Rochester Cathedral

Rochester Cathedral is the second-oldest cathedral in England and has been a place of worship and prayer for over 1,400 years. The glorious Norman architecture of the nave and parts of the crypt, along with one of the finest Romanesque facades in the country, make it an inspirational place to visit. Audio-visual tours in several languages bring to life the untold stories of its stones.

Eastgate House

As you wander through historic Rochester, you’ll find a cluster of remarkable historic houses. Eastgate House, a delightful Elizabethan residence built in 1590 for Sir Peter Buck, who served as Alderman and Mayor of Rochester, as well as Clerk to the Cheque at Chatham Dockyard is of great architectural and historical significance.

The house featured in the works of Charles Dickens as a school for young ladies and in the author’s unfinished novel, The Mystery of Edwin Drood.  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.

Restoration House

Just a short stroll from Eastgate House is Restoration House, an imposing red-brick city mansion named after Charles II, who stayed here on the eve of his restoration to the throne. The house also served as the inspiration for Miss Havisham’s and Estella’s home in Dickens’ Great Expectations. Restoration House and its gardens are open to the public on selected days during the summer.

Six Poor Travellers House and La Providence

In the heart of Rochester’s historic High Street stands the Six Poor Travellers House, a charitable property immortalised by Dickens in one of his Christmas short stories.

A few doors away is La Providence, a charming Victorian square with properties that house people of Huguenot descent. You can discover more about the Huguenots at the Huguenot Museum, also located on the High Street.