Explore Rochester
Known for
Rochester Cathedral (the second oldest cathedral in England), the Norman castle (one of the finest in England), the Charles Dickens connection, the Dickens Festival, and a Medway city of extraordinary medieval and literary heritage
A little history
Rochester Cathedral — founded in 604 AD — is the second oldest cathedral foundation in England. The Norman castle keep, built in 1127, is one of the finest in the country. Charles Dickens lived nearby at Gad's Hill and set much of his work in Rochester — Great Expectations, The Mystery of Edwin Drood. The Dickens Festival transforms the town.
The cathedral is magnificent and free. The castle keep gives extraordinary Medway views. The High Street for outstanding independent shops. The Dickens Festival in June for the full Victorian atmosphere.
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Food & drink in Rochester
Rochester has outstanding independent restaurants and cafes on the High Street. Strong independent food throughout.
Restaurants & cafes
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Bars & nightlife
Independent bars and evening spots across Rochester.
Independent shops
Local butchers, delis and food shops worth exploring in Rochester.
For businesses in Rochester
Cathedral and castle tourism drive Rochester. The High Street has excellent independent businesses. Heritage tourism is significant.
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Frequently asked questions
Rochester is a place in Kent known for rochester Cathedral (the second oldest cathedral in England), the Norman castle (one of the finest in England), the Charles Dickens connection, the Dickens Festival, and a Medway city of extraordinary medieval and literary heritage. Rochester Cathedral — founded in 604 AD — is the second oldest cathedral foundation in England. The population is around 77,000.
Rochester has outstanding independent restaurants and cafes on the High Street. Strong independent food throughout.
Yes. Roam is a free local discovery app live in Rochester and across Kent. It is available on iOS and Android.
Local Rochester businesses can list on Roam for free in around 90 seconds. Add your business name, address, opening hours and a few photos via the Roam website, and your listing goes live in Roam's discovery feed for users browsing Rochester and the wider Kent area. There is no subscription fee.
Roam covers Rochester and the surrounding area in Kent, including Chatham, Strood, Borstal, Cuxton, Halling, Wouldham, Burham and Snodland.
