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.

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 Nov 15 to Nov 16
$63 total
Nov 15 - Nov 16
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. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"This was my second stay and it was as excellent as the first. The Receptionist was extremely helpful and even remembered me from last time. The hotel is in a great location for Brands Hatch which is only 15 minutes away. The Pub and Restaurant next door has really good food and a nice atmosphere. ..."

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2026

Spring River Ebbsfleet by Marston's Inns
The Clarendon Hotel - Blackheath

The Clarendon Hotel - Blackheath

3 out of 5
8-16 Montpelier Row London England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$142 nightly
The price is $171 total per night from Nov 27 to Nov 28
$171 total
Nov 27 - Nov 28
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,439 reviews)
"Have stayed here twice now for concerts at the O2, great location"

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2026

The Clarendon Hotel - Blackheath
Aloft by Marriott London Excel

Aloft by Marriott London Excel

4 out of 5
1 Eastern Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock London England
$101 nightly
The price is $121 total per night from Nov 29 to Nov 30
$121 total
Nov 29 - Nov 30
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"The hotel was beautiful all the staff were very helpful room was good only thing I was dissponted was the swimming pool there was only 4 beds by the pool we went late just after 7.30pm thinking it will be quite but it was busy with children and there was swimming lessons which made the pool small ..."

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2026

Aloft by Marriott London Excel
See all 5,064 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 Antigallican by Nestor

The Antigallican by Nestor

428 Woolwich Rd London England
Stay at this apartment in London. Enjoy free WiFi and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Excel London and The Arena are located nearby.
7.4/10 Good! (6 reviews)
"I appreciated the property’s location and cleanliness during my stay. However, two main issues impacted my experience: Cleaning Fees: Charging extra for room cleaning over a two-week stay was unexpected. I suggest bundling cleaning costs into the room rate so guests know the total price upfront. ..."

Reviewed on Oct 9, 2026

The Antigallican by Nestor
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
Luxury Pod-sleeps 2-hot Tub-pets-garden

Luxury Pod-sleeps 2-hot Tub-pets-garden

3 out of 5
Sheerness England
Stay at this vacation home in Sheerness. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Minster Gatehouse Museum and Elmley National Nature ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"We absolutely loved our stay at the Honey Pod. Communication and instructions before arrival were wonderful and made everything so easy. The space itself is compact but has everything you need — a cozy kitchen/lounge area, comfortable bedroom, and clean bathroom. The wood burner hot tub in the garden ..."

Reviewed on Nov 13, 2025

Luxury Pod-sleeps 2-hot Tub-pets-garden
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.
See properties

Things to do

Grays: Nickelodeon Adventure Lakeside Entry Ticket

Grays: Nickelodeon Adventure Lakeside Entry Ticket

$9
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Grays: Nickelodeon Adventure Lakeside Entry Ticket
Kent: Yotes Court Vineyard Tour and Tasting

Kent: Yotes Court Vineyard Tour and Tasting

$37
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kent: Yotes Court Vineyard Tour and Tasting
Rochester Private 2hr Walking Tour With A Blue Badge Guide

Rochester Private 2hr Walking Tour With A Blue Badge Guide

$233
per traveler
Rochester Private 2hr Walking Tour With A Blue Badge Guide
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 river with boats, a bridge, and a cityscape with buildings and greenery.

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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