Restaurants
Kaya Meze Bar
Turkish and Mediterranean meze restaurant on Rochester High Street with Saturday bottomless brunch and group bookings.
Verified Oct 2026
Historic church on the Hoo Peninsula whose churchyard inspired the opening of Dickens' Great Expectations. Open daily.
About St James’ Church, Cooling
The church is cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust. The small gravestones of 13 children in the churchyard, known as “Pip’s Graves”, are linked to the scene in Great Expectations where Pip meets Magwitch.
Accessibility
Two steps down into the church. A wheelchair ramp is kept behind the door, but visitors with disabilities may need assistance.
Where it is
What's on here
Eat and drink in Rochester
Farm Shops & Producers
Court Farm Butchery and Country Larder
Farm butchery and country larder at Upper Halling: farm-reared beef and lamb, pies, preserves, local drinks, online shop.
Verified Nov 2026
Farm Shops & Producers
Kent Cider Co
Faversham cider maker with an online shop: traditional, sparkling and fruit ciders, mixed cases, and stalls at Faversham and Rochester markets.
Verified Nov 2026
CafésLeisure
Playopolis
Board game cafe and bar on Star Hill, Rochester, with around 600 games, food, drinks and online table booking.
Verified Oct 2026
Guides that mention St James’ Church, Cooling
More things to do in Rochester
Castles & History, Museums & Galleries
Eastgate House
Grade I listed townhouse on Rochester High Street, built in 1590, with Charles Dickens' Swiss chalet in its gardens.
Family Friendly
Parks & Walks
Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve
Plantlife's largest nature reserve in England: a working farm and woodland near Cuxton, open at any time on marked footpaths.
Castles & History, Museums & Galleries
Guildhall Museum
Medway Council museum in Rochester's 17th century Guildhall, covering local history, the River Medway and the prison hulks.
Family Friendly