Rochester Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Rochester. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Call the Midwife Location Tour in Chatham

• Private Kent Castles and White Cliffs of Dover Day Tour

• Private Kent Castles

• Rochester, Dover Castle Guided Tour, and the Cliffs

• Cruise Ship Driver Guided Tours

While it’s free to visit Rochester on your own—as well as some of the town’s better-known sights—you can get more out of your visit and learn more about its rich history when visiting on a guided tour. Day trips that visit Rochester (as well as nearby sights, such as Dover Castle) start at US$136, while full-day shore excursions for groups of up to seven travelers begin at around $1,100 per group.

Yes, Rochester is worth visiting—especially for history lovers. The Medway town packs an impressive punch when it comes to major landmarks, including Rochester Cathedral (the second-oldest cathedral in England), Rochester Castle (one of the country's most impressive Norman fortifications), and Restoration House (where King Charles II stayed, and which featured in Dickens' work). Exploring on your own is possible, but going on a tour is the best way to soak up all that heritage.

Per one customer who booked the Private Kent Castles and White Cliffs of Dover Day Tour, "Neil was very knowledgeable about English history and the monarchy. He was also very friendly and attentive to our needs—he wanted to ensure we had a great day! Best tour guide we ever had. This tour and Neil are highly recommended."

Historical buildings and Charles Dickens are what make Rochester famous. Rochester Cathedral dates back to AD 604 and is nearly the oldest in England. Plus there’s Rochester Castle, Guildhall Museum, and many more. After being moved from the countryside, Dickens’ preserved chalet has pride of place on the high street.

Day visits or multi-day getaways staying in B&Bs both work well in Rochester. Your interest in history helps to determine how much time you spend in Rochester. There are plenty of places to explore, such as the cathedral, castle, and Charles Dickens’ former home.

Visit two castles on a trip to Rochester. The most famous castle in Rochester is Rochester Castle on the River Medway. Its construction began in 1087. There is also Upnor Castle, built 500 years later, which was used to fight against the Dutch invasion in 1667.

Many tours visit Rochester. It’s packed full of history, so it's a favorite. Private Kent Castles and White Cliffs of Dover tours run here, plus tours focused on Charles Dickens’ life take place in Rochester, too. You can choose both private and larger group tours, depending on your preference.

Dickens lived in Gads Hill Place in Higham, Rochester. He lived here until he had a stroke and passed away in 1870. He wrote two classics here, A Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations. It’s now a school, and visits are allowed periodically.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting Rochester. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in South East England.

• Windsor Castle

• St. George's Chapel

• Bibury

• Bodleian Library

• Christ Church College

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in South East England.