Things To Do
in Strood
Strood is a riverside town in Medway, Kent, sitting on the north bank of the River Medway opposite historic Rochester. It is a commuter town with a mix of Victorian and modern housing, local shops along its high street, and convenient rail links into London and the rest of Kent. The town provides easy access to nearby heritage attractions (Rochester Castle and Cathedral), the Hoo Peninsula, and the North Downs.
Strood’s setting makes it a practical base for exploring Kent’s countryside, estuary walks and the Medway towns’ cultural sights.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Strood's historic High Street, visiting local shops and the famous Strood Market. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a quaint café, sampling traditional British pastries. Take some time to explore the area's rich history with a visit to the nearby Cathedral of Rochester.
After lunch, venture to the Rochester Castle, a short walk away, to admire its impressive architecture and scenic views of the Medway River. Spend the afternoon strolling through Rochester's charming old town, filled with unique boutiques and art galleries. Stop by the Charles Dickens Centre to delve into the life and works of the renowned author who spent much of his youth in the area.
As the sun sets, find a cozy pub or restaurant along the river for dinner, where you can savor classic British dishes. Enjoy the evening ambiance as you take a leisurely walk along the riverside promenade. Conclude your day with a captivating performance at the Theatre Royal, Rochester.
Explore the rich heritage of Strood by visiting the Medway Museum, where you can learn about the area’s past and see intriguing exhibits. Afterward, take a scenic walk along the river to appreciate the beautiful landscapes and architectural gems. Grab a coffee and a light snack at a local café nearby.
In the afternoon, head to the historic town of Rochester to visit the impressive Rochester Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in England. A guided tour can provide deeper insights into its stunning architecture and historical significance. Enjoy lunch at a local bistro and take some time to wander the cobbled streets.
As the day winds down, visit a local restaurant for a taste of Kentish produce. After dinner, join a ghost tour in Rochester, where you can hear spine-chilling tales of the town's haunted history. End your evening with a nightcap at a local pub, soaking in the atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-4 |
| 🚌Local bus ticket (single) | $2-4 |
| 🚆Train to London (off-peak single) | $10-30 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-140 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Convenient base for exploring Kent, the North Downs and the Medway towns
- Good rail links to London and other Kent destinations
- Riverside walks and close access to coastal and countryside scenery
- Quieter, more affordable alternative to central tourist hubs
- Limited nightlife and fine-dining options within Strood itself
- Weather can be unpredictable and often wet
- Some areas are more industrial or commuter-focused and lack tourist polish
Places to Visit in Strood
Visit one of these nice places.
Long riverside walks offer reflections, boats, and views across to Rochester Castle and Cathedral — excellent for golden-hour and sunset shots.
From the Strood side you can capture strong compositions of historic stone architecture across the water, combining river, bridge and skyline.
Wide skies, reedbeds and wildlife provide moody landscapes and birdlife photography, especially at dawn and dusk.
Elevated chalk landscapes and rolling Kent countryside deliver sweeping panoramas, especially in spring blossom or autumn colours.
Old warehouses, piers and railway infrastructure around the Medway create gritty textures and contrast with the natural river scenery.
Food in Strood
Strood Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A British classic available at local chippies along Strood and the Medway towns; best enjoyed freshly wrapped and eaten by the river.
Must-Try!
Locally reared meats often appear on pub roasts and Sunday menus; look for dishes highlighting seasonal vegetables and Kentish cider or ale.
Kent is known as the 'Garden of England' — try local cheeses with Kentish apples or chutneys at cafés and farmers’ markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Regular farmers’ markets nearby offering local produce, baked goods, cheeses and seasonal specialities — excellent for picnic supplies or artisanal souvenirs.
Occasional street stalls and weekend vendors selling street food, snacks and local treats; check local noticeboards for market days.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect orderly queues, say please and thank you, and be polite to service staff—British people appreciate courteous behavior.
Keep a respectful distance in conversations and avoid loud phone calls in confined spaces such as public transport.
Be on time for bookings and appointments; public events and tours generally start promptly.
Safety
Tipping in Strood
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, tipping around 10%–15% is customary if service is not included. For pubs, tipping is not expected for drinks but appreciated for table service. Round up taxi fares and leave small change for helpful hotel staff.
Debit and credit cards are widely accepted and contactless payments are common. Cash is still used for small vendors and some markets, so have a few pounds on hand. Mobile payment apps are increasingly supported.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming orchards in Kent and quieter trails; great for countryside walks and photographing blossom. Bring a light waterproof layer for showers.
Warm but rarely very hot; long daylight hours are ideal for riverside picnics and outdoor dining. Expect more local visitors and busier pubs and attractions.
Crisp days, fewer tourists and attractive colours on the North Downs; some days can be windy near the estuary. Layer up for cooler mornings.
Cold, wet and occasionally frosty; shorter daylight hours limit sightseeing time but you’ll find quieter streets and lower accommodation rates. Waterproof footwear and warm layers recommended.
Strood at Night
Hiking in Strood
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Part of a long-distance national trail with accessible sections offering chalk ridges, woodlands and expansive views—ideal for day hikes.
Coastal/estuary walking route passing through marshes and shoreline near the Medway; a good choice for variety of landscapes and history.
A gentle riverside trail linking villages and towns along the Medway, suitable for walking, running and cycling with wildlife and river views.
Wide open estuary walking with birdwatching opportunities and remote-feeling spaces; check public access routes and tides in advance.
Airports
How to reach Strood by plane.
Closest major airport for business and some short-haul flights; reachable by train and DLR from central London, then onward rail connections to Strood (travel time varies).
A smaller airport with some European routes; accessible by rail from Southend with onward connections to Medway by train or road.
Major international airport to the southwest of Strood; trains and road routes link Gatwick to Medway towns and London, with overall travel time typically around 1–2 hours depending on connections.
Largest London airport offering global connections; reachable by public transport and motorway links, often 1.5–2.5 hours depending on route and traffic.
Another option for European and low-cost flights; reachable by rail/coach to central London and then onward rail to Strood, generally a longer journey than Gatwick or London City.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents commute to London or larger Kent towns for work, giving Strood a significant commuter population.
Strood houses a mix of families and long-term local residents who rely on local schools, shops and community services.
Proximity to larger towns and transport links attracts younger people and professionals seeking affordable housing with access to urban centres.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is widely followed locally with amateur and semi-professional clubs and active grassroots participation across age groups.
Rugby clubs in the wider Kent area attract players and supporters, especially at community level on weekends.
The River Medway supports rowing, small-boat clubs and paddle sports where enthusiasts train and compete locally.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Strood.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most cafés and pubs offer vegetarian options (salads, veggie burgers, quiches). Inform staff and many places will modify dishes or point to daily specials.
Vegan options are increasingly available at cafés and some pubs; gluten-free choices exist but are less ubiquitous—ask in advance. Larger supermarkets and health-food shops in the Medway towns supply specialty items.