Rochester

Travel Guide

A historic building with a tall spire and a memorial statue in front.
A castle with a large tower and a grassy field in front.
A historic church with a tall spire, surrounded by a town with a river in the background.
A historic church with a tall spire and a large stained glass window.
A sign for Broomhill Park with a grassy path and trees.

Where to stay in Rochester

Find the best Rochester areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Rochester
Learn more about Rochester

Rochester East Ward

When in Rochester East Ward, you can plan a visit to Dickens' Swiss Chalet and Medway Little Theatre, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Novotel London ExCeL

Novotel London ExCeL

4 out of 5
7 Western Gateway London England
$104 nightly
The price is $124 total per night from Oct 11 to Oct 12
$124 total
Oct 11 - Oct 12
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
Novotel London ExCeL
ILFORD GRAND HOTEL (Fully Air Conditioned)

ILFORD GRAND HOTEL (Fully Air Conditioned)

3 out of 5
130 Cranbrook Rd Ilford England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$58 nightly
The price is $70 total per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
$70 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Ilford. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Excel London and The Arena are located ...
ILFORD GRAND HOTEL (Fully Air Conditioned)
Spring River Ebbsfleet by Marston's Inns

Spring River Ebbsfleet by Marston's Inns

3 out of 5
Talbot Lane Gravesend England
$52 nightly
The price is $63 total per night from Oct 22 to Oct 23
$63 total
Oct 22 - Oct 23
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Gravesend. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
Spring River Ebbsfleet by Marston's Inns
See all 5,035 properties in Rochester
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.
Ilford Tower Apartments

Ilford Tower Apartments

3 out of 5
Riches Rd Ilford England
Stay at this apartment in Ilford. Enjoy free WiFi and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Excel London and The Arena are located nearby.
Ilford Tower Apartments
Staycations Maldon Suites

Staycations Maldon Suites

4 out of 5
The Kings Head Centre Maldon England
Stay at this aparthotel in Maldon. Enjoy a fitness center, parking (surcharge), and housekeeping. Popular attractions Thomas Plume's Library and Promenade Park ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (20 reviews)
"No checking in service at all. No prior instructions were given. We were helped into our apartment by the lady who owns the jewellers downstairs. We were woken at 6.45am on a Sunday to the sound of scaffolders and a traffic management company setting up to commence install scaffolding at 7am on the ..."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2026

Staycations Maldon Suites
1 Bed Apartment Sleeps 2 With Wi-fi & Tv

1 Bed Apartment Sleeps 2 With Wi-fi & Tv

3.5 out of 5
Royal Carriage Mews London England
Stay at this apartment in London. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room washers/dryers, and in-room soaking tubs. Popular attractions Excel London and The Arena are located ...
1 Bed Apartment Sleeps 2 With Wi-fi & Tv
See all properties in Rochester
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.

Stay near popular Rochester attractions

A historic castle with a church, a river in the foreground, and autumn-colored trees.

Rochester Castle

8.4/10 (36 reviews)
After visiting Rochester Castle, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Rochester. Make time to visit the area's spas, or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
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Things to do

Grays: Nickelodeon Adventure Lakeside Entry Ticket

Grays: Nickelodeon Adventure Lakeside Entry Ticket

$10
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Grays: Nickelodeon Adventure Lakeside Entry Ticket
Kent: Zipline Experience

Kent: England’s Longest Zip Wire – 720m Flight over Quarry

$68
per adult
Kent: England’s Longest Zip Wire – 720m Flight over Quarry
See all activities in Rochester

Frequently asked questions

Is Rochester worth visiting?
Rochester is worth visiting for its historic landmarks such as Rochester Castle and Rochester Cathedral, offering travelers a glimpse into its past. The city also provides diverse Asian and European dining options and is easily accessible by train.
When is the best time to visit Rochester?
The best time to visit Rochester is from May through September, when the weather is generally pleasant for exploring. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of December through March are a good option. During this cooler season, travelers can still enjoy the city with a more relaxed atmosphere.
What is Rochester known for?
Rochester is known for its historic landmarks, including Rochester Castle and Rochester Cathedral. This riverside city on the River Medway also offers unique attractions like Diggerland. Travelers can also experience a strong Asian food culture, adding to the city's appeal.
What is a good itinerary length for Rochester?
A good itinerary length for Rochester is one to two days to explore key highlights like Rochester Castle and Rochester Cathedral. An extended stay of three to four days allows time for Diggerland, the Black Widows Signal Interactive Outdoor Puzzle, and a Charles Dickens Full-Day Private Tour in Rochester. See Rochester Activities.
How do you get around Rochester?
Rochester travelers can primarily get around using train services. Key stations include Rochester Station and Strood Station, offering connections for exploring the area. For destinations not easily reached by train, rideshare services or a personal car provide convenient alternatives for getting around Rochester and its surroundings.
What are the top things to do in and around Rochester?
In Rochester, travelers can explore historic landmarks, unique attractions, and literary connections:

  • Explore Diggerland, a unique theme park.
  • Visit Rochester Castle, a historic landmark.
  • See Rochester Cathedral, an impressive architectural site.
  • Discover Rochester's Charles Dickens connections on a full-day private tour.
  • Engage in the Black Widows Signal Interactive Outdoor Puzzle.

How do I plan a trip to Rochester?
To plan your trip to Rochester, search Expedia for hotels and book flights and rental cars in advance. You can also arrive by train. Explore attractions like Rochester Castle and Diggerland, and book experiences such as the Charles Dickens Full-Day Private Tour. Remember to pair outdoor plans with indoor backups for weather flexibility.
What cuisines can you find in Rochester?
In Rochester, travelers can find Indian cuisine, offering dishes like curries, biryani, and naan. You can also explore other options such as Chinese, Italian, and North American fare, alongside Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. The city also has various coffee shops and pubs.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Rochester?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Rochester by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Rochester with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Rochester trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Rochester?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Rochester can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Rochester trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Rochester trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Rochester trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Rochester trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Rochester?
If it's your first trip to Rochester, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Rochester hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Rochester hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Rochester

A row of colorful beach huts on a pebbled beach.

Gravesend

A large ship docked at a port with colorful flags, a bridge, and a clear sky.

Chatham

A waterfront cityscape with a prominent castle, a river, and surrounding urban development.

Gillingham

A coastal town with a beach, residential buildings, and a large body of water.

Sheerness

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