If there is an event on you still pay extra, though discounted. We went for the first time ever, coincidentally on an event day. The website was so unhelpful that I elected to buy tickets on the day - this cost our group of 3adults and 2 seniors around £15 extra. However - the price for the event also included all the regular stuff too, and we felt was good value (£15-20pp) for even the one visit, but most certainly for my parents who are local and will return to utilise the annual pass. With the event on, we did not have time to see all the regular exhibits and we were there for the full hours 10-6. Even without an event on, there would be plenty to see at the dockyard. TA comments remark on the friendliness of the staff there - they are not wrong - it was exemplary. The dockyard is quite large, and it is a distance from entry to the ropery (you MUST visit the ropery). My dad is not registered disabled, but struggles to walk far - staff near the mess deck happily got us a wheelchair to borrow. Good (free) parking was well organised on site; exceptional staff (Deb & Brenda in ropery - brilliant); fantastic exhibits (do see the lifeboats, HMS Ocelot, Cavalier etc). I really cannot encourage you enough to visit. Absolutely 5 star, thank you
2. Royal Engineers Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 274 reviews
The Museum tells the story of the Corps of Royal Engineers and how they have helped the British Army live, move and fight for over 300 years. Highlights include 25 Victoria Crosses, Wellington's map of Waterloo, Chard's weapons from the Zulu War, an amazing collection of bridge laying tanks the world’s first useable guided torpedo, a huge piece of the Berlin Wall, a Harrier Jump Jet and a deadly V2 Rocket. The Royal Engineers’ story is one of courage, innovation, skill and endurance which is told through the many galleries, enabling you to follow the evolution of the Sapper from military architects and specialists in siegecraft, to the Army's innovators on everything from diving to surveying, flying to photography and transport to combat engineering. With interactive exhibits, indoor and outdoor play areas, a cafe and gift shop, there is plenty for all the family – tickets valid for a whole year! Please check our website for more details on visiting during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reviewed By S2629LIdavidt - Gillingham, United Kingdom
I was taken to the Museum by my Son as a birthday gift. We spent over 2 hours perusing the very interesting exhibits and information, only reaching Word War I. With closing imminent, we had to rush around the rest. It is therefore ideal that the ticket lasts for 12 months, giving us plenty of time to return and complete our tour. Very well laid out and presented in both an interesting and informative manner. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in our long and varied military history.
3. Rochester Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,131 reviews
Growing in Christ since AD 604. This is England's second oldest cathedral. We are home to the Textus Roffensis, the only existing copy of the first code of English Law. Dating from 604 AD, this is the second-oldest cathedral in England.
Reviewed By 819stephanieo - Rochester, United Kingdom
Rochester Cathedral is such an interesting place to visit. It is full of history and has lots of information to read and learn about it's past. Even though it is a very popular tourist attraction in the area you ca always find a quiet space to sit and be with your own thoughts. The ladies chapel and the gardens are a favourite place of mine & my husband's to just sit quietly, light a candle and escape from the hustle and bustle of life. The team of volunteers are brilliant, very friend and always happy to help or talk about the cathedrals rich history. There is a great programme of events throughout the year, they are very popular so best to book tickets. The refurbished vaults are very impressive and a great space to have a coffee.
4. Rochester Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,227 reviews
Built in 1087, this castle is one of England's finest and best preserved examples of Norman architecture.
Reviewed By W5267XHannam - London, United Kingdom
I visited Rochester Castle in both July and August. It really is very imposing, and apparently the tallest castle in the UK. While it is just a shell of its former glory it is really worth the climb to the top just for the spectacular views and the great photo opportunities. You will get your best view and photos of the cathedral from the top of the castle, and great views over the town and the Medway. It is it's a difficult climb though for those who have walking difficulties or anyone with a vestibular disorder as there are a lot of spirals going on. The Castle is equally impressive from the ground a good place just to sit and while a couple of hours away read a book or for children to play. There are toilet facilities and a small kiosk serving teas coffees snacks and ice cream. I was there over bank holiday weekend and it wasn't particularly crowded it was still quiet and peaceful.
5. Guildhall Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 463 reviews
Reviewed By danielgraham1989 - Chandler’s Ford, United Kingdom
An interesting museum full of interesting artefacts and references to the local history. Well set out with plenty of information and an enjoyable place to visit.
6. Six Poor Travellers House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 210 reviews
Also open some weekend during winter.
