Rochester Castle
Rochester Castle
4.5
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
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
Attractions
108 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- rubymurry2016Northampton, United Kingdom16 contributionsWorth 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.Thank you for your review & great recommendation to visit our sister site - Upnor Castle.Written May 24, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 11, 2023
- Judith DLondon, United Kingdom266 contributionsAmazingly intactI 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 2023Written August 27, 2023
- Essex66Essex, United Kingdom56 contributionsNot good castleParking 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 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 15, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
Vicky G
4 contributions
I’m coming to the castle grounds for a picnic and the forecast is rain! Can I bring a gazebo do you know? Thanks
Vicky G
4 contributions
I’m coming to the castle grounds for a picnic and the forecast is rain! Can I bring a gazebo do you know? Thanks
My Name is Glenn Hestelow! I’m an Australian! I am a Retired Architect and Historian! I’m going to build a 1/64 Scale Castle Based on Rochester Castle!
Question: Did they use Joists in the Construction of the Floors of Rochester Keep???
Kind Regards
Glenn
Heritage Operations Manager
Rochester, UK
Hi,
There are most definitely joist holes still visible today.
How much money is it to take a tour for one person?
BenLilyTegan
Faversham, UK270 contributions
You didn’t state your age, so here’s all the prices 👍
Adult: £6.40
Child (5-17 years): £4.00
Concession: £4.00
AixWorm
Nimes, France7 contributions
Are we able to sit in the grounds and have a BBQ?
Heritage Operations Manager
Rochester, UK
I'm afraid we don't allow BBQs in the grounds
hodgesplodge
weston super mare38 contributions
How long do I need for a visit
Soo M
Rochester, UK94 contributions
The the actual castle , maybe half an hour , but the grounds are lovely to picnic in, the view of the river is nice , and the whole area is so steeped in history it’s worth lingering , especially if you like dickens . Visit the guildhall museum , the cathedral , there are lots of antique shops , second hand book shops , souvenir shops , places to eat , etc etc , and it’s all pretty much on the level , apart from the approach to the castle .
Riversidezoe
Southend-on-Sea, UK83 contributions
are you open tomorrow, 27th December please?
Lissa C
London, UK28 contributions
As others have said: yes, looks as if it will be open. Just a thought if you haven't visited before: the high walkways, which are open to the sky, are bound to be wet and windy, so be sure to dress accordingly and wear footwear suited to slippery steps. Have fun.
Charmaine S
Walthamstow, UK14 contributions
Can anybody tell me the best place to go in Rochester to eat as I am going to the dickens festival at the weekend any help please
mikejbondy
London, UK69 contributions
I can definitely recommend ' Ye Arrow ' pub .........just at the bottom of Boley Hill....near Rochester Cathedral...........Great starters and main courses........good prices.....Gets busy.....a popular place......a good roast carvery on a Sunday too........well worth a visit.....Best time to go is Mid-day I reckon......
Charmaine S
Walthamstow, UK14 contributions
Can anyone tell me how far away is the Dickensian festival from Rochester train station do I have to walk very far thanks
Heritage Operations Manager
Rochester, UK
Hello, it isn't far at all. The train station is in a road that runs parallel to the High Street. Simply cross that road and you will be in the heart of Rochester.
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Claim your listingRochester Castle - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Rochester Castle
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Rochester Castle:
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- Charles Dickens Rochester and Kent Day Tour (From $389.97)
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- Hotels near Rochester Castle:
- (0.09 mi) Kings Head Hotel
- (0.13 mi) Medway Little Townhouse
- (0.13 mi) The Gordon House Hotel
- (0.25 mi) Travelodge Rochester
- (0.30 mi) The Golden Lion Hotel
- Restaurants near Rochester Castle:
- (0.10 mi) The Quills
- (0.10 mi) The Cheese Room Botanicals
- (0.10 mi) Fish At 55
- (0.11 mi) Tiny Tim's Tea Rooms
- (0.11 mi) The Cheese Room Deli & Cafe
- Attractions near Rochester Castle:
- (0.06 mi) Rochester Cathedral
- (0.12 mi) City of Rochester Society Guided Walks
- (0.12 mi) Guildhall Museum
- (0.15 mi) Six Poor Travellers House
- (0.09 mi) Wolfe & Castle
Rochester Castle Information
Excellent Reviews | 586 |
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Very Good Reviews | 525 |
Rochester Castle Photos | 1,258 |