Pictures of Rochester
in the county of Kent
About Rochester
Since before Roman times there has been a settlement here, at the ford across the River Medway. The walled town developed beside the bridge which carried Watling Street, the Dover Road and slight traces of the old walls remain. The town has an illustrious history and has a wealth of historical buildings. It also has connections with Charles Dickens who makes mention of two of the town's buildings in Pickwick Papers and Great Expectations. Dickens once lived at Gad's Hill, to the north west of Rochester.
The graceful spire of Rochester Cathedral rises high above the town, the building is mostly Norman and was begun in 1077. The beautiful carved wooden ceiling to the nave dates 15th-century and of the Cathedrals other treasures there is a magnificent white marble monument to the first Lord Henniker, who died in 1806, it is by John Bacon the Younger (1777-1859) and is in the Victorian Romantic style. Rochester is a splendid Cathedral, full of reminders of an ancient past and a constant source of fascination. Rochester Castle was built in the 12th-century. It has a 125ft high Keep and is a fine example of Norman military building.
This is a spacious town that has much to offer the visitor. It is a lively place where picturesque past and present sit comfortably side by side. Delightful river walks provide a constant reminder of Rochesters past links with river and sea. There are excellent shopping facilities, many pleasant inns and restaurants and spacious parks and gardens. Buildings to see include; The Guildhall, Restoration House, The Corn Exchange, Eastgate House Museum and Watts Charity Hospital. It is though, Rochester Castle and the rare beauty of it's great Cathedral that will linger long in your memory.
Planning a visit? Please see below for other recommended towns, attractions and recommended hotels nearby.
Distances and directions below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner
Recommended attractions near Rochester
| Restoration House | (0.1 miles, 0.1 km) | Pictures |
| Charles Dickens Chalet | (0.1 miles, 0.2 km) | Pictures |
| Rochester Castle | (0.2 miles, 0.3 km) | Pictures |
| Rochester Cathedral | (0.3 miles, 0.5 km) | Pictures |
| Guildhall Museum | (0.6 miles, 1.0 km) | Pictures |
| Historic Dockyard, Chatham | (1.1 miles, 1.7 km) | Pictures |
| Upnor Castle | (1.9 miles, 3.0 km, direction NE) | Pictures |
| Camer Country Park | (5.9 miles, 9.5 km, direction W) | Pictures |
| Allington Castle | (6.6 miles, 10.7 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| New Tavern Fort | (6.7 miles, 10.8 km, direction NW) | Pictures |
| Trosley Country Park | (6.8 miles, 10.9 km, direction SW) | Pictures |
| Coldrum Long Barrow | (7.3 miles, 11.7 km, direction SW) | Pictures |
| Tilbury Fort | (7.4 miles, 11.8 km, direction NW) | Pictures |
| Manor Country Park | (8.1 miles, 13.0 km, direction SW) | Pictures |
| Archbishops Palace | (8.2 miles, 13.1 km, direction S) | Pictures |
All attractions in RochesterAll attractions in KentComplete A to Z of attractions in EnglandRecommended towns near Rochester
Higham, in the county of Kent (2.7 miles, 4.4 km, direction NW)
An interesting village situated between Gravesend and Rochester in Kent, with links to the author Charles Dickens, the notorious...