Reviewed By LadyGreenbaum - Rochester, United Kingdom
(Click here to read la première partie) https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g635679-d2433291-r723429508-Six_Poor_Travellers_House-Rochester_Kent_England.html?m=55593 ‘Watt(s)’ the Dick’ens is going on at the poor travellers’ house again - I hear you ask! The must see 6 PTH has undergone a cabinet reshuffle (literally) that’s ‘Watt’, which makes this 16th Century historic site well worth a 2nd visit & then some!! A fascinating alms house situated in ‘The silent High Street…’ ‘in the ancient little city of Rochester in Kent’ visibly inscribed, inter alia, in the annals of history and immortalised in Dickens’ very own short story ‘The 7 Poor Travellers’. However, far from being relegated to the annals of history, the ethos behind the 6 PTH has never been more relevant today! EXHIBIT: Enter Stage left or rather through ‘the quaint old door... (an arched door)’ ‘and… ben(d) [your] head, and [descend] down two steps into the entry.’ ‘Watt’ did the 21st Century ‘Lockdown’ and its mantra ‘We’re all in this together’ associated with the virulent strain of COVID-19 (already added to the OED) show us? Namely that ‘It is a time…when want is keenly felt’. Never has the chasm between ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ been more evident - the pandemic having given rise to an unprecedented number of calls for help on an ever dwindling charitable purse with ‘Many thousands…in want of common necessaries’ – to which the ‘Watts’ Charitable arm and its 6 PTH are no strangers, having seen it all before, especially during the 1630s and 1902 plagues and everything else in between. The paradox is simply, that in the midst of the health crisis, humans need connection with each other more than ever! Once again the Watts Charity continues ‘to execute in no niggardly spirit the intentions of Master Richard Watts!” and has risen to the challenge, bucked the national trend and met the ‘Great Expectations’ identified in its mission statement by providing much of the financial assistance needed to remodel the sensory/hydro pool at Abbey Court School, so its S.E.N.D pupils can benefit from a safe, stimulating space in order to understand and feel the freedom of movement that allows them to relate to their environment; to meet the cost for 5 nurses and a palliative care nurse to be trained at the Wisdom Hospice and to help AgeUK (Medway) distribute meals for the elderly in the ME1/ME2 areas, to name but a few! Watts ‘was simply and staunchly true to his duty…’ and I feel certain that both he and Dickens (considered travellers / migrants both) would be proud to see the continuation of the Charity’s ethos resonating through the streets of Rochester today, in what can only be described as some of the hardest social restrictions put in place since the 2nd World War and the effect it has on those who have fallen on ‘Hard Times’. It simply does what it says on the tin! EXHIBIT: Enter Stage right this time – in ‘Watt’ was the original supper room: ‘Lockdown’ also afforded the venerable, passionate Custodians - Elizabeth et al; the time to reorganise the exhibition, which includes many wonderful artefacts from the 6PTH’s golden era, now collated under one roof, as well as a 19th Century register of travellers, which takes pride of place in the adjacent ‘Travellers Room’. Then take a well-earned breather on the garden bench just outside the 2nd and 3rd bedrooms to pause, listen to the audio transcript and reflect on the evocative recollections of travellers experiences; like those of ‘Rags’ who, with britches held up by string, had need of the hospitality offered at the 6PTH after walking all the way from Wales during the 1920s depression, armed only with the vain hope of finding work in the coal mines at Dover, only to return to Wales without any luck! ‘Watt’ better way to while away an afternoon, with the peal of the Cathedral bells and sounds of trickling water never far away! And not forgetting the charm of the physic courtyard garden where 'the...perfumes of the little flower-garden [at the rear] scented the air around’; the fruit, vegetables and medicinal plants all in abundance ‘[shine] in the morning dew…: and the birds [sing]…’ and ‘. . . a very preserve of butterflies as I remember it. . . where the fruit clusters on the[vines], riper and richer than fruit… in any other garden…’ – it’s true, things just grow well here and all evidently a labour of love, for there’s a spirit here which clearly manifests itself through abundance! It’s a haven from the hustle and bustle of modern day life. There is no doubt in my mind that the 6PTH has – in the words of Gerry Rafferty - ‘got it made (yeah) in the garden of England, where the sun comes up to see us every day’! All this and to think, it was at the 6PTH itself, where I rubbed shoulders with Charles Dickens’ great, great grandson, Gerald Charles Dickens, whilst he was filming the latest adaptation of the great man’s work - A Christmas Carol - standing in the very place where Dickens’ himself once stood! So Hear ye! Hear ye! - partake in the latest 21st Century fashion trend and don on that mask, make good use of that antibacterial gel and get thee to the 6PTH – and if the Reader would indulge me a little longer - I may be so bold as to borrow yet another quote from Dickens himself “Do all the good you can and make as little fuss about it as possible.” After all ‘Mankind was [Watts’s] business; charity, mercy forebearance were, all, [his] business’!
