2Oct to 7 Nov
Dockyard Ghost ToursOn now
Torch-lit after-dark tours of the Ropery and the slipways, mixing true accounts with ghost stories.
Today in Rochester
Rochester right now
The weather, what is open and what is on this week, then the tides and air quality further down. All of it refreshes every time you open the page.
Current weather
Live · Rochester, ME1--°C
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Rain chance--%
Daylight today
Sunrise and sunset, ME1Sunrise--:--
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Open right now
Listed hours, UK timeChecking
Worked out from each venue's listed opening hours in UK time, and refreshed every minute. Kitchens can close before the bar, and bank holidays differ.
On this week
Full calendar- Checking the calendar
Medway tides
Modelled for the Medway mouth · not for navigationLoading tide times
The Medway at Rochester is strongly tidal. High water brings the river up to the Esplanade wall; low water opens the mudflats, which are excellent for watching wading birds in autumn and winter. Rochester runs a little behind the estuary, so allow for that when planning a riverside walk.
Today's range--
Sea temperature--
Best walkHigh tide
BirdwatchingLow tide
Medway tides on their own page. Tide times and sea temperature: Open-Meteo marine model for the Thames estuary at the Medway mouth, heights against mean sea level. For anything on the water, use the official Admiralty EasyTide.
Air quality
European Air Quality Index · live--
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GoodModeratePoorExtremely poor
What the index means
- 0 to 20, good. A fine day for anything outdoors.
- 20 to 40, fair. No concerns for most people.
- 40 to 60, moderate. Sensitive people may notice it.
- 60 to 80, poor. Ease off long exertion if sensitive.
- 80 and above, very poor. Everyone should reduce strenuous activity.
The High Street can see localised traffic pollution at peak times; the castle grounds and the Esplanade are usually the cleanest air in town.
What to wear today
From the live Rochester conditionsWaiting for the weather
Eat
Where to eat
Coffee, brunch, lunch and dinner on and just off the High Street, each with live opening hours, a call button and directions. New this year: TRiBE, The Pink House and Cafe Lounge. A pub main course typically runs £14 to £20.
Every restaurant on one pageEvery cafe on one pageSunday roasts
Drink
Pubs and bars
Proper ale pubs, craft beer bars, late bars and a riverside pub or two, nearly all independent. Each one has live opening hours, a call button and directions.
What's on
The Rochester calendar
Dated events for the months ahead, checked with the organisers, with past ones dropping off automatically. Every event has an add to calendar link. Then the regular markets and services, and the big annual dates.
14Oct
Medway Test results dayOn now
Results of the Medway Test for September 2027 secondary entry. Secondary school applications close on Saturday 31 October.
14Oct
The Spice Girls Theatre ShowOn now
A Spice Girls tribute theatre show.
16Oct
Haunt at the FortOn now
A 12A-rated walk-through Halloween experience with spiders, zombies, coffins and clowns.
16Oct to 31 Oct
Operation HysteriaOn now
Fort Amherst's long-running adult Halloween horror experience, now in its 43rd year. Performers may touch guests.
17Oct
A Mouth in Search of a VoiceOn now
Composer Jamie Hamilton and Phaedra Ensemble perform a new work built from recordings of people who stammer.
17Oct to 29 Oct
Halloween Scavenger Hunt, Eastgate HouseOn now
Children follow clues around the old townhouse to find the witches' cauldron and win a badge. No need to book.
17Oct to 8 Nov
Yuck Yard: Barnaby Bilge's Big MessOn now
A messy family Halloween trail around the Dockyard.
18Oct
Rochester Farmers' MarketOn now
The monthly farmers' market, held on the third Sunday of every month.
19Oct
Clown ChaosOn now
A Halloween experience for children aged 5 to 10, who learn spells and make potions to banish mischievous clowns.
24Oct
24Oct to 31 Oct
Halloween Trails at the Guildhall MuseumOn now
Find pictures of spooky objects around the museum to spell out a Halloween word.
24Oct to 1 Nov
Castle Crumb Snatchers trailOn now
Find the rats feasting on medieval food around the keep, learn their names and spot what they are eating.
27Oct to 30 Oct
Halloween Crafts at the Guildhall MuseumOn now
Drop-in half-term craft session making a spider or a ghost.
28Oct
Dockyard Mateys TourOn now
A walk round the Dockyard led by two former apprentices who worked there from the 1960s.
28Oct to 31 Oct
Family Ghost ToursOn now
A torch-lit after-hours ghost tour aimed at ages 9 to 15 with an adult. Not recommended for under 7s.
30Oct
Haunted SupperOn now
A three-course seasonal dinner with storytellers sharing Dockyard tales. No jump scares.
30Oct to 31 Oct
Young FrankensteinOn now
Mel Brooks' musical comedy, staged by Three Towns Theatre Company. Age guidance 12+.
30Oct to 1 Nov
An Evening of Classic Ghost StoriesOn now
Classic literary ghost stories read in the old townhouse. Usually sells out.
30Oct to 1 Nov
The Unexplained at Eastgate HouseOn now
Explore the rooms and passages while hearing first-hand accounts of strange events said to have happened there.
7Nov
The Sound of the MoviesOn now
The City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra plays film music from Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones and Shrek.
9Nov
Lunchtime RecitalOn now
A free half-hour lunchtime concert. Just turn up.
12Nov
Country by CandlelightOn now
Country songs from Dolly Parton to Chris Stapleton, sung live by candlelight with a band.
13Nov
Whitney Houston by CandlelightOn now
Kieshia Chun and her band perform Whitney Houston's songs by candlelight.
14Nov
Deck the Halls at Eastgate HouseOn now
The house is unveiled in its Victorian Christmas decorations.
14Nov
Fort Borstal Ramparts and Tunnels TourOn now
A two-hour tour of the ramparts and tunnels of the Victorian fort.
14Nov to 12 Dec
Christmas Crafts and Mrs Claus storiesOn now
Drop-in Christmas crafts, and sessions writing a Christmas story with a quill pen alongside Mrs Claus.
14Nov to 2 Jan
Elf Christmas Trail, Guildhall MuseumOn now
Find the elves around the museum to discover which one has Charles Dickens' missing quill.
15Nov
Rochester Farmers' MarketOn now
The monthly farmers' market, held on the third Sunday of every month.
22Nov to 13 Dec
Christmas Afternoon Tea at the Commissioner's HouseOn now
A festive afternoon tea in the Commissioner's House. No Dockyard ticket needed.
25Nov
G4 ChristmasOn now
The vocal group G4 sing carols, sacred pieces and Christmas songs.
27Nov to 13 Dec
Rochester Christmas MarketOn now
Kent's biggest free-to-enter Christmas market, with over 120 stalls, a Bavarian food and drink village and entertainment on the bandstand.
28Nov to 13 Dec
A Christmas Carol at Eastgate HouseOn now
An immersive performance of Dickens' story, staged around the audience in the 16th-century Grand Reception Room.
29Nov
Advent Carol Service and ProcessionOn now
The cathedral's service marking the start of Advent.
5Dec to 6 Dec
Dickensian Christmas FestivalOn now
Rochester's biggest weekend of the year, with costumed parades, carol singers, bell ringers and street theatre. Very busy, especially on the Sunday, so plan travel ahead.
5Dec to 6 Dec
Dickens Festival carol servicesOn now
Four free carol services during the festival weekend.
5Dec to 6 Dec
Dickens at Dusk carolsOn now
Three Towns Theatre Company sing carols in Victorian costume outside Dickens' Swiss chalet.
11Dec to 3 Jan
Cinderella, the Medway pantomimeOn now
Medway's Christmas pantomime, with Zaraah Abrahams as the Wicked Stepmother.
