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
$105 nightly
The price is $126 total per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
$126 total
Sep 27 - Sep 28
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"nice"

Reviewed on Sep 6, 2026

Novotel London ExCeL
Aloft by Marriott London Excel

Aloft by Marriott London Excel

4 out of 5
1 Eastern Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock London England
$114 nightly
The price is $137 total per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
$137 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
Aloft by Marriott London Excel
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 ...
Get rates
1 Bed Apartment Sleeps 2 With Wi-fi & Tv
See all 4,999 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.
The Lower Bell

The Lower Bell

3 out of 5
201 Old Chatham Road Aylesford England
Stay at this apartment in Aylesford. Enjoy free parking, a business center, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Oare Marshes Nature Reserve and Kent ...
8/10 Very Good! (153 reviews)
"Small clean well appointed room in outbuilding. Large free car park. Good WiFi. Friendly helpful staff. No food available on sight."

Reviewed on Sep 1, 2026

The Lower Bell
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
Modern Coastal House near Whitstable with Spectacular Sea Views

Modern Coastal House near Whitstable with Spectacular Sea Views

Whitstable England
Stay at this vacation home in Whitstable. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Whitstable Beach and Canterbury Cathedral are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
"The house is really spacious with everything there you could possibly need. We were 6 adults and 5 children and there was plenty of room. Location is perfect within easy reach of the town and the beach on your doorstep. Amazing views overlooking the sea. The host was accommodating and reactive to ..."

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2026

Modern Coastal House near Whitstable with Spectacular Sea Views
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 church with a tall spire, surrounded by a town with a river in the background.
Photo by flareforlife
Open Photo by flareforlife

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.
See properties

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

Explore a world of travel with Expedia