River Medway

River Medway – The glorious river that gives Medway its name offers scenic trips, adrenaline-fueled experiences, watersports, and more.

Much of what makes Medway special centres around the river that gives the area its name. The River Medway inspired the likes of Dickens and Turner, and remains one of our most celebrated and best-loved assets.

The River Medway threads together Strood, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham, and Rainham. The Hoo Peninsula connects Medway to the Thames Estuary. Steeped in history and rich in wildlife, the Medway is a popular waterway for pleasure trips, watersports, and sightseeing.

Whether you want to relax and soak up the stunning scenery or get active on water or land, the River Medway has something for everyone.

Image: Rochester Castle & Cathedral

Maritime and Military History

People have lived and worked on or around the river for thousands of years. As a result, it is rich in both archaeological and historical remains, including prehistoric droveways (used to move cattle), Roman pottery kiln sites, Anglo-Saxon fish traps, centuries-old military installations, and two historic dockyards.

Many historic defences are visible from the river, including the impressive 11th-century Rochester Castle keep and the magnificent cathedral.

Image: Swanning About

Image: Paddle Steamer Waverley

Image: Jetstream Tours 'Cruiser'

Image: Limehouse Wharf (location)

Exploring Medway from the water

Experience Medway's maritime and military attractions from the unique vantage point of the river.

Jetstream Tours offer river cruises, private charters and excursions from Sun Pier in Chatham aboard the Jacob Marley. Guided tours take you along Medway's shoreline, wildlife-rich Thames estuary islands and further afield to the eerie Second World War maunsel forts beyond Whitstable. Recent passengers were even treated to a swim-past by a pod of dolphins!

Or maybe you'd prefer to explore the river at a more leisurely pace. River trips and private hire charters for that special occasion are available from Swanning About's luxury motor yacht based at Chatham Marina or Medway Sailing's 42ft luxury yacht, also based at Chatham Marina.

The Thames Barge Edith May even offers free sailing experiences as part of its heritage and preservation work.

If you're looking for something a bit different, Sail to Clarity not only offers private charters but also intensive personal and professional development workshops.

Limehouse Landing
Launched in 2025, a new landing platform has been provided at Rochester Riverside. The Limehouse Landing is located within easy walking distance of Rochester train station and historic town centre.

The Paddle Steamer Waverley and Jetstream Tours 'Cruiser' both operate from this landing platform.

Image: Limehouse Landing Launch 2025

The Peninsula is a haven for visiting birds

Image: The Red Sands Sea Forts (Redsand Forts) & Jetstream Tours

Wildlife

The river and its diverse ecosystem provides the perfect wetland habitat for thousands of breeding and wintering birds. These birds are so important that the estuary marshes are protected by both national and international designations.

A walk along the Saxon Shore Way and around the Hoo Peninsula, or from Riverside Country Park, allows you to enjoy both the rich wildlife as well as the river's historic military and industrial landmarks.

The RSPB reserve at Northward Hill overlooking the Thames Estuary attracts visiting bird watchers keen to observe heron, marsh harriers, lapwing, little egrets, nightingales and more. The wood has the largest heronry in the UK, with more than 150 pairs of grey heron nesting in the treetops and almost 50 pairs of little egrets.

For more inspiration see our Explore Natural Medway feature.

Image: Chatham Maritime Marina

Even more to see and do

At Gillingham Pier you can enjoy a tour of the Medway Queen paddle steamer. During the Second World War the ship was requisitioned and converted to a minesweeper. She famously completed seven trips to Dunkirk in 1940 and has been lovingly restored.

Along the river there are a fascinating array of yacht clubs, marinas and boatyards offering a wide range of mooring facilities. Boat owners can explore the estuary and experience the spectacular maritime attractions throughout Medway. Public pier access is available at Sun Pier Chatham.

For the more active visitor, Medway has a number of watersports centres at Chatham Maritime, Medway Watersports in Gillingham, and St Andrew's Lake in Halling. There are also a number of thriving sailing and boating clubs along the river. Keep an eye out for the oarsmen and women from Medway Towns Rowing Club too.