12Dec
Christingle ServiceOn now
A family carol service in which every child receives a Christingle.
12Dec to 13 Dec
Cathedral Christmas Carol ConcertOn now
The Cathedral Choir's ticketed carol concert. It has sold out in each of the past five years, so book early.
18Dec to 19 Dec
A Festival of Nine Lessons and CarolsOn now
The traditional candlelit service of readings and carols.
20Dec
Rochester Farmers' MarketOn now
The monthly farmers' market, the last before Christmas.
20Dec
Children's Nativity ServiceOn now
A nativity service for children of all ages.
24Dec
Christmas Eve at the CathedralOn now
A carol service in the afternoon and the Eucharist of Christmas Night before midnight.
25Dec
Christmas Day at the CathedralOn now
An early Book of Common Prayer Communion and the main Christmas morning Eucharist.
17Jan 2027
Epiphany Carols and ProcessionOn now
A procession with carols for the season of Epiphany.
17Jan 2027
Rochester Farmers' MarketOn now
The monthly farmers' market, held on the third Sunday of every month.
21Feb 2027
Rochester Farmers' MarketOn now
The monthly farmers' market, held on the third Sunday of every month.
21Mar 2027
Ministry of ScienceOn now
A West End science show with live demonstrations and loud bangs.
21Mar 2027
Rochester Farmers' MarketOn now
The monthly farmers' market, held on the third Sunday of every month.
27Mar 2027to 11 Apr
Easter Bunny Trail at Eastgate HouseOn now
Follow the Easter Bunny's story as you explore the house.
18Apr 2027
Rochester Farmers' MarketOn now
The monthly farmers' market, held on the third Sunday of every month.
16May 2027
Rochester Farmers' MarketOn now
The monthly farmers' market, held on the third Sunday of every month.
Nothing listed in this category for the weeks ahead. Try Everything.
Every week and every month
Rochester Farmers' Market
Third Sunday of every month, 9am to 1pm
Blue Boar Lane car park, ME1 1PD. Free entry. Local produce and artisan food. More about Rochester Farmers' Market
Choral Evensong at the Cathedral
Sundays 3:15pm · Tue, Thu and Fri 5:30pm
Rochester Cathedral. Free. Sung by the cathedral choirs; on Saturdays at 3:15pm by a visiting choir or said, and Wednesday is said Evening Prayer. Check the music list outside term. More about Choral Evensong at the Cathedral
Cathedral guided tours
Mondays 11am or 11:15am · Tue, Wed and Fri 2pm · Saturdays 11:15am
Rochester Cathedral. £7, under 10s free. About an hour. Entry to the cathedral itself is free. More about Cathedral guided tours
Free guided walking tours
Sat, Sun and Wed 2:15pm until 25 October, plus walks on Christmas Market weekends
Meet at 95 High Street. Run by the City of Rochester Society volunteers, about 90 minutes. More about Free guided walking tours
Gillingham Market
Mondays and Saturdays, 9am to 4pm
Gillingham High Street. Medway Council's general street market, a short drive away. More about Gillingham Market
The big annual dates
Rochester Sweeps Festival
Early May bank holiday weekend
Morris dancers, folk music and chimney sweeps on the High Street, free. 2026 ran 2 to 4 May; 2027 dates not yet announced.
Rochester Castle Live
July
The summer concert series in the castle grounds. 2026 ran 3 to 5 July; the 2027 line-up is not yet announced.
Dickens Festival
Summer
The summer Dickens celebration on the High Street. 2027 dates not yet announced.
Rochester Christmas Market
Late November to mid December
Three weekends in the Castle Gardens, free to enter.
Dickensian Christmas Festival
Early December
Rochester's biggest weekend of the year, free.
Where to check for anything new
Visit Medway
The council's tourism listings: festivals, exhibitions, trails and seasonal events across Medway.
visitmedway.orgRochester Cathedral
Concerts, talks, services and tours. Much of it is free.
rochestercathedral.orgMedway Tickets Live
Shows at the Central Theatre and the Brook Theatre in Chatham, including the pantomime. Box office 01634 338338.
medwayticketslive.co.ukThe Historic Dockyard Chatham
Ghost tours and family events, then Mission Christmas on selected November and December dates, bookable on its site. Closed for winter from 16 November 2026 apart from Christmas events.
thedockyard.co.ukEastgate House and the Guildhall Museum
Trails, ghost stories and Christmas events in two of the High Street's historic buildings.
visitmedway.orgMedway Council events news
Council-run events, markets and announcements, including Christmas in Rochester.
medway.gov.ukEvents checked with the organisers, Medway Council, Visit Medway, Rochester Cathedral, The Historic Dockyard and Medway Tickets Live on 10 October 2026. Farmers' market dates follow its published third-Sunday pattern, as listed by Medway Council. Past events drop off automatically. Always check with the organiser before you travel.
Useful numbers
The numbers you actually need
Doctors, late pharmacies, dentists taking NHS patients, the council, bins, parking codes, stations and the out-of-hours vet, with a call button on each. Pharmacies and attractions show whether they are open now.
999Police, fire, ambulance, coastguard. Emergencies only.
111NHS 111. Urgent but not an emergency, day or night.
101Kent Police for anything that is not an emergency.
A&E indicator
Medway Maritime Hospital, Windmill Road, Gillingham ME7 5NYChecking
Estimated wait
An indication only, based on time-of-day patterns. NHS England does not publish live waits for this hospital.
Before you go to A&E
- NHS 111, online or by phone, can book you into the urgent treatment centre at Medway Maritime Hospital, open 24 hours
- Pharmacies can treat many minor conditions without a GP appointment
- Karsons Pharmacy on City Way is open until 11pm Monday to Saturday
- In a genuine emergency, always call 999
Emergencies and urgent help
NHS 111
24 hours
Urgent medical help that is not an emergency, including out-of-hours GP care. Call rather than use 111 online for a child under 5.
Medway Maritime Hospital and A&E
Windmill Road, Gillingham ME7 5NY
A&E open 24 hours
The nearest A&E, with a separate children's emergency department (follow the teddy bear signs). Medway's urgent treatment centre is on the same site, open 24 hours, reached through 111.
Mental health helpline, adults
24 hours
Listed by Medway NHS Foundation Trust for over 18s. For under 18s: 0800 011 3474.
Southern Water emergencies
24 hours
Sewer flooding and wastewater problems. Leak line 0800 820 999. Check your bill for your water supplier.
National Highways
24 hours
Problems on motorways and major A-roads such as the M2. Local roads go to Medway Council.
GP surgeries
City Way Surgery
65-67 City Way, Rochester ME1 2AY
Mon to Fri 8am to noon and 2pm to 6:30pm
GP. nhs.uk shows it accepting new patients.
Castle Medical Practice
Rochester Community Healthy Living Centre, Delce Road, Rochester ME1 2EL
GP. nhs.uk shows it accepting new patients.
Thorndike Partnership
Health Care Centre, Longley Road, Rochester ME1 2TH
Mon to Fri 8am to 6:30pm
GP. nhs.uk shows it accepting new patients.
Borstal Village Surgery
25 Wouldham Road, Borstal ME1 3JY
GP. nhs.uk shows it accepting new patients.
Apex Medical Centre
Gun Lane, Strood ME2 4UW
Mon to Fri 8:30am to 6:30pm
GP. nhs.uk shows it accepting new patients.
Marlowe Park Medical Centre
Wells Road, Strood ME2 2PW
Mon to Fri 8am to 6:30pm
GP. nhs.uk shows it accepting new patients.
St Mary's Medical Centre
Vicarage Road, Strood ME2 4DG
GP. nhs.uk shows it accepting new patients.
Pharmacies
Ryders Chemist
130 High Street, Rochester ME1 1JT
Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm · Sat 9am-1pm · Sun closed
The pharmacy on Rochester High Street.
