Medway

Estimated Population

251,000 based on ONS Survey to mid 2007

Overview

Medway is the largest free-standing urban area in the South East, comprised of a series of towns along the River Medway, including Chatham, Rochester, Strood, Rainham and Gillingham.

Rail services and road links between Medway and London are good, with the shortest rail journey times to the capital of approximately 45 minutes.

Medway is proud of its association with the writer Charles Dickens and the Dickens Festival has celebrated these lasting connections every year since 1978.

The Rochester area was the inspiration for many of Dickens' greatest works.  Indeed, Restoration House in Rochester was Satis House in Great Expectations, where Miss Havisham lived.

Leisure and Retail

Explore local landmarks and immerse yourself in the area's past and culture.

Rochester Castle is one of the best preserved and finest examples of Norman architecture in England, which has one of the tallest keeps in the country.

Rochester Cathedral complete with crypt is the second oldest cathedral in England and was founded in 604 AD by Bishop Justus.

The Historic Dockyard Chatham is Europe's most important maritime heritage destination.  The 80-acre site dates back over 400 years and was once one of Britain's most important naval bases.  Among its displays are warships, exhibitions and some of the country's best architecture.

The Rochester Guildhall was built in 1687 and is one of the finest 17th-century civic buildings in Kent.  The collections follow a timeline through Medway's history and are housed in two separate buildings, along with a small gift shop.

For shoppers there is the Pentagon Shopping Centre and Dockside Outlet Centre in Chatham.  Shopping in Rochester is a journey of discovery where speciality shops and history combine to provide a unique leisure/retail experience.