7. Riverside Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 434 reviews
Reviewed By Joanne220279
We started the day with a shopping trip at Gillingham town centre. The pedestrianised High Street is lined with trees, benches and familiar shops such as Costa Coffee, Game, New Look, Wilko and the Card Factory. There is also a good selection of charity shops, banks and independent retailers. There are several nearby car parks and there are lots of places to eat and drink. After shopping we visited the Riverside County Park located along side the Medway estuary. The Park is 100 hectares with lots of wildlife, cycle paths, walks, picnic areas and a fantastic children's play area. Parking is free and there is a cafe where we enjoyed a cup of coffee and a snack. The views at the park are amazing and I would definitely recommend a visit.
8. Capstone Farm Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
Reviewed By chrisdodd4 - London, United Kingdom
We were in the area after visiting relatives, so fancied,as the weather was fit for walking ,to visit Capstone Farm Country Park. Leave the M2 at Hempstead Valley, which is the local shopping centre for the area, and follow the brown signs to the car park for the country park, parking free,happy days. Walk down towards the playground, and your see a plan of the park map see below my picture,there are various trails to take and uncover, we took the green trail, which first passes the ski centre, which houses a tobaggan run and dry ski slope, see the website for more information. Passing through Drow Hill Wood, you cross and area called event field, you continue down wooded pathways and open field lan see below my pictures, before reaching Millennium Wood another wooded area before reaching the car park and the playground again. Walk down the hill, towards the fishing lake, lakeside cafeteria and toilet facilities and visitor centre. As you wander around the lake, there are plenty of seats to sit,after you walk on the various routes, see by my pictures below, before crossing the bridge back to the car park, as previously mentioned there is the Lakeside Cafeteria, we declined to visit on this occasion but it’s there if you require it. So to Summit up, Capstone may get Extremely busy at Peak times, so go visit the Country Park,go on you know you want to.
9. Copper Rivet Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 216 reviews
Visit the Copper Rivet Distillery at Pumphouse No. 5, our beautiful, red brick, Victorian home looking across the River Medway to the historic Upnor. Your tour through the Copper Rivet Distillery is one of the few places in England that you can experience the entire distillation process from grain to glass and will end with a tasting of our crafted spirits.
Reviewed By martynh954 - Faversham, United Kingdom
Housed in a stunning Victorian pump house and previously part of the Chatham Dockyard, Copper Rivet is worth the visit whether you are a fan of gin or not. Personally, I drink cask beer but the process involved in distilling is fascinating with our guide very engaging when placing the history of the dockyard into the story of the company. I’m not the best person to describe the flavours of gin and vodka but both my wife and daughter were suitably impressed with what they were drinking. Towards the end of the tour tastings were given of gin and vodka with an in depth appreciation of the various botanicals used in the process. At the end , a complimentary gin and tonic crowned off a thoroughly enjoyable and informative visit. Many thanks to our guide who was great.
10. Upnor Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 396 reviews
Set in tranquil grounds, in the picturesque riverside village of Upnor, stands this rare and wonderfully preserved Elizabethan artillery fortress.Upnor Castle was built in 1559 to defend the navy of Queen Elizabeth I and the nearby Chatham Dockyard. It put up a brave but ineffective fight against the Dutch invasion of the British fleet in 1667 and this dramatic and exciting event is told to today's visitors with an audiovisual experience.After Upnor had served queen and country as a military base it was put to use supplying gunpowder and weapons to the men of war along the river. Open air theatre and battle re-enactments can now be enjoyed during the summer months, and Upnor Castle's ancient and atmospheric halls are proving to be a very popular venue for weddings.New for 2012! Interactive displays and new history boards.
Reviewed By smith1265 - Sheffield, United Kingdom
I really love this place. I’d not been for over 20 years - it was my third visit. It’s a nice spot next to the river and at the end of a pretty village high street. It’s an attractive looking castle and well built up - no ruins so there is plenty to see. It’s also unusual from an architectural perspective - there aren’t many Elizabethan fortifications. It also has an interesting story with the Dutch raid of 1667. All in all, a really good place to visit for an hour or two.