Karsons Pharmacy
69-71 City Way, Rochester ME1 2BA
Mon-Sat 9am-11pm · Sun 8:30am-1:30pm
Open until 11pm Monday to Saturday, and on Sunday mornings.
Paydens Pharmacy, Delce Road
134-136 Delce Road, Rochester ME1 2DT
Mon-Fri 9am-6pm · Sat 9am-1pm · Sun closed
Tesco Pharmacy, Strood
3 Cuxton Road, Strood ME2 2DE
Mon-Sat 9am-1pm and 2pm-7pm · Sun 10am-4pm
Open on Sundays. Closed for lunch 1pm to 2pm.
Boots, Strood
83 High Street, Strood ME2 4AH
Mon-Sat 9am-1pm and 2pm-5:30pm · Sun closed
Pharmacy closed for lunch 1pm to 2pm.
Kamsons Pharmacy, Darnley Road
29 Darnley Road, Strood ME2 2EU
Mon-Fri 8:45am-6:30pm · Sat 8:45am-1pm · Sun closed
Pharmacy @ Gun Lane
Gun Lane Medical Centre, Strood ME2 4UW
Mon to Fri 9am to 9pm · Sun 9am to 4pm · call for Saturday
Late on weekdays and open on Sundays.
Dentists
St Mark Crown Court Clinic
203 High Street, Rochester ME1 1HB
Mon to Fri 9am to 12:30pm and 1pm to 5pm
nhs.uk shows it taking new NHS patients, adults and children.
City Way Dental Practice (Oradent)
18E City Way, Rochester ME1 2AB
Mon to Fri, to 7pm on Tuesdays
nhs.uk shows it taking new NHS patients, adults and children.
Photay and Associates
196 High Street, Rochester ME1 1EY
Mon to Fri 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm
nhs.uk shows it taking new NHS patients only if they are children or adults entitled to free care.
Urgent dental care
Evenings 6pm to 11pm, and weekend and bank holiday mornings
Dentaline, the out-of-hours service listed by NHS Kent and Medway. In the day, call your own dentist or any local dentist and say it is urgent. Daytime helpdesk if you have no dentist: 0300 123 4412.
Council, bins and library
Medway Council
Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm
Also the number for bins, roads, buses and school admissions. The Gun Wharf reception desk has been closed since May 2026.
Bin collection day
Look up your collection day by postcode. All bins go on the same day.
Cuxton tip (household waste and recycling)
Sundridge Hill, Cuxton ME2 1LF
Every day, booked slots 8am to 4pm
Book every visit online and bring your driving licence and proof of address.
Council tax
Rochester Community Hub and library
Eastgate, Rochester ME1 1EW
Mon-Fri 9am-6pm · Sat 10am-4pm · Sun closed
The library and council hub in Rochester. Closed on bank holidays.
Medway Register Office
Northgate, Rochester ME1 1LS
9:30am to 4pm, by appointment
Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships, by the cathedral.
Report a pothole, fly-tipping or noise
All three are reported through online forms on the Medway Council site.
Parking
Rochester multi-storey car park
Cory's Road, ME1 1PZ
Charges 7am to 1am every day
Long stay, 280 spaces, a short walk from the station. Cashless: card, contactless or Go Mobon, location code 59346.
Corporation Street car park
Corporation Street, ME1 1NH
Charges 7am to 1am every day
Short stay, up to 5 hours, 108 spaces. Coins, card, contactless or Go Mobon, location code 79451. RingGo no longer works here.
Blue Boar Lane car park
Blue Boar Lane, ME1 1PD
Charges 7am to 1am every day
Short stay, up to 5 hours, 131 spaces, no return within 2 hours. Card, contactless or Go Mobon, location code 79450.
Cathedral car park
Northgate, ME1 1LX
Charges 7am to 1am every day
Short stay, up to 5 hours, 72 spaces, nearest the cathedral. Cash, contactless or RingGo, code 79400.
Medway Council parking services
Mon to Fri 10am to 4pm
Permits, penalty charges and car park questions. Blue Badge holders park free in council car parks once registered.
Trains, buses and bridges
Rochester station
Corporation Street, ME1 1NH
Ticket office Mon to Fri 6:10am to 7:30pm · Sat 6:45am to 1:25pm · Sun 8:10am to 3:40pm
Step-free to all platforms. Taxi rank outside.
Strood station
Canal Road, Strood ME2 4DR
Ticket office Mon to Fri 6am to 7pm · Sat 7:45am to 2pm · Sun 8:15am to 3:30pm
Step-free to all platforms.
Southeastern
WhatsApp 07866 002 690, staffed 24 hours. Lost property is reported online.
Arriva buses
Mon to Fri 8am to 5pm
Medway Council runs a live bus departures map.
Visitor attractions
Rochester Cathedral
The Precinct, ME1 1SJ
Mon to Fri 10am to 5pm · Sat 10am to 4pm · Sun noon to 4pm
Free entry, donations welcome.
Rochester Castle
Castle Hill, ME1 1SW
Tue to Sun 10am to 4pm, last entry 3:15pm
Adult £9.50, child £4.50.
Guildhall Museum
High Street, ME1 1PY
Tue to Sat 10am to 5pm
Adult £5, child £1.10. Staff on hand to help visitors.
Eastgate House
High Street, ME1 1EW
Weekends 10am to 5pm, plus some extra weekdays
Adult £7, concession £5. Closed on some dates for weddings and events.
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Chatham ME4 4TZ
Closed for winter from 16 November 2026 until February 2027, apart from Christmas events.
Medway Tickets Live box office
Mon to Sat 10am to 5pm
Tickets for the Central Theatre and the Brook Theatre in Chatham.
Public toilets
Castle Gardens, Castle Hill
The only public toilets in Rochester listed by Medway Council. Cafes and pubs are the practical alternative.
Pets
Vets Now Gillingham (emergency vet)
PDSA Pet Hospital, Campus Way, Gillingham
Weeknights 6pm to 8:30am · from noon Saturday · 24 hours Sunday and bank holidays
Out-of-hours emergencies for any pet, whichever vet you normally use.
Nothing matches. Try a shorter word, or Everything.
Checked on 10 October 2026 against nhs.uk, Medway Council, Kent Police, National Rail and each organisation's own website. Pharmacy and library hours drive the open-now badges; bank holidays differ, so call ahead. GP acceptance of new patients is as shown on nhs.uk.
Parking and trains
Getting here and getting around
Rochester has two London terminals: Southeastern trains run direct from London Victoria in as little as 38 minutes, and Southeastern Highspeed runs from London St Pancras International, next to Kings Cross. Around 64 trains a day run in each direction on the Victoria line alone.
Typical departures
Timetable patterns, not live runningLoading departures
Rochester station
- Five minutes on foot from the High Street and the castle
- Ticket office Monday to Friday 6:10am to 7:30pm, Saturday 6:45am to 1:25pm and Sunday 8:10am to 3:40pm; machines at all hours
- Step-free access to every platform
- Taxi rank directly outside, and a Puccino's coffee kiosk open from 5am on weekdays
- The castle is visible from the platform. Worth a look.
