Parks & Walks
RSPB Northward Hill
RSPB reserve of woodland and grazing marsh between High Halstow and Cooling, known for its large heronry of grey herons.
Cooling
Cooling is a village and civil parish on the Hoo Peninsula, overlooking the North Kent marshes. The gatehouse and inner ward of Cooling Castle are both Grade I listed (Historic England list entries 1085770 and 1085771), with main construction dated 1381 to 1385. St James’ Church is cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust and is open to visitors, and its churchyard is linked to the opening chapter of Dickens’s Great Expectations.
What's on
What's on in Cooling
Things to do
Things to do in Cooling
Castles & History
St James’ Church, Cooling
Historic church on the Hoo Peninsula whose churchyard inspired the opening of Dickens' Great Expectations. Open daily.
Nearest town guide
Businesses serving Cooling
Event Venues
Cooling Castle Barn
Barn wedding venue at Cooling Castle near Rochester, with indoor and outdoor ceremonies, in-house catering and 15 bedrooms.
Verified Oct 2026