What’s there?

Rochester Museum offers visitors the opportunity to experience a number of aspects of the history of the River Medway and the surrounding area. There is an immersive reconstruction of a prison hulk; where you can discover what it was like to live on board one of these cramped and smelly old boats. There are several models depicting the changes that have occured in Rochester around the Medway river over the centuries. Learn more about the Dutch invasion that took place 350 years ago. In the second building you will find a beautiful Victorian drawing room and a mock up of a Victorian theatre where you can find out what it would have been like to live as a wealthy Victorian in Rochester.

The museum is arranged over many levels within Grade 1 and 2 listed buildings and does not have a lift. Unfortunately access for wheelchairs and pushchairs is very limited. Please see the museums’ website for sull details about accessibility. There are toilets and baby changing facilities available here. The museum itself does not have a cafe on site, however, Rochester High Street offers a wide range of wonderful cafes and restuarants where all tastes and diets are catered for.

The museum does not have a public car park, however, there are several public car parks in Rochester that can be used to access the museum. Rochester train station is a short walk from the museum and there are several bus routes that stop along Corporation Street (Stop P or Stop A) right behind the museum.

Close by

If you wish to indulge in more local culture Rochester Cathederal is also free to enter and a joy to explore.

If your little ones require room to run around and burn off some energy there is a small playground on the banks of the River Medway at the foot of the castle on the Esplande.

Rochester Castle, an English Heritage Site, is only a 5 minute walk from the museum. The castle grounds are free to enter and a lovely spot to enjoy your picnic and run around. Please see the English Heritage website for details about entry to the castle. There is a set of public toilets available here, but there is no baby changing facilities. You can use the toilets at the musuem, or those opposite the Corn Exchange, see the Medway Council website for more details.

Along the High Street you will also find the Rochester Visitors Center which also houses the Huguenot Museum.

Jackson’s Field and Victoria Garden’s are approximately 1 mile away if you walk towards Chatham. Both offer lovely green spaces and children’s play equipment.

Baty’s Marsh and Borstal Recreation Ground is 1.5 miles from the museum and offers a lovely open green space to play in.

prison hulk reconstruction
Rochester castle model, showing the seige.
The beautiful decorated ceiling in the main museum building
Models of boats that used to frequent the Medway River near Rochester
a reconstruction of a small ships wheelhouse that children can use to pretend to drive the boat
Some Victorian dolls fromt he toy collection in the second building.

How to find it…

17 High Street, Rochester, ME1 1PY

What to take

Check out the museums’ own website to find out about activities and the latest displays on offer.

Here’s a list of things you might want to take with you:

  • Things to draw and colour with; there are some many wonderful exhibits here you’re bound to find something inspirational.
  • The museum offer lots of worksheets and activity sheets that you can complete as youwork your way through the different exhibits. Bringing your own pens and pencils will allow you to complete these to the best fo your ability.
  • An i-spy sheet
  • A camera
  • Your latest school project description; there’s bound to be something here that’s relevant.

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