- Off-Peak returns from London from around £21; railcards save up to a third
- Last train to London Victoria around 00:20
- Engineering works are most frequent on Sundays
By car and where to park
- M2 junction 1 or 2 for the town centre; 40 to 60 minutes from London depending on traffic
- Rochester multi-storey, Cory's Road (ME1 1PZ): long stay, 280 spaces, nearest the station, card and Go Mobon only (code 59346)
- Corporation Street (ME1 1NH): up to 5 hours, 108 spaces, Go Mobon code 79451
- Blue Boar Lane (ME1 1PD): up to 5 hours, 131 spaces, Go Mobon code 79450
- Cathedral car park, Northgate (ME1 1LX): up to 5 hours, 72 spaces, RingGo code 79400
- Charges apply 7am to 1am every day. RingGo no longer works at Corporation Street or Blue Boar Lane
- High Street parking is not worth attempting
By coach and getting around
- National Express stops at Chatham, next door to Rochester
- Local Arriva and Nu-Venture buses link Chatham bus station with the High Street
- The centre is walkable: station to castle in five minutes
- The Historic Dockyard: 30 to 40 minutes on foot, or a few minutes by taxi
- Upnor: about ten minutes by taxi
- Taxis at Rochester and Chatham stations; Uber covers all of Medway
If you only have one day
The Insider's shortlist
Six picks drawn from everything in this guide. Three are open. Three are blurred, and open with one free registration.
01Best traditional pub
The Coopers Arms
Kentish ales, live music on certain evenings and a Tuesday quiz. Widely regarded by the people who drink here as the finest traditional pub in town, and dogs are welcome.
10 St Margaret's Street, ME1 1TL
02Best coffee
The Rochester Coffee Co
The latte art and the croissants get a mention in almost every review. Dog friendly, which makes it the natural stop before a walk along the Esplanade.
89 High Street, ME1 1LX
03Cheapest pint on the High Street
The Golden Lion
A Wetherspoons open from 8am, pouring the cheapest pint in Rochester at around £3.69.
147 to 149 High Street, ME1 1EL
Tap to reveal, free04Sunday roast with a view
Ye Arrow
The castle and the cathedral in view from the garden, and a Sunday roast with a solid local reputation. Open until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Boley Hill, ME1 1TE
Tap to reveal, free05The table to book ahead
Boeuf
A small steak restaurant that takes its one subject very seriously. Open Thursday to Sunday only, and covers are limited, so book without fail.
318 High Street, ME1 1BT
Tap to reveal, free06Best free hour
The Vines
Green space running alongside the cathedral towards the castle, free at any hour and rarely crowded. Bring a coffee from the High Street; dogs are welcome.
By the cathedral precinct, ME1
Ready-made days
Plan the day
Four tried routes through the town. Each stop is checked against today's opening hours, and when it is raining the indoor plan comes up first.
Things to do
Sights and attractions
Rochester packs a remarkable amount into a compact, walkable centre. Most of what is worth seeing is within ten minutes on foot of the station.
Four-legged visitors
Dog-friendly Rochester
The riverside Esplanade, the castle grounds and several pubs on and off the High Street make dogs genuinely welcome rather than reluctantly tolerated.
The High Street is perfectly manageable on a lead and many of the independent shops are accommodating, but it is always worth asking at the door. The Esplanade path towards Strood is flat, accessible and popular with dog walkers at all tides.
After dark
Late night Rochester
Rochester is not a late-night town by nature, but there is enough to keep an evening going past midnight at weekends, with Chatham next door and a last train to London around 00:20.
Ye Arrow
Karaoke and a dance floor at the weekend, and the castle and cathedral in view from the garden. Food all day.
Boley Hill · until 1am Fri and Sat
City Wall Wine Bar
Live bands, karaoke and DJs in one of the bigger rooms on the High Street.
120-122 High Street · until 2am Fri and Sat, 1am Thu
Oliver's Bar and Kitchen
Dinner, cocktails and DJs, and one of the few places to get a proper meal after 9pm at the weekend.
186 High Street · until 2:30am Fri and Sat
The George Vaults
Cocktails and dancing above the medieval vaults once the kitchen closes.
35 High Street · until 1am Fri, 2am Sat
The Ship Inn
Medway's oldest gay pub, with karaoke, DJs and live shows at the Chatham end of the High Street.
347 High Street · until 2am Thu to Sat
The Kings Head
A late bar and hotel, reported in January 2026 to be opening on Fridays and Saturdays only, with a licence to 2am and no new entry after 12:30am.
58 High Street · Fri and Sat only
Chatham Broadway and Military Road
Ten to fifteen minutes on foot, with bars into the early hours and kebabs, fried chicken and pizza until around 2am at weekends.
Chatham · until around 2am
The last train
The last Southeastern service from Rochester to London Victoria leaves around 00:20. Taxis wait at Rochester and Chatham stations. Check the return before the evening starts.
Last train around 00:20 · check on the day
Plan the day
What things cost
What a day in Rochester actually costs, from the pint to the castle ticket. Then set the sliders for your own group.
| Item | Typical price |
|---|---|
| A pint in a traditional pub | £4.50 to £5.50 |
| A pint in a craft beer bar | £5.50 to £7 |
| Pub main course | £14 to £20 |
| Cafe brunch | £8 to £14 |
| Coffee or soft drink | around £3.50 |
| Rochester Castle | Adult £9.50, child £4.50 |
| Rochester Cathedral | Free |
| Guildhall Museum | Adult £5, child £1.10 |
| The Historic Dockyard Chatham, adult | £29 online |
| The Historic Dockyard, family of four | £78 online |
| Train from London, Off-Peak return | from around £21 |
| Train from London, Advance fare | from around £8 |
Sources: pub, food and drink prices are community estimates; castle, Guildhall and Dockyard prices from Visit Medway, Medway Council and thedockyard.co.uk (checked October 2026); rail fares are approximate Southeastern fares, so check National Rail before you travel.
Day trip cost calculator
Set the sliders for your group
Estimated total
£--
-- per person
The local economy
The price of a pint
What you will actually pay for a standard pint of lager or ale on and around Rochester High Street, cheapest first. Craft and premium lines cost more. A few prices are blurred; one free registration opens them.
Approximate prices for a standard pint, from community estimates, updated periodically. Know a price that has moved? Tell us using the form at the foot of the page.
Moving here
Living in Rochester
What it is like to live here, what a London commute costs, and where to find the practical things. The schools guide and the useful numbers follow.
London commute cost
Approximate season ticket faresFor hybrid workers, flexible and Off-Peak tickets often beat a season ticket once you drop below four days a week. The Highspeed fares to St Pancras cost more than the Victoria fares, so the terminal you use matters.
Estimated annual cost
£--
at your commute pattern
Annual season, full time£--
Monthly equivalent£--
Weekly cost£--
Per single journey£--
Approximate fares only. Verify current prices at nationalrail.co.uk before you decide anything.
The good
- Independent cafes that are actually worth going to, with new ones still arriving: Cafe Lounge, The Pink House and TRiBE have all opened since August 2025.
- Central London in under 40 minutes by train, quicker than many Zone 4 Tube journeys.
- A real events calendar: the Sweeps Festival, the Christmas markets and open-air cinema on the doorstep.
- Baggins Book Bazaar, England's largest second-hand bookshop, on the High Street. That says something about the place.
- Small enough that people know their neighbours, large enough to have most of what you need.
Worth knowing before you move
- Chatham next door has the larger supermarkets, the cinema and the chain shopping Rochester deliberately avoids.
- High Street parking is not worth attempting. Cory's Road Multi-Storey and Corporation Street are the practical options.
- The M2 and M25 give good access to the wider South East and the coast.
- Medway is fully selective. Children register for the Medway Test in the summer of Year 5 and sit it in September of Year 6, so plan from Year 4.
