Rochester Guildhall Museum
Rochester Guildhall Museum
Rochester Guildhall Museum
Welcome to the Guildhall Museum, where you can discover the amazing history of the Medway area within one of the finest 17th century buildings in Kent.
The Rochester Guildhall was built in 1687 and incorporated a courtroom and council chamber, which later featured in Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. The museum was founded in 1897, in honour of Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee. It was first set up in Eastgate House further along the High Street and was moved into the Guildhall in 1979.
Our collections tell the story of Medway from its Roman origins to the present day.
As you explore the museum you can:
We also have an education programme and lots of activities on offer for children of all ages.
You can even get married here, in the majestic setting of the Main Chamber.
We look forward to welcoming you very soon.
The Making of Mr Dickens Exhibition at Rochester Guildhall Museum
HRH The Duchess of Cornwall officially opened the new exhibition
An exciting permanent exhibition on Charles Dickens has been officially opened by HRH the Duchess of Cornwall at the Guildhall Museum.
The famous author Charles Dickens' childhood years that he spent in Rochester and Chatham greatly influenced his future life and career, and it was his fondness for the area which later brought him back to live here as a global superstar. Many of his characters and stories are set in the Medway area, but what do we really know about the man behind Great Expectations, David Copperfield and Oliver Twist?
Visitors can enjoy an exciting and immersive journey through Dickens’ life in Medway, while exploring the people and places which shaped his complex personal and public life and inspired him to create some of the best- loved stories in English literature.
Located in the heart of Rochester, The Guildhall is bursting with character and charm, creating a truly captivating setting for your ceremony.
The Guildhall chamber is a fine example of 17th century interior decoration, with its magnificent painted plaster ceilings and large decorative oil paintings. The stunning red-carpeted, sweeping staircase leads you to the chamber entrance where you will be spellbound by the grandeur of this historic venue. The glittering chandeliers offer the perfect soft ambience for your ceremony.
The Guildhall Museum is Grade 1 listed and has complicated layouts with lots of stairs and level changes. It's not possible to make changes to the building or to install lifts.
There is restricted access for visitors with mobility difficulties in the greater part of the building.
The following areas are accessible to wheelchair users:
The main high street entrance to the museum the river themed introductory gallery museum sales point the lower hulks deck.
Assistance dogs:
We allow assistance dogs in the museum if accompanied by their owner. No other dogs or pets are allowed on site.
The Guildhall Museum is open to visitors 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday.
For your safety when visiting us, hand-sanitiser stations are provided at the museum’s entrance.
Image: Family annual pass for £12
26th May - 29th May 2026
3rd April - 18th April 2026
1st May - 30th May 2026
22nd July - 5th August 2026
22nd July - 28th August 2026
18th July - 29th August 2026
As from 1 April 2026 the following admission fees apply.
Adults: £5
Children: £1.10
Annual Family Pass (2 adults & 2 children): £12
Student/65+: £4.50
Address
Rochester Guildhall Museum Guildhall Museum, High Street, Rochester ME1 1PY
Links
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. Last admission 4.15pm.
