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.
Sun 22, Sat 28 and Sun 29 Mar
12pm, 1.30pm, 3pm, 4.30pm and 6pm
From the company that brought you A Christmas Carol. Meet Pip, Miss Havisham, Magwitch and many more as you immerse yourself in an hour of dramatised scenes from Dickens’ masterpiece, performed in the majestic setting of a building he loved. Suitable for ages 16 and up.
Tickets £12.50
To book visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/eastgategreatexpectations or call 0333 666 3366
Sat 4, Sun 5, Sat 11, Sun 12, Sat 18, Sun 19, Apr
Sat 2, Sun 3, Mon 4 May
Sat 23, Sun 24, Sat 30, Sun 31 May
10am to 5pm (last admissions 4.15pm)
Explore Eastgate House to find all the gonks, then answer their questions when you go into in the lovely gardens.
FREE with admission to the house
Sat 6 and Sun 7 Jun, 11am to 4pm
A celebration of colourful characters and crazy costumes, suitable for all ages. Come and learn about the weird and wonderful traditions of Steampunk – a fabulous fusion of all things Victorian and futuristic. You can also browse our stalls throughout the house and experience the fine art of Tea Duelling – you won’t want to miss it!
Events at the house included with admission. No need to book. Dressing up is welcome but entirely optional.
Sun 26 July, 11am and 2pm
Start the holidays with this fun interactive show, featuring songs, dancing and a big friendly bear. Bring along a picnic and your favourite teddy. Ideal for children aged 2-6. Ticket holders can enjoy free admission to Eastgate House and our summer trail.
Eastgate House Gardens, High Street, Rochester, ME1 1EW
Tickets £8 adults, £5 children (2-16 years, under twos FREE)
All children must be accompanied by at least one adult.
Advance booking recommended at www.visitmedway.org/eastgatehouse or 01634 332700
6th June - 7th June 2026
26th July 2026
Admission prices 2026:
For private hire, weddings and educational visits please email.
The house will be closed for the following dates for weddings:
The house will be open for Event ticket holders only on:
Address
Eastgate House
High Street, Rochester, Kent
ME1 1EW
Open weekends only (except during events) from 10am-5pm (last admission 4.15pm). Open bank holiday Mondays. Open 3-7, 10-14, 17-23 and 27-28 December (Weekends resume from 3 January 2026). Eastgate House will also be open 26-30 Nov.