First numbers to save
- Medway Council, including bins: 01634 333 333
- Rochester Community Hub and library, Eastgate: 01634 337 799
- NHS 111: 111 · Kent Police non-emergency: 101
- Bin day by postcode: medway.gov.uk
- GPs taking new patients, dentists and late pharmacies: Useful numbers
Supermarkets and essentials
- Tesco: Chatham Waterfront and Strood
- Sainsbury's: Strood Retail Park
- Marks and Spencer Food: Chatham Dockside
- Lidl: Chatham
- Aldi: several Medway locations
- Rochester High Street: independent food and deli shops
- Gillingham Market: Mondays and Saturdays, 9am to 4pm
- Rochester Farmers' Market: third Sunday of the month, Blue Boar Lane
Moving here with little ones
Young families in Rochester
Free baby and toddler groups, swimming, playgrounds, soft play and days out, plus the practical things to sort when you arrive with a baby or toddler. Nurseries are in the schools guide below.
Free every week
- Rochester library: rhymes and toddler timeBaby rhymes Mondays 10.45am and Fridays 2.15pm, toddler time Wednesdays and Fridays 10.45am
- Small Sounds at Rochester CathedralUnder 5s music, Thursdays 10.15am, book ahead
- Funky Fridays at St FrancisMessy play in Strood, Fridays 9.45am, £2 a family
Swimming and classes
- Turtle Tots North KentBaby swimming at the Abbey Court pool, Strood
- Strood Sports Centre poolUnder 3s swim free with an adult
- Baby Sensory MedwayClasses in Borstal, birth to 13 months
Playgrounds
- Esplanade Gardens play areaToddler and junior play by the river
- Jacksons FieldToddler swings and climbing frames off New Road
- Capstone Farm Country ParkA big play area with a cafe and toilets
Rainy days and days out
- Monkey BizzSoft play with a Tots Town for under 4s
- The Historic Dockyard ChathamFree play area by the entrance, 3 and under free
- Diggerland KentChildren under 90cm go free
First things to sort
- Health visiting team0300 123 3444, Monday to Friday
- Registering a birthWithin 42 days, at the register office on Northgate
- Strood Children and Family HubFree baby groups and stay and play
Time for you
- Jasper's community cafeUpstairs at Eastgate, weekdays 9am to 3.30pm
- Granite GymMuay Thai, boxing and MMA in an old chapel
- Frindsbury Tennis and Padel ClubSix outdoor padel courts
For families
Schools near Rochester
The main grammar, secondary, independent and primary schools for a family moving to Rochester, with the latest inspection, contact details, open days still to come and the dates that matter this year.
Key dates for September 2027 entry
Medway Council- Wed 14 Oct
Medway Test results
For children applying for Year 7 in September 2027.
- Sat 31 Oct
Secondary applications close
Up to six preferences on the Medway Parent Portal. Rochester Grammar, Rainham Mark and St John Fisher also need a supplementary form.
- Fri 15 Jan
Primary and junior applications close
Reception (born 1 Sep 2022 to 31 Aug 2023) and Year 3 junior transfer.
- Mon 1 Mar
Secondary offer day
Accept or decline by Friday 12 March 2027.
- Fri 16 Apr
Primary offer day
Accept or decline by Friday 30 April 2027.
Autumn half term · 26 Oct to 30 OctChristmas holidays · 21 Dec to 1 JanFebruary half term · 15 Feb to 19 FebEaster holidays · 26 Mar to 9 AprMay half term · 31 May to 4 JunSummer holidays · 22 Jul to 3 Sep
School holidays are Medway Council's dates for 2026 to 2027, which most Medway schools follow; academies and church schools can differ, so check with the school. The summer holiday runs until the new school year starts on Monday 6 September 2027.
Medway is fully selective. Children register for the Medway Test in the summer term of Year 5 and sit it in September of Year 6, then families apply for up to six schools by 31 October. Apply for a grammar school and a strong non-selective school together. On inspections: Ofsted stopped giving single overall grades in September 2024, and since November 2025 its report cards grade each area on a five-point scale from Exceptional to Urgent improvement. Each school below shows its latest result and date.
The Rochester Grammar School
Girls 11 to 16, mixed sixth form · Maidstone Road, Rochester ME1 3BY
Ofsted · January 2023
Good
Full graded inspection
205 Year 7 places. Supplementary form needed.
Open days and tours coming up
- Mon 12 Oct to Thu 15 Oct Year 7 tours, 8:55am, 11:15am and 2:10pm · Book by phone
- Wed 25 Nov Sixth Form Open Evening, 6pm to 7:30pm
Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School
Boys 11 to 18 · Maidstone Road, Rochester ME1 3EL
Ofsted · March 2023
Outstanding
Full graded inspection
203 Year 7 places.
Open days and tours coming up
- Mon 12 Oct to Wed 14 Oct Open day tours (Medway Council listing)
- Thu 15 Oct Open evening, 6pm (Medway Council listing)
Holcombe Grammar School
Mixed Year 7 from 2026; older years boys; mixed sixth form · Holcombe, Maidstone Road, Chatham ME4 6JB
Ofsted · March 2024
Good
Ungraded check confirmed it is still good (last full grade: Good, graded 2014)
180 Year 7 places. Formerly Chatham Grammar School for Boys.
Open days and tours coming up
- Mon 12 Oct to Fri 16 Oct Open mornings, 9am (arrive by 8:50am) · Book online
Chatham Grammar
Mixed Year 7 from 2026; older years girls · Rainham Road, Chatham ME5 7EH
Ofsted · October 2023
Good
Ungraded check confirmed it is still good (last full grade: Good, graded 2018)
150 Year 7 places. Formerly Chatham Grammar School for Girls.
Fort Pitt Grammar School
Mixed Year 7 from 2026; older years girls · Fort Pitt Hill, Chatham ME4 6TJ
Ofsted · October 2022
Outstanding
Full graded inspection
150 Year 7 places.
Open days and tours coming up
- Mon 12 Oct to Wed 14 Oct Year 6 open mornings, 9am · Registration required
Rainham Mark Grammar School
Mixed 11 to 18 · Pump Lane, Rainham ME8 7AJ
Ofsted · May 2022
Good
Full graded inspection
235 Year 7 places. Supplementary form needed. About 20 minutes from Rochester.
Open days and tours coming up
- Wed 14 Oct Open evening (Medway Council listing)
The Thomas Aveling School
Mixed 11 to 18 · Arethusa Road, Rochester ME1 2UW
Ofsted · September 2022
Good
Ungraded check confirmed it is still good (last full grade: Good, graded 2016)
190 Year 7 places.
Open days and tours coming up
- Thu 5 Nov Year 12 open evening, 4pm to 6pm, no booking needed
St John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School
Mixed 11 to 18 · City Way, Rochester ME1 2FA
Ofsted, grades by area · October 2024
Inspected after September 2024, so no overall grade
- Quality of educationRequires improvement
- Behaviour and attitudesRequires improvement
- Personal developmentGood
- Leadership and managementRequires improvement
- Sixth formGood
180 Year 7 places. Supplementary form and faith evidence needed.
Open days and tours coming up
- Tue 13 Oct Year 7 open mornings, 9am, 9:40am or 10:10am · Book online
- Wed 14 Oct Year 7 open mornings, 9am, 9:40am or 10:10am · Book online
- Tue 20 Oct Year 7 open mornings, 9am, 9:40am or 10:10am · Book online
- Wed 21 Oct Year 7 open mornings, 9am, 9:40am or 10:10am · Book online
- Wed 21 Oct Open evening, drop in 4pm to 6:30pm
Leigh Academy Strood
Mixed 11 to 19 · Carnation Road, Strood ME2 2SX
Ofsted report card · June 2026
The new report card format, with no overall grade
- InclusionStrong standard
- Curriculum and teachingStrong standard
- AchievementExpected standard
- Attendance and behaviourStrong standard
- Personal development and wellbeingStrong standard
- Leadership and governanceStrong standard
- Post 16Expected standard
- SafeguardingMet
240 Year 7 places. Renamed from Strood Academy in September 2025.
Open days and tours coming up
- Tue 13 Oct to Thu 15 Oct Morning tours, 9:30am to 10:30am · Book online
Leigh Academy Hundred of Hoo
Mixed 4 to 19 · Main Road, Hoo ME3 9HH
Ofsted · March 2024
Good
Ungraded check confirmed it is still good (last full grade: Good, graded 2018). Inspectors said it might be outstanding at a full inspection
270 Year 7 places. About 15 minutes from Strood.
Open days and tours coming up
- Mon 12 Oct to Fri 16 Oct Morning tours (Medway Council listing)
Maritime Academy
Mixed 11 to 18 · Chalk Lane, Strood ME2 4YG
Ofsted, grades by area · May 2025
Inspected after September 2024, so no overall grade
- Quality of educationGood
- Behaviour and attitudesGood
- Personal developmentGood
- Leadership and managementGood
180 Year 7 places.
Waterfront UTC
Mixed 14 to 19, entry at Year 9 and Year 12 · South Side Three Road, Chatham ME4 4FQ
Ofsted · January 2023
Good
Full graded inspection
Construction and engineering specialisms. 80 places at Year 9.
