Rochester Castle - Rochester

Melek M.

I recently visited Rochester and had such a great experience exploring both the castle and the town itself. Rochester Castle is absolutely stunning—full of rich history and with an incredible view from the top. The castle is quite a climb, so if you're not great with heights or a bit nervous about steep steps, you might want to admire it from below. But even from the ground, the structure is impressive and totally worth seeing.

The town of Rochester is just as lovely. It has a really charming, historic vibe with lots of independent bookshops, quirky little stores, and cozy cafés. We were lucky to catch the local market too, which had a great mix of food, crafts, and handmade items. There’s definitely something for everyone.

The park next to the castle is big, peaceful, and perfect for a stroll or a picnic, and the whole area is family-friendly. I'd say it’s great for all age groups, but do be careful with the steps inside the castle—they’re steep and uneven in places.

One thing that stood out was how kind and welcoming the people were. It really added to the whole experience. Whether you're into history, shopping, relaxing in the park, or just exploring somewhere new, Rochester has a lot to offer.

Alba S.

If you’re visiting Rochester, a stroll through the Rochester Castle Gardens is a must. Nestled beside the towering ruins of Rochester Castle, these gardens offer a peaceful and picturesque spot to take in the beauty and history of the area.

Atmosphere:
The gardens are beautifully maintained, with vibrant flower beds in the spring and summer and plenty of open green space year-round. There’s a lovely contrast between the softness of the flowers and the rugged strength of the ancient stone castle beside them. The views of the castle from the gardens are truly Instagram-worthy.

Experience:
It’s a great place for a relaxing walk, a picnic, or just to sit and enjoy the scenery. You’ll often find families, couples, or solo visitors enjoying the space. There are benches throughout, and the atmosphere is calm and welcoming. On sunny days, it’s especially lovely.

Events & Accessibility:
Sometimes, there are local events or performances held in the gardens, which can be a fun surprise. The paths are fairly accessible, although a few areas may be a bit uneven due to the historic setting.

Final Thoughts:
Whether you’re a history buff, a local looking for a quiet place to unwind, or a tourist exploring Kent, Rochester Castle Gardens is a lovely stop. It’s free to enter, full of charm, and steeped in history — a perfect blend of nature and the past.

Jane E.

Came here for a Craig David concert, it was absolutely brilliant! Amazing venue in the grounds with the castle. Bag searches were vigorous! There were bars, food, tea and coffee, ice creams, glitter tent, medical tent and portaloos. Got a real mini festival vibe, was such a great afternoon and night, really nice crowd. Lots of security too.

Elizabeth D.

Interesting to walk up the tower of this ancient castle. Some remainders of the walls of the Bailey still remain and there are lovely views over the River Medway, which are even better from top of tower. Good interpretive boards throughout. Didn't take particularly long to visit and was out in about half an hour. Friendly staff, Interesting history; a good ruin.

Matthew U.

A must visit in Rochester. The castle itself is a huge, and there's quite a few informative plaques, though the real attraction is wandering through the ruins. At the top, you are rewarded with great views over the Medway Towns. A great English Heritage site, particularly for members.

o S.

Had a lovely day out and it cost me under 10 pounds to get in. We'll worth it with plenty of history and lots to explore. Plus there is loads of information about the people that where around. The castle is very big and I climb all the way to the top which is a 100 feet, but I would recommend taking breaks inbetween and sitting on the seats provided on the way or exploring the interesting things on each floor before going to the top. Got some amazing views and the staff are very friendly. Plus you can get a audio which I never done so I'm not shore if that is included in the price.

DAMION S.

This has very beautiful panoramic views once you reach the top, looking across much of Rochester, including the top of the nearby cathedral. As you walk around, you get a sense of what life was like in the castle and with slots in the wall where the floorboards once were.
If you're lucky, you'll be "transported" 500yrs into the past and meet a weary traveller with stories and riddles to help captivate your imagination.
When you "return" to your own time, you can visit the gift shop and buy a souvenir to remind you of your medieval journey.
Perhaps you would like an ice cream from the nearby kiosk to finish off your visit 😉

Sean W.

Great place to visit... second time we've visited whilst visiting the area...the views of the Medway area from the top of the castle are stunning... although owned by Rochester council it is run by English heritage....