Eastgate House
Eastgate House
Eastgate House
Eastgate House
The Swiss Chalet at Eastgate House
This Grade I listed 16th and 17th Century townhouse is one of the most impressive and distinctive buildings on Rochester’s historic High Street. It also has many fascinating stories to tell…
Once the family home of Sir Peter Buck, a senior officer at the Royal Tudor Dockyard, the house has also been a Victorian boarding school, a hostel, a museum and an inspiration to the great author Charles Dickens.
As part of a £2.2million Heritage Lottery Funded project, Eastgate House underwent major refurbishment works and is now open to the public.
Many of the building's original features and decorative schemes have been carefully restored, and new heating and lighting has been installed. The second floor of the house is open to visitors for the first time in more than 40 years.
Visitors to the house can explore the amazing rooms of the house while learning the remarkable story of those who lived, worked and played here throughout the centuries.
In the gardens of the house stands Dickens’ Swiss Chalet, used by the author as his study at his home at Gad’s Hill Place.
For details of upcoming events at the house visit www.friendsofeastgatehouse.org or follow House on Facebook and Twitter.
Step inside Eastgate House and explore a maze of beautiful rooms and displays telling the stories of those who lives there throughout the centuries.
The splendid oak-panelled ceremony room at Eastgate House features a gorgeous fireplace and offers a true sense of occasion.
Eastgate is a ceremony-only venue that seats 40 guests.
Pumpkin House Trail
Sat, 14 and Sun, 15 Sep; Sat, 21 and Sun, 22 Sep; Sat, 28 and Sun, 29 Sep; Sat, 12 and Sun, 13 Oct and 19 – 27 Oct daily (half term break).
Have fun finding our enchanting pumpkin houses and learn about autumn and harvest traditions from years gone by. FREE with general admission to the house.
Please note: Eastgate House is a Grade I listed building and there is restricted access for visitors with mobility difficulties. Please call for further advice.
The Legend of Houdini
Sat, 5 and Sun, 6 Oct, 2.30 and 7pm.
Magician Greg Chapman performs effects and escapes inspired by the most famous illusionist who ever lived and shares the story of his visit to the Medway towns in 1905.
Tickets £14 and are available here. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased by phoning 0333 6663366.
Please note: Eastgate House is a Grade I listed building and there is restricted access for visitors with mobility difficulties. Please call for further advice.
An Evening of Classic Ghost Stories
Fri, 31 Oct, Sat, 1 Nov and Sun, 2 Nov, 6.30 & 8pm
Gather round the fire and an enjoy a selection of chilling tales, read for you in the unique setting of this beautiful 16th century mansion. Tickets for this event always sell fast so book early to avoid disappointment.
Tickets £11 available from Eastgate House on 01634 332700.
Please note: Eastgate House is a Grade I listed building and there is restricted access for visitors with mobility difficulties. Please call for further advice.
Admission prices from 29 March 2024:
For private hire, weddings and educational visits please email.
Saturday, 22 June - Adult Education open day - showcasing MAE courses in the house and garden. Admission free with learning passport which you can collect on the day.
Eastgate House will be closed on the following dates:
Weddings - 31 August & 15 December.
Events - The house will be closed, entry with ticket only:
Address
Eastgate House
High Street, Rochester, Kent
ME1 1EW
Open weekends only from 20 April (except during events) 10am-5pm (last admission 4.15pm). Open bank holiday Monday ( 26 August). Open October half-term 19 – 27 October (closed Monday and Tuesday) 10am-5pm (last admission 4.15pm). Open 4-8, 11-15, 18-23, 28-29 December. Weekends only from 4 Jan 2025.