King's School, Rochester
Mixed 2 to 18, boarding from 11 · Satis House, Boley Hill, Rochester ME1 1TE
Independent Schools Inspectorate
ISI routine inspection, 2024. The school says it met all the required standards.
Admissions 01634 888590.
Open days and tours coming up
- Thu 5 Nov Year 7 open morning, registration 9:30am · Book online
- Thu 12 Nov Sixth Form information evening
- Wed 20 Jan Sixth Form experience day
Rochester Independent College
11 to 21, day and boarding · 254 St Margaret's Banks, Rochester ME1 1HY
Independent Schools Inspectorate
Inspected by ISI. See the college website for its latest report.
Admissions: admissions@rochester-college.org.uk.
Open days and tours coming up
- Wed 18 Nov Sixth Form open evening · Book online
St Andrew's School
Mixed 2 to 11, nursery from age 2 · 24-28 Watts Avenue, Rochester ME1 1SA
Independent Schools Inspectorate
ISI routine inspection, November 2025. The school says it met all five required standards; ISI no longer gives graded judgements.
Founded in 1951, in three Victorian townhouses in the centre of Rochester. Fees from September 2026 are £4,762 a term for Reception to Year 2, rising to £5,035 for Years 5 and 6, including VAT and lunch. Admissions: admissions@st-andrews.rochester.sch.uk. Nursery and Pre-Reception at the Pre-School, 81 St Margaret's Street, 01634 843393.
Open days and tours coming up
- Tue 16 Mar Open morning, tours 9am to 11am and 2pm to 3pm led by Year 6 pupils · Book online
St Margaret's at Troy Town CE Primary
Mixed 3 to 11 · King Street, Rochester ME1 1YF
Ofsted report card · June 2026
The new report card format, with no overall grade
- InclusionStrong standard
- Curriculum and teachingStrong standard
- AchievementStrong standard
- Attendance and behaviourStrong standard
- Personal development and wellbeingStrong standard
- Leadership and governanceStrong standard
- Early yearsStrong standard
- SafeguardingMet
30 Reception places. Supplementary form needed. City centre.
Open days and tours coming up
- Tue 20 Oct Reception 2027 tours, 2pm to 3pm · Book by phone or email
- Thu 5 Nov Reception 2027 tours, 2pm to 3pm · Book by phone or email
- Thu 12 Nov Reception 2027 tour, 5pm to 6pm · Book by phone or email
- Wed 18 Nov Reception 2027 tours, 2pm to 3pm · Book by phone or email
The Pilgrim School
Mixed 3 to 11 · Warwick Crescent, Borstal ME1 3LF
Ofsted, grades by area · January 2025
Inspected after September 2024, so no overall grade
- Quality of educationOutstanding
- Behaviour and attitudesOutstanding
- Personal developmentOutstanding
- Leadership and managementOutstanding
- Early yearsOutstanding
30 Reception places, oversubscribed. Last place offered in 2026 at about 440 metres. Supplementary form needed.
Open days and tours coming up
- Wed 14 Oct Reception show round, 2pm · Book by phone or email
Rochester Riverside CE Primary
Mixed 3 to 11 · Gas House Road, Rochester ME1 1US
Ofsted
Not yet checked for this guide. Use the inspection link below for the latest report.
60 Reception places. Supplementary form needed. On the Rochester Riverside development.
Open days and tours coming up
- Wed 14 Oct Reception show round, 9:30am · Book by phone or email
- Thu 12 Nov Reception show round, 1:30pm · Book by phone or email
St Peter's Infant School
Mixed 4 to 7 · Holcombe Road, Rochester ME1 2HU
Ofsted · May 2024
Good
Ungraded check confirmed it is still good (last full grade: Good, graded 2018)
30 Reception places.
Open days and tours coming up
- Wed 14 Oct Open morning, talk and tour, 9:15am to 10:15am, just turn up
- Tue 24 Nov Open morning, talk and tour, 9:15am to 10:15am, just turn up
- Thu 7 Jan Open morning, talk and tour, 9:15am to 10:15am, just turn up
Balfour Infant School
Mixed 4 to 7 · Pattens Lane, Rochester ME1 2QT
Ofsted, grades by area · October 2024
Inspected after September 2024, so no overall grade
- Quality of educationGood
- Behaviour and attitudesGood
- Personal developmentGood
- Leadership and managementGood
- Early yearsGood
90 Reception places.
Balfour Junior School
Mixed 7 to 11 · Balfour Road, Chatham ME4 6QX
Ofsted
Not yet checked for this guide. Use the inspection link below for the latest report.
120 Year 3 places. The junior school for Balfour Infant.
Open days and tours coming up
- Thu 15 Oct Year 3 tour, 2pm, no booking needed
Delce Academy
Mixed 7 to 11 · The Tideway, Rochester ME1 2NJ
Ofsted · May 2024
Good
Full graded inspection
90 Year 3 places.
Open days and tours coming up
- Tue 13 Oct Year 3 tours, 10am · Book by phone
- Thu 15 Oct Year 3 tours, 2pm · Book by phone
- Mon 9 Nov Year 3 tours, 10am · Book by phone
- Thu 12 Nov Year 3 tours, 2pm · Book by phone
Warren Wood Primary School
Mixed 3 to 11 · Arethusa Road, Rochester ME1 2UR
Ofsted, grades by area · May 2025
Inspected after September 2024, so no overall grade
- Quality of educationRequires improvement
- Behaviour and attitudesGood
- Personal developmentGood
- Leadership and managementGood
- Early yearsRequires improvement
60 Reception places.
Open days and tours coming up
- Wed 14 Oct Open morning, 9:30am, no booking needed
- Thu 12 Nov Open morning, 9:30am, no booking needed
- Wed 2 Dec Open morning, 9:30am, no booking needed
- Wed 13 Jan Open morning, 9:30am, no booking needed
St William of Perth RC Primary
Mixed 4 to 11 · Canon Close, Maidstone Road, Rochester ME1 3EN
Ofsted · October 2023
Good
Ungraded check confirmed it is still good (last full grade: Good, graded 2014)