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Upchurch, in the county of Kent (6.2 miles, 10.0 km, direction E)
This is an historic, interesting village which was once home to Edmund Drake, father of Sir Francis, who became vicar of the local church in 1560.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Meopham Green, in the county of Kent (6.9 miles, 11.0 km, direction W)
This is an attractive Kentish village lying to the south of Gravesend. It is picked out by its Windmill of 1801, which has been lovingly restored back to its original working order and is now one of the best preserved in Kent.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Gravesend, in the county of Kent (6.9 miles, 11.1 km, direction NW)
Attractive old town overlooking the Thames estuary with walkways and picnic sites ideal for watching the busy water traffic, for this stretch of the river is said to be one of the busiest in the world.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Canvey Island, in the county of Essex (9.5 miles, 15.2 km, direction N)
With a pleasant coast, intriguing creeks to explore and views across the Thames estuary to Allhallows and beyond, it is not surprising that Canvey Island is a popular tourist destination.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Greenhithe, in the county of Kent (10.6 miles, 17.1 km, direction NW)
Greenhithe is an area of Kent found sandwiched between the River Thames and Watling.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Leeds, in the county of Kent (10.8 miles, 17.4 km, direction SE)
For a romantic day out and a trip into England's rich historic past you can do no better than visit the pastoral village of Leeds.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Sheerness, in the county of Kent (11.8 miles, 18.9 km, direction E)
This is the port to which Nelson's body was brought home following his untimely death after his glorious victory at the Battle of Trafalgar.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Leigh-on-Sea, in the county of Essex (12.5 miles, 20.0 km, direction NE)
At Leigh, visitors will find a small sandy beach and a narrow High Street containing lovely old fishermen's cottages. The resort is situated close to Leigh Marsh Nature Reserve and Two Tree Island, a lonely expanse of windswept grass and saltings.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Eynsford, in the county of Kent (12.8 miles, 20.6 km, direction W)
This is a small town in the Darent Valley. Way back in the mists of history it was thought to be an important town, but is now...
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Plaxtol, in the county of Kent (12.8 miles, 20.6 km, direction SW)
This is a picturesque Kentish village at the centre of the counties hop growing fields. It has interesting Oast houses and a concentration of charming brick built cottages.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Dartford, in the county of Kent (13.1 miles, 21.1 km, direction W)
The interest of the town focus's on The Holy Trinity Church, this originated in the 11th century and has a Norman tower.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Westcliff-on-Sea, in the county of Essex (13.2 miles, 21.2 km, direction NE)
The coast along this stretch of Essex beaches may be somewhat urbanised, but it remains full of surprises with reminders of the times when smugglers would stealthily enter the creeks between the mudflats to distribute their illicit cargoes at local inns.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Lynsted, in the county of Kent (13.2 miles, 21.2 km, direction E)
A charming, restful place in what is known as cherry-orchard country, and although the cherries are still here, arable farming has taken over much of the land.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Southend-on-Sea, in the county of Essex (13.9 miles, 22.3 km, direction NE)
Southend-on-Sea is mostly known for its long pier and large amusement park - Adventure Island, which has rides to suit all tastes and all ages.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
All towns in KentComplete A to Z of towns in EnglandNearby travel help
| Rochester Station | (0.2 miles, 0.3 km) |
| Strood Station | (0.8 miles, 1.2 km) |
| M2 Junction 2 | (1.6 miles, 2.6 km, direction W) |
| M2 Junction 1 | (2.8 miles, 4.5 km, direction W) |
| London City Airport | (20.8 miles, 33.5 km, direction W) |
| Rochester to London | (28.5 miles, 45.9 km, direction W) |
| London Gatwick Airport | (33.8 miles, 54.5 km, direction SW) |
Hotels & Accommodation in Rochester
| Hotel Name | Approximate distance from Rochester center |
| King Charles Hotel | (1.4 miles, 2.3 km, direction E) |
| The Ship & Trades | (1.9 miles, 3.1 km, direction NE) |
| Holiday Inn Rochester-Chatham | (2.7 miles, 4.3 km, direction S) |
| Bridgewood Manor - A QHotel | (3.1 miles, 5.0 km, direction S) |
| Inn On The Lake | (4.3 miles, 7.0 km, direction W) |
| Best Western Manor Hotel | (5.8 miles, 9.3 km, direction W) |
| Village Hotel & Leisure Club Maidstone | (6.2 miles, 10.0 km, direction S) |
| Detling Coach House | (6.7 miles, 10.8 km, direction SE) |
| Larkfield Priory Hotel | (6.8 miles, 10.9 km, direction SW) |
| Best Western Russell Hotel | (7.2 miles, 11.5 km, direction S) |
| All hotels in Rochester |
