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Your friendly guide to everything Kent

Castles & History

Rochester Castle

Family Friendly

Medieval castle and keep on Castle Hill above the River Medway, run by Medway Council and free to English Heritage members.

About Rochester Castle

Rochester Castle is managed by Medway Council and is free to English Heritage members and under 5s. Adult entry is £9.50, children (5 to 17) £4.50, concessions £6.50 and a family ticket £24.50.

Accessibility

Visit Medway publishes a Rochester Castle access statement; check it before you go.

Where it is

Details checked against the venue on 28 October 2026. Opening times change, so confirm before you travel.

What's on here

Eat and drink in Rochester

Pubs

The Coopers Arms

Based in Rochester

Historic pub on St Margaret's Street near Rochester Castle with cask ales, a garden, home-cooked food and a fortnightly quiz.

Verified Oct 2026

Farm Shops & Producers

Austen’s of Rochester

Based in Rochester

Rochester High Street shop selling produce from Kent farms, with a veg box delivery service across the Medway Towns.

Verified Nov 2026

Restaurants

Don Vincenzo

Based in Rochester

Family-run Italian restaurant on Rochester High Street since 1998, with gluten-free options and private parties for up to 100.

Verified Oct 2026

Cafés

Rochester Coffee Co

Based in Rochester

High Street coffee shop facing Rochester Cathedral, serving sandwiches, cakes, afternoon tea and drinks, open daily.

Verified Oct 2026

Guides that mention Rochester Castle

GuideFood & Drink

Eating and drinking in the Medway towns

Last verified 29 Oct 2026

Pubs, cafes, restaurants and local food producers in Rochester, Chatham, Strood, Gillingham and Rainham: what each serves, where, and when it opens.

More things to do in Rochester

Castles & History

St James’ Church, Cooling

Cooling

Historic church on the Hoo Peninsula whose churchyard inspired the opening of Dickens' Great Expectations. Open daily.

Parks & Walks

Esplanade Gardens

Rochester

Riverside gardens below Rochester Castle with a play area, outdoor gym and the last stretch of the Medway Valley Walk.

Family Friendly
Free

Castles & History

Rochester Cathedral

Rochester

Rochester's historic cathedral beside the castle, with free admission and donations welcome; Visit Medway says no booking is needed.

Free

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