Chatham

Travel Guide

Historic Dockyard Chatham showing a marina and boating
Chatham
Historic Dockyard Chatham
Historic Dockyard Chatham
Historic Dockyard Chatham featuring heritage architecture
This scenic town on the River Medway is a place that launched a thousand ships. Its naval dockyard holds four centuries of exciting maritime history.

For centuries, Chatham’s crucial position on the River Medway halfway between London and the English Channel has made it a prized location. From the 16th to the 20th century, Chatham was a busy dockyard town, producing ships, submarines and sailing equipment in times of war and discovery. This strategic town is located in a picturesque valley along the line of a route used by the ancient Celts.

Defensive fortifications such as Fort Amherst were built to protect the town against the increasing threat of French invasion in the mid-1700s. Get spooked on a Friday night ghost tour of the historic fort’s dark and winding passageways or visit its rolling green Parkland Grounds open every day for free. Hear the mighty bang of cannon fire from the barracks on Sundays.

The Historic Dockyard of Chatham is located just north of the town center and showcases the rich maritime history of the town and the River Medway. Once the lifeblood of the town, the dockyard contains a fascinating selection of maritime artifacts and personal accounts of life in the Age of Sail. Climb aboard two preserved warships and go below the decks of a Cold War submarine.

Visit the Great Lines Heritage Park, a vast green area in the heart of the Medway, with its distinctive Naval Memorial tower easily visible from Chatham town. Follow one of the tree-lined cycling and walking tracks to meander around the park and see families flying kites in the open grassland.

Chatham is the hub of the towns in the Medway area, so it is easily accessible by car or bus. High-speed trains connect Chatham with London and local trains serve the wider Kent area. Chatham has a seaside climate with warmer summers and cool coastal winds and rain in the colder months. Be sure to have your appropriate “brolly and wellies” (umbrella and boots), just in case the weather turns at any time of year.

Holiday Inn Rochester Chatham by IHG
Holiday Inn Rochester Chatham by IHG
4 out of 5
Maidstone Road, Chatham, England
The price is P3,609 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
P3,609
P4,331 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 13 - Apr 14
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Chatham. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (998 reviews)
"I did not like the bed its too small for two and we were nit given drinks in the fridge ."

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2025

Holiday Inn Rochester Chatham by IHG
Bridgewood Manor
Bridgewood Manor
4 out of 5
Walderslade Woods, Chatham, England
The price is P4,162 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
P4,162
P4,995 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 13 - Apr 14
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Chatham. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Family birthday
"Had a family birthday there, some of us stayed the night and all had an evening meal in the restaurant. It was great to be able sit together and relax in the bar after the meal. Buffet breakfast was good as well."

Reviewed on Mar 10, 2025

Bridgewood Manor
St George Hotel Rochester - Chatham
St George Hotel Rochester - Chatham
3.5 out of 5
7-8 New Road Av, Chatham, England
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Chatham. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
7/10 Good! (480 reviews)
"Was lovely stay and friendly staff"

Reviewed on Feb 18, 2025

St George Hotel Rochester - Chatham
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Lower Bell
The Lower Bell
3 out of 5
201 Old Chatham Road, Bluebell Hill, Aylesford, England
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Aylesford. Enjoy free parking, a business center, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Oare Marshes Nature Reserve and ...
7.8/10 Good! (138 reviews)
"Room was very cold and the heated towel rail didn't work, But a comfortable bed."

Reviewed on Sep 29, 2024

The Lower Bell
Hogwarts Bed and Continental Breakfast
Hogwarts Bed and Continental Breakfast
3 out of 5
Bell Farm Lane, Minster on Sea, Sheerness, England
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Sheerness. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Minster Gatehouse Museum and Barton's ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (95 reviews)
A little bit of magic
"We really enjoyed our stay here. Host was excellent: knowledgeable and welcoming. Location was good, secluded enough but easy to get to all areas of the island. Food selection in kitchen was fab and available 24/7, never had that at a b&b before. Room comfortable and internet readily available ..."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2024

Hogwarts Bed and Continental Breakfast
1 Bed Studio in Dartford Town - Orchard Theatre
1 Bed Studio in Dartford Town - Orchard Theatre
3 out of 5
Dartford
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Dartford. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Bluewater Shopping Centre and Lakeside ...
1 Bed Studio in Dartford Town - Orchard Theatre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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