Things To Do
in Chatham
Chatham, located in Kent on the River Medway, is part of the Medway Towns with a deep maritime heritage. The focal point is Historic Dockyard Chatham, a living museum with restored ships, interactive exhibits, and guided tours. The town pairs industrial history with riverside strolls, cafés, and easy day trips to nearby Rochester and coastal villages.
It’s well connected by rail and road, making London and the Kent countryside reachable for weekend escapes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Historic Dockyard Chatham, where you can wander through the well-preserved naval architecture. Enjoy a guided tour that highlights the shipbuilding history of the area, immersing yourself in tales of maritime adventure. Take the time to explore the fascinating exhibits, filled with artifacts and stories that shaped Chatham's naval legacy.
After a lunch break at a nearby café, continue your exploration with a stroll along the River Medway, taking in the picturesque views. Visit the Chatham Maritime Museum to learn more about the town's rich maritime history and its importance to the British Navy. Don't miss the chance to engage with the interactive displays, which bring the history to life.
As the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely dinner at one of the riverside restaurants, offering fresh seafood and local dishes. Take a post-dinner walk along the waterfront, absorbing the tranquil atmosphere and the reflections on the water. Cap off the night with a visit to a local pub to enjoy some live music and a pint of traditional ale.
Kickstart your morning with a refreshing hike at Capstone Farm Country Park, where diverse walking trails await. Breathe in the crisp morning air as you navigate through lush woodlands and open fields, spotting local wildlife along the way. Make sure to stop at the observation points to take in stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
After your hike, settle down for a picnic lunch in one of the designated areas of the park, enjoying the natural beauty around you. Post-lunch, explore the park's visitor center to learn about the local flora and fauna, and perhaps join a guided nature walk if available. This is a perfect opportunity to engage with the park rangers and discover more about the ecosystem.
As dusk falls, return to your accommodation before heading out to enjoy dinner at a cozy local eatery. Choose a restaurant that offers traditional British fare, such as fish and chips or shepherd's pie. Enjoy a relaxed evening reflecting on the day's adventures while sampling some local dessert specialties.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🍽️Three-course dinner for two | $30-50 |
| 🧃Soft drink | $2-3 |
| 🏨One-night mid-range hotel | $70-140 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich maritime history and dockyard museums
- Compact town with easy riverfront access
- Good rail links to London and Kent countryside
- Reasonably affordable compared with bigger cities
- Less nightlife and shopping variety than larger cities
- Some attractions are seasonal or rely on short trips to nearby towns
- Can feel spread out; a car or bike helps
Places to Visit in Chatham
Visit one of these nice places.
A waterfront concentration of ships, cranes, and historic buildings ideal for maritime photography.
A riverside fortress with dramatic views across the estuary and moored boats.
Promenades and boat traffic provide dynamic waterline photography sections.
Gothic architecture and medieval streetscapes just a short ride away.
Food in Chatham
Chatham Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty pie with white fish, prawns and a creamy mash topping, commonly found in coastal pubs around the Medway towns.
Must-Try!
Traditional hand pies filled with beef or pork and rich gravy, a staple from local bakeries.
Creamy soup featuring local fish and shellfish, popular at waterfront eateries.
Classic English dessert often served with clotted cream in Kent tea rooms.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Market stalls by the Medway waterfront offering hot snacks and regional produce on market days.
Pop-up stalls and vans around the town center serving curry, fish and chips, and vegan options.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People line up politely for buses, shops, and services; avoid jumping queues.
Use please and thank you; maintain a friendly, respectful manner in pubs and shops.
Give others space on pavements and public transport; keep noise reasonable in public areas.
Safety
Tipping in Chatham
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 10-15% in restaurants if service charge is not included.
Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted; cash is still useful in markets and smaller cafés.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long days with pleasant temperatures; expect outdoor markets, riverfront dining, and boat activity along the Medway.
Cooler days with changing foliage; harvest markets and cosy cafés become focal points.
Milder coastal climate with occasional frost; many pubs host seasonal events and Christmas markets.
Blooms along rivers and parks; ideal for walks, markets reopen after winter, and daylight extends late.
Chatham at Night
Hiking in Chatham
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A 2-3 mile loop around lakes and woodlands with wildlife viewing.
Scenic riverside and rural paths suitable for day hikes.
A pleasant riverside route with views of barges and castles, suitable for a relaxed half-day hike.
Airports
How to reach Chatham by plane.
A short flight or rail link from central London; approx. 60 miles from Chatham.
Accessible by road and rail; around 40-50 miles away.
Major international hub about 60-70 miles away with frequent connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large proportion of residents are families and commuters seeking affordable housing and good schools.
A notable retiree community benefits from calm streets, green spaces, and nearby coastlines.
Proximity to Rail services and affordable options attract students and early-career workers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local fans support Gillingham FC, with matches at Priestfield Stadium and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Cricket is popular across Kent, with county fixtures and local club matches in the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chatham.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most pubs and cafés offer veggie pies, salads, and plant-based options; ask for substitutions or veggie mains.