Rochester Area Guide

Boasting a scenic location on the River Medway, Rochester is brimming with cultural and historical attractions. Famous for its links with Charles Dickens, today this ancient town is home to independent shops, stylish restaurants, and elegant wine bars – and with the North Downs and London in easy reach, property in Rochester is the perfect place to call home.

Welcome to Rochester

Any visitor to Rochester is bound to be impressed by its magnificent Norman castle and Romanesque cathedral. But there’s much more to this Medway town than history – it boasts a bustling high street and many sports and leisure clubs, together with thoroughly modern transport connections and excellent schools. A friendly town with plenty of community spirit, it offers you the perfect combination of old and new.

Rochester is made for families

Families looking for property in Rochester will be pleased to hear the area is home to many highly rated schools. Rochester Grammar School accepts girls from age 11 to 18, while The King's independent school takes pupils aged 3 to 18. The area's best primary schools include St Andrew's independent prep school for ages 3 to 11 and The Pilgrim church school.

Getting around in Rochester

Rochester is situated just off the M2, providing easy transport links to London and the coast. It’s also just a quick journey into the capital by train, with services departing every 20 minutes. With journey times of approximately 45 minutes to St Pancras, it’s ideal for commuting and day trips to the city. Strood and Chatham stations are also close by, offering plenty of options for travel by rail.

A short history of Rochester

The settlement at Rochester dates back to at least Saxon times; its castle and cathedral were built shortly after the Norman invasion. The town is known for its connections with Charles Dickens, who lived in Higham. Several of the author’s works refer to buildings in Rochester, which can still be seen today, including Restoration House, which features in Great Expectations.

Sport and Leisure in Rochester

As you might expect from a town built on a river, Rochester boasts its own rowing and yacht clubs as well as numerous scenic walking and cycling paths, including routes that take you to the nearby village of Wouldham and the North Downs. For a more leisurely day out, visit the historic high street where you’ll find an impressive selection of independent retailers and shops selling everything from vintage clothing to antiques.

Culinary highlights in Rochester

Property in Rochester benefits from a beautiful location and historical attractions, and a fantastic array of local cafés, wine bars, and pubs. Local favourites include The George Vaults, Ye Arrow and The Queen's Head. For dining out, there's Thai Four Two, Rico Sabor and Don Vicenzo Italian, as well as Brettington's Steak and Lobster House and Café Nucleus – to name just a few.