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Rochester
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Rochester Castle
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Rochester Castle

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See all things to do
Rochester Castle
4.5
#4 of 29 things to do in Rochester
Castles
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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About
Built in 1087, this castle is one of England's finest and best preserved examples of Norman architecture and the tallest Norman Keep in England. With spectacular views over Medway, Rochester Castle alongside Rochester Cathedral, dominates the skyline. Witness to three sieges, Rochester Castle is steeped in history.
Duration: < 1 hour
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Top ways to experience Rochester Castle and nearby attractions

The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
349 within 3 miles
Chuck And Blade Burgers
271
0.3 mi$ • American • Fast Food • British
Mamma Mia
580
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Mediterranean • Sicilian
Fish At 55
113
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Sushi • British
Thai Four Two
685
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly
The Quills
652
523 ft$$ - $$$ • American • British • Grill
Café Nucleus Rochester
314
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • British • Healthy • Wine Bar
Tiny Tim's Tea Rooms
1,021
0.1 mi$ • Cafe • British • Vegetarian Friendly
The Cheese Room Botanicals
998
524 ft$$ - $$$ • European • British • Vegetarian Friendly
Don Vincenzo
991
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Mediterranean
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192
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Attractions
108 within 6 miles
Rochester Cathedral
1,186
319 ftArchitectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals
Guildhall Museum
480
0.1 miSpeciality Museums
Six Poor Travellers House
261
0.2 miHistoric Sites
Suffrage Sensory Garden Rochester
2
438 ftGardens
Huguenot Museum
123
0.1 miSpeciality Museums • Art Museums
Halpern Conservancy Board Building - Nucleus Arts
2
0.1 miArt Galleries • Art Museums
Restoration House
111
0.3 miHistoric Sites
Francis Iles Galleries
28
0.2 miArt Galleries
The Vines Park
36
0.2 miParks
Rochester Bridge
162
0.2 miBridges
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See what travelers are saying
  • rubymurry2016
    Northampton, United Kingdom16 contributions
    Worth a visit if in the area.
    Good example of a great castle. You are able to walk around certain areas and upto the roof. 45 minutes to an hour to walk around. Convenient parking nearby and Upnor castle less than a 10 minute drive away. Both can be done in a few hours.
    Heritage Operations Manager
    Thank you for your review & great recommendation to visit our sister site - Upnor Castle.
    Written May 24, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written April 11, 2023
  • Judith D
    London, United Kingdom266 contributions
    Amazingly intact
    I was not expecting so much of the decoration to be intact, nor to be able to walk all around the keep at gallery level. The views of the cathedral were a bit of a revelation and I enjoyed seeing the Medway from above. How could one not admire the construction of the 800-year-old spiral stairs observed from below? I was very sorry that English Heritage didn't have a good selection of postcards of this marvel.
    Visited August 2023
    Written August 27, 2023
  • Essex66
    Essex, United Kingdom56 contributions
    Not good castle
    Parking a nightmare. In the car park next to castle about 20 bays only, took another 30 mins to find alternative stuck in one way system and road closures. As other people have said the castle is not good for those who have difficulty walking as the stone steps are quite narrow and not well lit and wasn't chancing it. Luckily are members of english herritage so didnt cost us anything, I think GBP 7 to get in too expensive for this castle. Ok Im not expecting the ritz but the dark and dingy large stone steps did not look inviting.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written October 15, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,286 reviews
Excellent
586
Very good
525
Average
148
Poor
14
Terrible
13
A Renz
10 contributions
More than an hour
Oct 2023 • Friends
The visit to this castle is at least an hour. You should not rush at all. Grounds and buildings are in top top shape.
Written November 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Craig J
London, UK46 contributions
Perfect Day out…
Oct 2023 • Family
Amazing castle steeped in History, well maintained and great knowledgable friendly staff in the ticket office.
We went around with 2 children aged 5, who seemed to navigate the stairs and walkways easily, but absolutely loved the experience.
Written October 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NormandInLondon
London, UK715 contributions
River views from a historic castle keep.
Jun 2023 • Solo
Beautiful river views. Castle itself is imposing and historic but closed at the time of our visit. We read the interesting information panels though which were good.
Written October 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Essex66
Essex, UK56 contributions
Not good castle
Oct 2023 • Friends
Parking a nightmare. In the car park next to castle about 20 bays only, took another 30 mins to find alternative stuck in one way system and road closures. As other people have said the castle is not good for those who have difficulty walking as the stone steps are quite narrow and not well lit and wasn't chancing it. Luckily are members of english herritage so didnt cost us anything, I think GBP 7 to get in too expensive for this castle. Ok Im not expecting the ritz but the dark and dingy large stone steps did not look inviting.
Written October 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gizmo21
Exeter, UK34 contributions
Bursting with history
Sep 2023 • Couples
Well worth a visit - full of character and many steps (not good for those who struggle with heights/vertigo)
My one issue was the toilets - they were absolutely vile, not clean and the sanitary bins were overflowing with soiled tissue and sanitary items. Truly revolting
Written September 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
francis187
London, UK83 contributions
Nice Castle
Aug 2023 • Solo
was in area and thought pass. Unfortunately it was closed due to an event night before but lovely lady still allowed me to take pic and look. Nice place with bars and restaurants close by.
Written September 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jerry M
London, UK3 contributions
Incredible Views!!!
Jul 2023 • Friends
The castle is amazing with beautiful views I went for a concert and would definitely recommend going there with your friends and family 😁
Written September 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judith D
London, UK266 contributions
Amazingly intact
Aug 2023
I was not expecting so much of the decoration to be intact, nor to be able to walk all around the keep at gallery level.
The views of the cathedral were a bit of a revelation and I enjoyed seeing the Medway from above.
How could one not admire the construction of the 800-year-old spiral stairs observed from below?
I was very sorry that English Heritage didn't have a good selection of postcards of this marvel.
Written August 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventurers049
Brisbane, Australia3,377 contributions
Great old castle
Aug 2023 • Couples
Even though the castle is derelict, English Heritage has done a great job of presenting it to make it interesting to visit.
Written August 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna A
2 contributions
Rochester Castle
Jul 2023 • Friends
Only walked through the grounds but definitely worth the visit - for the views of surrounding areas or for a lovely picnic in the castle grounds.
Written August 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Rochester Castle - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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