{"id":298969,"date":"2025-07-28T17:01:11","date_gmt":"2025-07-28T17:01:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/298969\/"},"modified":"2025-07-28T17:01:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T17:01:11","slug":"the-historic-town-near-london-that-was-loved-by-charles-dickens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/298969\/","title":{"rendered":"The Historic Town Near London That Was Loved By Charles Dickens"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhoto: Alexey Fedorenko, Shutterstock <\/p>\n

Another day, another town within easy reach of London<\/strong> that boasts charm, culture, and some pretty impressive claims to fame. This particular quaint-and-quiet town is a treasure trove for history lovers; filled to the brim with shiny cultural gems<\/strong>, waiting to be uncovered.<\/p>\n

Just an hour from the capital, you\u2019ll find Rochester<\/strong> \u2013 a town that held city status for almost 800 years before an admin error caused it to lose that title in 1998. Despite being demoted in status, Rochester still has plenty to offer. And it\u2019s a pretty perfect spot<\/strong> to add to your ever-lengthening list of day-trips<\/a> to take this summer (and beyond).<\/p>\n

The historic town of Rochester <\/p>\n

Rochester dates all the way back to 43AD, when the Romans came over and built a stronghold and a bridge over the River Medway<\/strong>, making it one of the most important towns of the time. It\u2019s home to a stone castle that was built on the site of a former Roman Fort, and an impressive cathedral (that just so happens to be the second oldest in the country<\/strong>).<\/p>\n

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One of Rochester\u2019s most prominent claims to fame, however, is its literary links<\/a> to Charles Dickens<\/strong>. Dickens lived in the neighbouring town of Chatham for many years, and frequently visited Rochester. Many of his most notable novels reference buildings in Rochester. Restoration House<\/strong>, for example, is said to be the spot that inspired the home of Estella and Miss Havisham in Great Expectations. Rochester actually features in Dickens\u2019 work more than anywhere else in the UK<\/strong> besides London. And as you roam the cute, cobbled streets, you\u2019ll stumble across various plaques explaining the town\u2019s many Dickensian connections.<\/p>\n

Things to do in Rochester <\/p>\n

If you do happen to be a Charles Dickens fan, then you\u2019re certainly in for a whale of a time here. A Dickens Festival<\/strong> is held each summer, and there\u2019s also an annual Dickensian Christmas celebration<\/strong>. You can also visit Eastgate House; am impressive 16th century townhouse that offers a glimpse of Gad\u2019s Hill Place (the building in which Dickens lived until he died in 1870). From the garden of Eastgate House<\/strong>, you can see the chalet where Charles Dickens wrote the legendary literary likes of Great Expectations, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and Our Mutual Friend.<\/p>\n

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If you\u2019re not quite so bothered about Rochester\u2019s links to Dickens, fear not. There is still plenty to enjoy in this picture-perfect pocket of Kent<\/strong>. It\u2019s home to the second oldest bookshop in England, alongside a plethora of other independent stores and eateries. The castle and the cathedral are both well-worthy of a visit. And Rochester is also home to its fair share of museums<\/a>. A standout being the Guildhall Museum<\/strong>; a gorgeous 17th century building in which you can discover the area\u2019s rich history.<\/p>\n

Getting to Rochester from London <\/p>\n

Rochester is in super easy reach of London<\/a>, with regular direct trains heading there from London Victoria <\/strong>that take just 35 minutes. The drive is slightly longer, taking just under two hours<\/strong> from the capital city. But there\u2019s plenty of pay-and-display parking options once you get there.<\/p>\n

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