30 Reception places, oversubscribed. Last place offered in 2026 at about 90 metres. Supplementary form needed.
Open days and tours coming up
- Every Tuesday New parent tours, Tuesdays at 10am · Book by phone or email
Elaine Primary School
Mixed 3 to 11 · Elaine Avenue, Strood ME2 2YN
Ofsted · September 2022
Good
Full graded inspection
45 Reception places.
Gordons Children's Academy
Mixed 4 to 11 · Gordon Road, Strood ME2 3HQ
Ofsted · September 2022
Good
Full graded inspection. Infant and junior schools both graded Good
60 Reception and 60 Year 3 places.
St Nicholas CEVC Primary School
Mixed 4 to 11 · London Road, Strood ME2 3HU
Ofsted, grades by area · June 2025
Inspected after September 2024, so no overall grade
- Quality of educationRequires improvement
- Behaviour and attitudesGood
- Personal developmentGood
- Leadership and managementRequires improvement
- Early yearsGood
30 Reception places. Supplementary form needed. Now a full primary.
Hilltop Primary Academy
Mixed 3 to 11 · Hilltop Road, Frindsbury ME2 4QN
Ofsted · June 2022
Good
Ungraded check confirmed it is still good
60 Reception places.
Open days and tours coming up
- Thu 15 Oct Open morning, 9:30am · Book by phone or email
- Mon 9 Nov Open morning, 9:30am · Book by phone or email
- Mon 16 Nov Open morning, 9:30am · Book by phone or email
- Thu 19 Nov Open evening, 4pm to 5pm · Book by phone or email
- Thu 3 Dec Open evening, 4pm to 5pm · Book by phone or email
- Tue 5 Jan Open morning, 9:30am · Book by phone or email
Temple Mill Primary School
Mixed 3 to 11 · Cliffe Road, Strood ME2 3NL
Ofsted · April 2024
Good
Ungraded check confirmed it is still good (last full grade: Good, graded 2018)
30 Reception places.
Open days and tours coming up
- Wed 14 Oct Reception tour, 1:30pm · Book by email
- Thu 15 Oct Reception tour, 1:30pm · Book by email
- Tue 17 Nov Reception tour, 1:30pm · Book by email
- Thu 19 Nov Reception tour, 1:30pm · Book by email
- Thu 26 Nov Reception tour, 1:30pm · Book by email
Wainscott Primary School
Mixed 3 to 11 · Wainscott Road, Wainscott ME2 4JX
Ofsted · March 2024
Good
Full graded inspection
60 Reception places.
Abbey Court Foundation Special School
Mixed 3 to 19 · Rede Court Road, Strood ME2 3SP
Ofsted · March 2023
Outstanding
Ungraded check confirmed it is still outstanding
Severe and profound learning difficulties. Places need an Education, Health and Care Plan.
Day nurseries, pre-schools and school nursery classes in Rochester and just across the bridge in Strood. Every 3 and 4 year old in England can get 15 funded hours a week over 38 weeks of the year, from the term after their third birthday, and since September 2025 working parents can get 30 funded hours a week from when their child is 9 months old. Ask each setting which funded places it has free. Childminders are not listed.
Rochester 18
Little Lights Nursery
2 to 4 years · Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6.30pm
Rock Church Ministries, 336-338 High Street, Rochester ME1 1BT
Ofsted · June 2022
Good
Full graded inspection
On the High Street, run by The Word House Christian Ministries, with a mud kitchen where children cut and grate real fruit and vegetables.
Hedgehogs Rochester Day Nursery
3 months to 5 years · Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6.30pm, all year
The Annexe, Fort Pitt House, New Road, Rochester ME1 1DX
Ofsted · December 2022
Good
Full graded inspection
One of the Hedgehogs group of nurseries, in the annexe of Fort Pitt House on New Road.
Little King's Nursery
From 2 years · 7.30am to 6.30pm, 50 weeks a year
King's Rochester, Boley Hill, Rochester ME1 1TE
Independent Schools Inspectorate
Part of King's Rochester, which is inspected by ISI. The school says its May 2024 inspection met all the required standards.
In the grounds of King's Rochester, two minutes from Rochester station, with outdoor learning in the school's own woodland. Takes part in the free early years entitlement.
St Andrew's Pre-School
2 to 4 years: Nursery from 2, Pre-Reception from 3 · Full day 8.30am to 3.30pm, with wraparound care and paid holiday care
81 St Margaret's Street, Rochester ME1 3BJ
Independent Schools Inspectorate
Part of St Andrew's School, which is inspected by ISI. The school says its November 2025 inspection met all five required standards.
On its own site a short walk from the main school, with weekly French, music and Forest School sessions for the older group. 15 funded hours for Pre-Reception and a limited number of funded Nursery places.
St Margaret's at Troy Town nursery
From 3 years
King Street, Rochester ME1 1YF
Ofsted · June 2026
Strong standard
Early years grade from the school's report card
The nursery class at the Church of England primary. Early years children make regular visits to the school's mini forest, and phonics begins in the nursery year.
Rochester Riverside nursery
From the term after a child turns 3 · Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 3.15pm, term time, with no breakfast or after school club for nursery
Rochester Riverside CofE Primary, Gas House Road, Rochester ME1 1US
Ofsted · July 2025
Good
Early years grade from the school's inspection
A 26 place nursery at the Church of England primary on Rochester Riverside, with three intakes a year, in September, January and April.
City Way Day Nursery
Birth to 5 years · Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6pm, all year
18 City Way, Rochester ME1 2AB
Ofsted · January 2025
Outstanding
Full graded inspection
Rated Outstanding in every area in January 2025, with 21 of its 26 staff holding early years qualifications.
St Luke's Pre-School
2 to 4 years · Term time: 9.15am to 1pm Monday to Friday, and until 3pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
Wesley Hall, St Luke's Methodist Church, City Way, Rochester ME1 2BQ
Ofsted · March 2024
Good
Full graded inspection
Registered in 1966, in two rooms of the church hall at St Luke's Methodist Church.
Little Explorers Day Nursery and Preschool
3 months to 5 years · Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, all year except bank holidays
206C Maidstone Road, Rochester ME1 3EJ
Ofsted · last full grade, February 2020
Outstanding
Inspected again in January 2026 under Ofsted's new report cards. Open the Ofsted report for the latest grades.
Part of Family First Nurseries, next to Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, with meals cooked on site every day.
Rochester Preschool
Call for ages, sessions and places
Albert Road, Rochester ME1 3DG
Ofsted · June 2026
Inspected again in June 2026 under Ofsted's new report cards. Open the Ofsted report for the latest grades.
Registered with Ofsted in December 2023 as full day care. Call for ages, sessions and places.
ABC Pre-School Group
2 to 4 years · Term time, Monday to Friday, 9.15am to 2.15pm
13-14 Mercury Close, Borstal, Rochester ME1 3AT
Ofsted · October 2023
Good
Full graded inspection
Run by the Action for Borstal Community Project, and all five staff hold level 3 or higher early years qualifications.
Mini Treasures Day Nursery
Call for ages, sessions and places
Christ Apostolic Church, 128 Borstal Street, Rochester ME1 3JS
Ofsted
Registered with Ofsted in August 2025 and not yet inspected.
A day nursery at Christ Apostolic Church on Borstal Street. Call for ages, hours and places.
The Pilgrim School nursery
From 3 years
Warwick Crescent, Borstal, Rochester ME1 3LF
Ofsted · January 2025
Outstanding
Early years grade from the school's inspection
The nursery at the Church of England primary in Borstal, graded Outstanding in every area, early years included, in January 2025.
Top of the Hill Pre-School
2 to 4 years · Term time, 8am to 4pm: the funded day is 9am to 2pm, with breakfast, lunch and after school clubs around it
64 Windward Road, Rochester ME1 2NB
Ofsted · last full grade, December 2023
Good
Inspected again in April 2026 under Ofsted's new report cards. Open the Ofsted report for the latest grades.
Family run since 1996, and offers the 15 and 30 funded hours.
The Nest Nursery
2 to 4 years · 7.30am to 6pm, 50 weeks of the year
Crest Infant School, Fleet Road, Rochester ME1 2QA
Ofsted
Registered with Ofsted in October 2025 and not yet inspected.
A nursery on the Crest Infant School site.
