Chatham

Travel Guide

Historic Dockyard Chatham which includes a marina and boating
Historic Dockyard Chatham
Historic Dockyard Chatham
Historic Dockyard Chatham
Historic Dockyard Chatham showing heritage architecture
This scenic town on the River Medway is a place that launched a thousand ships. Its naval dockyard holds four centuries of exciting maritime history.

For centuries, Chatham’s crucial position on the River Medway halfway between London and the English Channel has made it a prized location. From the 16th to the 20th century, Chatham was a busy dockyard town, producing ships, submarines and sailing equipment in times of war and discovery. This strategic town is located in a picturesque valley along the line of a route used by the ancient Celts.

Defensive fortifications such as Fort Amherst were built to protect the town against the increasing threat of French invasion in the mid-1700s. Get spooked on a Friday night ghost tour of the historic fort’s dark and winding passageways or visit its rolling green Parkland Grounds open every day for free. Hear the mighty bang of cannon fire from the barracks on Sundays.

The Historic Dockyard of Chatham is located just north of the town center and showcases the rich maritime history of the town and the River Medway. Once the lifeblood of the town, the dockyard contains a fascinating selection of maritime artifacts and personal accounts of life in the Age of Sail. Climb aboard two preserved warships and go below the decks of a Cold War submarine.

Visit the Great Lines Heritage Park, a vast green area in the heart of the Medway, with its distinctive Naval Memorial tower easily visible from Chatham town. Follow one of the tree-lined cycling and walking tracks to meander around the park and see families flying kites in the open grassland.

Chatham is the hub of the towns in the Medway area, so it is easily accessible by car or bus. High-speed trains connect Chatham with London and local trains serve the wider Kent area. Chatham has a seaside climate with warmer summers and cool coastal winds and rain in the colder months. Be sure to have your appropriate “brolly and wellies” (umbrella and boots), just in case the weather turns at any time of year.

Bridgewood Manor

Bridgewood Manor

4 out of 5
Walderslade Woods, Chatham, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥11,776 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
¥11,776
¥14,131 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Chatham. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
First choice when returning to for work.
"Really enjoyed my stay here. The gym and spa facilities were a very nice touch! The food behind the bar and selection of drinks made my stay very enjoyable."

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025

Bridgewood Manor
Holiday Inn Rochester Chatham by IHG

Holiday Inn Rochester Chatham by IHG

4 out of 5
Maidstone Road, Chatham, England
The price is ¥9,998 per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
¥9,998
¥11,998 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Chatham. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Lovely clean hotel where staff are very friendly. Bus stop located right outside hotel."

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2025

Holiday Inn Rochester Chatham by IHG
St George Hotel Rochester - Chatham

St George Hotel Rochester - Chatham

3.5 out of 5
7-8 New Road Av, Chatham, England
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Chatham. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
7/10 Good! (596 reviews)
"Just what needed for a week working in the area, nice room great staff , top man Adrian great guy"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

St George Hotel Rochester - Chatham
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Fantastic Large Room with  free parking

Fantastic Large Room with free parking

2 out of 5
50 CONNAUGHT Road, Chatham, England
Stay at this apartment in Chatham. Enjoy free WiFi. Popular attractions Nucleus Arts and Gillingham Spiritualist Church are located nearby.
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
"House is good comfortable stay, however parking is difficult and is located in a less desired area."

Reviewed on May 18, 2025

Fantastic Large Room with free parking
3 Bedroom House With Free Parking

3 Bedroom House With Free Parking

chatham
Stay at this vacation home in Chatham. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Central Theatre and Bauvill Stadium are located ...
3 Bedroom House With Free Parking
Bright ensuite Private Room in 2BR Apt – Singles, couples, families allowed

Bright ensuite Private Room in 2BR Apt – Singles, couples, families allowed

Chatham
Stay at this vacation home in Chatham. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Central Theatre and Chatham Naval Memorial are located nearby.
Bright ensuite Private Room in 2BR Apt – Singles, couples, families allowed
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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