Summer in Medway

It's another summer in Medway, and whilst most of the country is worrying if the lions will end 60 years of hurt, we're going to take away the worry of what you'll be doing this summer. This page is your ultimate guide to Medway's biggest events, historic hotspots, but also as part of our 'Who Knew' campaign, we want to showcase some of Medway's hidden gems.

Whether you're here for a day, a weekend or a little longer, we've got you covered.

Let's start with the key events in Medway this summer...

Key Events

Medway is one of the south-east's most historic hotspots, and nothing showcases that better than annual events like the Rochester Sweeps and Dickensian Christmas festivals, but Medway's event offering doesn't sleep in the summer. Medway has a number of fantastic events this summer that are perfect for day-trippers, but also are worth building a long-weekend around for those that want to see more of what Medway has to offer.

Here are a few of the upcoming events in Medway, all of which take you to different spots in Medway:

If the big events aren't for you, or maybe you prefer to discover at your own pace, we've got plenty of other activities across Medway throughout the summer.

Rochester is a hub of historic relevance, with multiple heritage sites located throughout the high street. There's multiple car parks, public transport options (Arriva) for residents or visitors staying locally and a train station just a five minute walk away from the high street (see South-eastern for train routes).

Eastgate House is one of the most impressive buildings on the street, boasting many original features and decorative schemes from the 16th and 17th century. The second floor of the house is open to visitors for the first time in more than 40 years, allowing you explore the amazing rooms of the house whilst learning the remarkable story of those who lived, worked and played here throughout the centuries.

If you're a historian at heart, but also have little one's to entertain, why not take part in the 'Story of Toys' trail, allowing you to explore the house in a fun and interactive way. Also, if you bring your teddy bear, you can also take part in the Teddy Bear Theatre Picnic Show! It's the perfect day out for history buffs and their families, but if you've still got some exploring left in you after that, then keep walking up the high street...

The Guildhall Museum contains collections that tell the story of Medway from Roman origins to the present day, and was even referenced in Charles Dickens' Great Expectations! Visitors can also discover this house through the Dickens' Animal Trail, or sit back and listen to some stories from a Victorian servant and her mischievous chick!

Rochester high street is clearly full of hidden gems, but there is always a jewel in the crown, and in this case it's Rochester Castle. At the peak of Rochester's cobbled streets, the Norman fortress stands tall despite it's complicated history of destruction and rebuilding. This summer, it'll be full of excitement from start to finish.

Visitors in June will be able to enjoy some medieval music whilst they explore the castle, as well as testing our smell stations to create an authentic immersion of the sounds and smells of the medieval period. You may also see Frodi the Moneyer, who will be able to teach you about Medieval money and even help you strike your own coin!

If Medieval music isn't for you, then swap tranquil tracks for a battle axe! Our reenactors will teach you to handle medieval weaponry, try on armour and learn the skills of a knight. However, even knights need some rest, and on the weekends they'll relax and instead tell you stories of chivalrous deeds and the behaviours needed to survive and thrive as a knight in the Kings court.

Rochester isn't our only historical hub in Medway, with Chatham and Gillingham boasting some of Medway's key landmarks.

We've already mentioned our Armed Forces Day celebrations at the Historic Dockyard Chatham, but if you can't make the event, the legendary shipyard is still worth the visit at a later date. Whilst the ever present activities of testing your sea legs on the Cold War Submarine, commanding the bridge of a WWII Destroyer and ring the ship’s bell on a Victorian Sloop worth the visit alone, you won't want to miss the Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition. Showcasing 116 award-winning photographs, this inspiring exhibition brings together the very best in ocean, wildlife and underwater photography from around the world.

Also in the area is Britain’s biggest and best-preserved Napoleonic Fort, Fort Amherst. A key defence for Medway and Britain for 300 years, it's been restored for visitors to come and learn about it's significance in the Napoleonic War and both World Wars.

Come and take part in a tunnel tour, discovering how the tunnels were used in wartime for shelter, storage and defence. Also, discover the strategic role that the tunnels of Fort Amherst played during World War II as a base of operations.

There will also be a spooky end to the summer at Fort Amherst, with a Ghost Tour around one of Kent’s most paranormally active locations. Hear tales of strange occurrences during the fort's 300 year history.

We can't wait to see you this summer, whether you're a resident or visitor, a day-tripper or a weekender, there's something for absolutely everybody.

It turns out Medway isn't just a historical hotspot, but is full of sights, activities and experiences to try. Who knew...