When visiting historic Rochester, there are a variety of tours on offer for visitors to explore.

The Rochester of Dickens comes to life, with Footsteps in Time where visitors can wander around the cobbled streets with some of Dickens' most famous characters and see the buildings that were an inspiration to the author in his work.  Tours are only available for pre-booked groups.

From Good Friday to the end of September, on selected days, the City of Rochester Society offers free 90-minute circular tours around the historic city.  No pre-booking is required for the public walks as these are open to individuals.  Pre-booked tours for organised parties can be arranged to suit the group's interest and requirements.

Charles Dickens was not only famous for his classic books, but also his ghost stories, ‘A Christmas Carol’ being the most popular, ‘The Signalman’ the eeriest.   On the last Sunday of every month, the haunted Rochester Ghost Tours takes place.   Tours may not be suitable for the younger audiences.

Discover more about the great author's life and the buildings that were an inspiration to him by taking a self-guided walking tour.  In Dickens Footsteps leaflet with map is available from Medway Visitor Information Centre (cost £1).

Smart phone users can now discover the delights that Dickensian Rochester has to offer using QR code technology.  The QR code (short for Quick Response) gives access to video content that has been specifically filmed on location by Visit England, highlighting some of the key sights and things to do for visitors.

To sample this tour, simply scan this code using your smart phone or visit rochester.grodigital.com.

Historic Rochester is one of five UK destinations chosen by Visit England to take part in a pilot project, which aims to encourage visitors to view tourist information via their smart phone devices and spend more time in the area they are visiting.

By pointing their smart phones at the code, using a QR code reader app, visitors will be able to watch clips of the area and discover the inspiration behind the characters and settings of Dickens' novels, including Restoration House, Rochester Castle, the Swiss Chalet and The Six Poor Travellers House.  These clips are introduced by Sandi Digby, who regularly conducts 90-minute costumed walking tours of Rochester. 

There are a variety of free QR code readers available from all App stores.

When planning your visit to the area, the Medway Visitor Information Centre located in the heart of historic Rochester is the ideal first port of call.  The centre is wheelchair accessible and offers a full tourist information service, art gallery, public toilets and a cafe.  

More information on Rochester's heritage attractions and tours can be found on this website.