Poised on the River Medway in Kent, maritime Chatham was mentioned in the Domesday Book; however, it gained real prominence in the 16th century when a royal dockyard was established. Today, the 18th-century Chatham Historic Dockyard is one of the most expansive and best-preserved in the country and visiting is among the top things to do in Chatham, alongside exploring nearby highlights such as the Napoleonic Fort Amherst, historic barracks, and the Royal Engineers Museums. Chatham is additionally renowned for its connection to Charles Dickens, who spent part of his childhood in the town.
The best time to visit Chatham is during the warm summer months, from late June to early September, when temperatures usually hover between 68°F (20°C) and 77°F (25°C). For an extra-festive visit, plan your trip around the Chatham Maritime Food & Drink Festival, a celebration of the city’s maritime roots that includes music, watersports, dragon boat racing, kids’ activities, and delicious food and drink.
Chatham is easy to reach; its railway station is just a short walk from city’s main street. The city itself is easy to explore on foot, thanks to the fully pedestrianized High Street, which leads to the Pentagon Shopping Centre. If you want to see more of the Medway area, you can take one of the regular buses that leave from Chatham’s waterfront station to nearby towns.
After experiencing thhe hustle and bustle of Chatham’s High Street, take a breat at a hidden urban oasis: Café Nucleus. This favorite local haunt is located in the Nucleus Arts Center, which has one of Kent’s biggest collections of tropical flowers, palm trees, and tree ferns, as well as a courtyard garden for alfresco dining. The cafe offers all-day brunch options—like buttermilk pancakes and avocado toast—as well as sandwiches; pub-grub style hot plates; and delicious cakes, cocktails, beer, and wine.
