Historic Dockyard Chatham Tours

Historic Dockyard Chatham
Historic Dockyard Chatham featuring a marina and boating
Historic Dockyard Chatham showing heritage architecture
Historic Dockyard Chatham which includes a marina and boating
Historic Dockyard Chatham featuring military items


Climb aboard an English battleship and go back in time to the Age of Sail at Chatham’s informative and interactive dockyard time capsule.

The Historic Dockyard of Chatham contains over 80 acres (32 hectares) of historically significant buildings, galleries and wartime ships. Its 400 years assisting the Royal Navy, from Tudor times to the 20th century, has given the Historic Dockyard a rich maritime heritage for visitors to discover.

Explore the dockyard’s huge buildings, newly restored to provide a historically accurate account of dockyard life through the ages with informative and educational permanent and temporary exhibitions. Visit the dry docks and building slips, the carpenters’ shop and the yarn houses for rope-making. Hundreds of warships were built on this site over the years three have been kept and preserved for display in the marina. Climb aboard the historic warships: a Victorian naval sloop, a World War II destroyer and a Cold War submarine. Learn about the mechanical aspects, wartime strategies and camaraderie of life at sea.

Find out about life in the Age of Sail from the many diverse artifacts on display in the Collections Gallery. From antique dockyard cigarette boxes to relics from a 1758 shipwreck, these pieces of history paint a picture of what life was like for dockyard workers and sailors in the English seas and beyond.

See more than 20,000 pictures in the Historic Dockyard photography collection. Some of the pictures date back to the very early beginnings of photography. Photographs include snapshots of Royal Navy personnel hard at work on the River Medway.

The Historic Dockyard is located just north of central Chatham on the River Medway. Ample free parking is available. Tickets to the dockyard can be purchased on site and are valid for 12 months after purchase. The dockyard is closed over December and January and has seasonal opening times during the rest of the year, so call ahead to confirm before planning your trip. Check what exhibitions are available at the dockyard’s changing temporary exhibit space.

Plan a trip to see Historic Dockyard Chatham

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Three Falcons Hotel
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Chatham Maritime Travelodge

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The Wharf Medway

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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.

Things to do near Historic Dockyard Chatham

At Historic Dockyard Chatham, visitors can enjoy various activities including relaxing spa experiences, golfing, and attending theatrical performances. Additionally, explore holiday parks, events in Kent, Halloween outings, and day trips in Kingsnorth, while discovering the vibrant Medway area. The Dockyard itself offers a unique glimpse into maritime history, making it a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for tourists.

Food and drinks

Experience local flavors at the Jolly Drayman Pub for hearty fare, or savor fresh seafood at the Lobster Shack. Don’t miss seasonal food festivals in the area for a taste of Kent’s culinary delights, along with a visit to the Meopham Valley Vineyard for fine wines.

Shopping

At Historic Dockyard Chatham, enjoy unique shops and local crafts. If you're up for a drive, visit the Bluewater Shopping Centre, located 12 miles away, featuring a mix of family-friendly stores and entertainment options. For antiques, check out Battlesbridge Antiques and Craft Centre, 16 miles away.

Recreation

Indulge in rejuvenating treatments at Bridgewood Manor Day Spa, only 4 miles away, offering a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation. For family fun, head to The Strand Leisure Park, 2 miles away, featuring a refreshing pool. For outdoor enthusiasts, Kings Hill Golf Club, 10 miles away, provides a scenic golfing experience.

Adventure

At Brands Hatch Circuit, 12 miles from Historic Dockyard Chatham, you can experience the thrill of motor racing in a vibrant atmosphere. For karting enthusiasts, Buckmore Park Karting, located 4 miles away, offers exhilarating races. The Chatham Ski and Snowboard Centre, 3 miles distant, provides exciting skiing and snowboarding opportunities.

Nightlife

Experience a night at Medway Little Theatre, just 0.8 miles away, for a charming performance. For some fun, visit Monkey Bizz, located 0.6 miles away, and enjoy arcade games with the family. If you're feeling lucky, head to Rendezvous Southend Casino, 13 miles away, for exciting gaming and romance.

Find the best attractions near Historic Dockyard Chatham

When visiting Historic Dockyard Chatham, you can explore a variety of attractions that cater to culture, outdoor activities, and family experiences. Key points of interest include the Chatham Dockyard, Historic Dockyard, and Upnor Castle, as well as charming urban parks and historic houses nearby. Whether you're interested in maritime history or simply enjoying the outdoors, there's something for everyone in this vibrant area of Chatham.

  • Rochester Castle: Explore the impressive Rochester Castle, a medieval fortress steeped in history and romance. Climb its towers for stunning views of the surrounding area and soak in the cultural vibes that echo through its ancient stone walls.
  • Rochester Cathedral: Visit the magnificent Rochester Cathedral, one of England's oldest cathedrals, showcasing stunning architecture and rich history. Enjoy the serene atmosphere as you admire its beautiful stained glass and intricate carvings, a true cultural gem.
  • Diggerland: Experience family fun at Diggerland, a unique theme park where you can operate real construction machinery! Perfect for an entertaining day out, this attraction offers thrilling rides and activities that cater to all ages.

Best time to go to Historic Dockyard Chatham

Visitor numbers around Historic Dockyard Chatham is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Historic Dockyard Chatham can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Historic Dockyard Chatham falls in July and August. July has slightly high visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around Historic Dockyard Chatham falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March44.2°F (6.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.4°F (9.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June59.5°F (15.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
November47.5°F (8.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Historic Dockyard Chatham

To save money on your visit to Historic Dockyard Chatham, consider traveling during the off-peak months of November to January for lower accommodation prices. Explore nearby free attractions like Rochester Cathedral and the shopping centers at Bluewater and Lakeside. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotel deals by filtering prices from lowest to highest, and consider booking a package deal that combines flights and activities for extra savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and earn you OneKeyCash for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Historic Dockyard Chatham are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to August and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to tailor your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and ideal hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Historic Dockyard Chatham with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.