Beresford Pre-School
2 to 4 years · Term time: 9am to 12pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 9am to 3pm Tuesday and Thursday
The Scout Hut, Beresford Avenue, Rochester ME1 2QX
Ofsted · March 2022
Good
Full graded inspection
A charity pre-school, in the Scout Hut on Beresford Avenue since 1992.
Kloisters Day Nursery and Pre-School
Birth to 5 years · Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, all year except bank holidays
Arethusa Road, Rochester ME1 2UR
Ofsted · February 2024
Good
Full graded inspection
Part of Family First Nurseries, with three gardens of its own and shared use of the primary school field and wooded trail next door.
Warren Wood Primary nursery
From 3 years
Arethusa Road, Rochester ME1 2UR
Ofsted · May 2025
Requires improvement
Early years grade from the school's inspection
The nursery class at Warren Wood Primary. Ofsted noted that nursery children join in songs and rhymes enthusiastically as the start of early reading.
Strood and Frindsbury, across the bridge 8
Rainbows Day Nursery
2 to 5 years · Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6.30pm, all year
The Parish Room, English Martyrs Church, 37 Frindsbury Road, Strood ME2 4JA
Ofsted · January 2024
Good
Full graded inspection
In the parish room of English Martyrs Church on Frindsbury Road.
Phoenix Education Day Nursery
3 months to 5 years · Weekdays, 7.30am to 6pm, 51 weeks a year
Whitewall Road, Medway City Estate, Rochester ME2 4DZ
Ofsted · January 2023
Good
Full graded inspection
Freshly cooked meals are a big part of its curriculum, and it runs a holiday club too.
Witty Kiddies Strood
Birth to 5 years · Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6.30pm, 50 weeks a year
130 Brompton Lane, Strood ME2 3BA
Ofsted · March 2023
Good
Full graded inspection
Part of the Witty Kiddies group of nurseries, in Strood since 2021.
Nuffy Bear Day Nursery
3 months to 5 years · Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, 51 weeks a year
Nuffield Health, Medway Valley Leisure Park, Chariot Way, Strood ME2 2SS
Ofsted · April 2024
Outstanding
Full graded inspection
Run by Nuffield Health at its Medway fitness centre, with separate baby, toddler and preschool areas.
Cherubs Montessori Day Nursery
3 months to 5 years · Monday to Friday, 7am to 6.50pm, all year
5 Castle View Road, Strood ME2 3PP
Ofsted · March 2024
Good
Full graded inspection
A Montessori nursery with a quiet sensory room that children can use when they feel overwhelmed.
Castle View Day Nursery
Birth to 5 years · Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm, all year
1 Castle View Road, Strood ME2 3PP
Ofsted · April 2022
Outstanding
Full graded inspection
Registered since 1996 and rated Outstanding in every area in April 2022.
St Mary's Day Nursery
Birth to 5 years · Weekdays, 7.45am to 5.30pm, 48 weeks a year
Siri Guru Ravidass Temple, Vicarage Road, Strood ME2 4DG
Ofsted · May 2024
Good
Full graded inspection
On the ground floor of the Siri Guru Ravidass Temple, with before and after school care and a holiday play scheme as well.
Little Thinkers at All Faiths
9 months to 3 years
All Faiths Children's Academy, Gun Lane, Strood ME2 4UF
Ofsted
Registered with Ofsted in January 2026 and not yet inspected.
A purpose built nursery for babies and toddlers, opened in 2026 as the first Little Thinkers setting in Kent.
Checked on 13 October 2026 against Ofsted's inspection reports, the Department for Education's Get Information about Schools register and each setting's own website. Where Ofsted has published a new style report card we could not open, the last full grade is shown with the date of the newer inspection; use the inspection report link for the latest. Hours and places change, so call before you visit.
Medway Council school admissions
01634 333 333 · admissions@medway.gov.uk · Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm
Moving school during the year
casualadmissions@medway.gov.uk. Apply to each school separately, up to six weeks before the move.
Checked on 10 October 2026 against Ofsted, the Department for Education's Get Information about Schools register, Medway Council's school directory and each school's own website. Places and last distances offered are Medway Council figures for September 2026 entry. Open days marked as a Medway Council listing were not yet on the school's own site, so confirm with the school before you go.
Common questions
Asked about Rochester
How far is Rochester from London?
Rochester is 29 miles from central London. Southeastern trains run direct from London Victoria in as little as 38 minutes, with around 64 trains a day, and Southeastern Highspeed trains run from London St Pancras International, next to Kings Cross.
Where is the best place to park in Rochester?
The multi-storey on Cory's Road (ME1 1PZ) is the long-stay car park nearest the station and is cashless. Corporation Street, Blue Boar Lane and the Cathedral car park on Northgate are short stay, up to five hours. Charges apply from 7am to 1am every day.
What's new on Rochester High Street?
Recent openings include TRiBE at 103 High Street (summer 2026), The Pink House at 39 (February 2026), Cafe Lounge at 134 (August 2025) and Oli's Corner by Mrs Sourdough at 140. Cafe Nucleus closed for good after a fire in April 2026, and Boeuf now occupies the former Flippin' Frog.
Is Rochester worth visiting for a day trip?
Yes. Rochester has a Norman castle, a cathedral founded in AD 604, England's largest second-hand bookshop and a High Street of independent shops, cafes and pubs, all within a few minutes' walk of the station and of each other.
What are the best pubs in Rochester?
The Coopers Arms, tucked behind the cathedral, is the classic ale pub. Wolfe and Castle and Man of Kent are the beer specialists, Ye Arrow has castle and cathedral views from the garden, and the Royal Crown sits by the river at the bridge end of the High Street.
Which grammar schools serve Rochester?
Medway is fully selective through the Medway Test. Near Rochester are The Rochester Grammar School (girls, mixed sixth form), Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School (boys), Holcombe Grammar, Chatham Grammar and Fort Pitt Grammar (all taking mixed Year 7 intakes from 2026) and Rainham Mark Grammar (mixed). Secondary applications for September 2027 close on 31 October 2026.
Where is the nearest A&E to Rochester?
Medway Maritime Hospital on Windmill Road, Gillingham (ME7 5NY, 01634 830000), open 24 hours, with Medway's urgent treatment centre on the same site. For anything urgent that is not an emergency, call NHS 111.
Is Rochester dog friendly?
Yes. The Esplanade, the castle grounds and The Vines are popular with dog walkers, and The Coopers Arms, The Eagle Tavern, Bodega 51 and the Kings Arms at Upnor welcome dogs, as do The Rochester Coffee Co and Lenny's of Eastgate.
When is the Rochester Sweeps Festival?
Over the early May bank holiday weekend, with Morris dancers, folk music and chimney sweeps on the High Street. It is free. The 2026 festival ran from 2 to 4 May; 2027 dates have not yet been announced.
Why are some figures on Rochester Insider blurred?
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Source data and method. Live weather, daylight, air quality, tides and sea temperature come from Open-Meteo each time the page loads; tide times are modelled for the Thames estuary at the Medway mouth and are not for navigation. Venue addresses, phone numbers and opening hours are taken from each venue's Google listing, cross-checked with venue websites, CAMRA and Kent Online, and were last checked on 10 October 2026; hours change, so call ahead. Open-now badges are worked out from those listed hours in UK time. Attraction hours and prices were checked with the venues, Visit Medway and Medway Council in October 2026. Pint and day-out prices are community estimates; castle and Dockyard prices come from English Heritage and the Dockyard's own site. Train times are typical Southeastern timetable patterns, not live running. Events come from the organisers, Medway Council and Visit Medway. Useful numbers come from nhs.uk, Medway Council and the organisations themselves. School details come from Ofsted, the Department for Education's school register, Medway Council and the schools' own sites; always read the latest report.
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