Guildhall Museum, Rochester – A Journey Through Medway’s Rich History

Explore Medway’s rich history in a stunning 17th-century Guildhall with immersive exhibits from Roman times to Dickensian England.

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Guildhall Museum

The Guildhall Museum in Rochester, housed in a magnificent 17th-century Grade I listed building, offers a captivating exploration of Medway’s history. From a tactile 200,000-year-old axe to a full-size reconstruction of a 19th-century prison hulk, the museum’s diverse exhibits span Roman times to the modern era. Highlights include the ornate Guildhall Chamber featured in Dickens’s Great Expectations and a permanent exhibition on Charles Dickens’s life in Medway. Open Tuesday to Saturday, it blends historic architecture with immersive storytelling.

A brief summary to Guildhall Museum

17 High St, Rochester, ME1 1PY, GB
+441634332680
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Mid ranged
Indoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

Visit on a weekday morning to enjoy a quieter experience and fully explore the prison hulk reconstruction.
Check for seasonal events like festive crafts or storytelling sessions, especially if visiting with children.
Wear comfortable shoes due to the building’s historic layout with stairs and uneven floors.
Book group visits in advance to avoid overcrowding and arrange tailored educational sessions.
Explore the nearby Rochester Castle and Cathedral to complement your historical day out.

Getting There

Train

From London, take a Southeastern train to Rochester Station, approximately 50-70 minutes. From the station, it is a 10-15 minute walk along the High Street to the museum. Trains run frequently, and tickets cost around £15-£25 one way.
Bus

Local Medway bus services connect Rochester with nearby towns. Bus routes 132 and 133 stop near the High Street, with journeys taking 20-40 minutes depending on origin. A single ticket costs about £3-£5. Check current timetables for service frequency.
Car

Driving to the museum is possible with several public car parks nearby, such as the Rochester Riverside Car Park. Parking fees range from £2 to £10 depending on duration. Note that the High Street is pedestrianized, so parking a short walk away is necessary.
Walking

If staying locally, walking to the museum is pleasant and accessible via paved streets. The terrain is mostly flat but includes some cobbled areas. Walking times vary from 10 to 30 minutes depending on your starting point.

Guildhall Museum location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Guildhall Museum

An Architectural Gem of 17th Century Kent

The Guildhall Museum is situated within one of Kent’s finest 17th-century civic buildings, constructed in 1687. This Grade I listed structure boasts exquisite features such as the ornate Guildhall Chamber with magnificent plaster ceilings gifted in 1695 by Admiral Sir Cloudsley Shovell, a former MP for Rochester. The building’s historic character is further enhanced by a striking weather vane shaped like an 18th-century warship, mounted on the roof since 1780. The museum’s setting offers visitors a tangible connection to Rochester’s civic and architectural heritage.

A Timeline of Medway’s Past

The museum’s collection presents a chronological journey through Medway’s history, beginning with prehistoric artifacts like a 200,000-year-old axe that visitors can handle. It showcases domestic objects from the Darenth Roman villa, maritime heritage displays, and civic silver and regalia that narrate the region’s evolving identity. One of the museum’s standout features is a detailed, multi-level reconstruction of a 19th-century Medway prison hulk, offering an immersive glimpse into the harsh conditions of dockside prisons.

Celebrating Charles Dickens and Local Stories

The Guildhall itself is woven into literary history, having appeared in Charles Dickens’s novel Great Expectations. The museum’s permanent exhibition, "The Making of Mr Dickens," explores the author’s life in Medway, highlighting the people and places that inspired his work. Visitors can experience a mini theatre presentation where Dickens seemingly speaks directly to them, alongside recreations of his study and typical Victorian streets, enriching the cultural narrative of the area.

Engaging Experiences and Accessibility

Designed to engage a wide audience, the museum offers interactive displays and object handling sessions, including accommodations for visitors with mobility or visual impairments. While the building’s historic layout—with many stairs and level changes—limits full wheelchair access, key areas such as the main entrance, introductory gallery, and lower hulks deck are accessible. Educational programs and tailored sessions make it a valuable resource for schools and families.

Visitor Amenities and Community Involvement

Located at the river end of Rochester High Street, the museum provides practical facilities including pram storage, public toilets, a gift shop, and an induction loop for hearing assistance. It hosts seasonal events such as festive crafts and storytelling sessions, enhancing the visitor experience. The Friends of Guildhall Museums group supports ongoing preservation and community engagement, reflecting the museum’s role as a cultural hub.

Opening Hours and Admission

Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, with last admission at 4:15pm, the museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Since March 2024, admission fees apply: £5 for adults, £1.10 for children, and a £10 annual family pass. Its central location makes it an ideal destination for those exploring Rochester’s historic sites, including nearby Rochester Castle and Cathedral.

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Unmissable attractions to see

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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Guildhall Museum, Rochester – A Journey Through Medway’s Rich History

A brief summary to Guildhall Museum

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Train

Bus

Car

Walking

Guildhall Museum location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Guildhall Museum

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Guildhall Museum

An Architectural Gem of 17th Century Kent

A Timeline of Medway’s Past

Celebrating Charles Dickens and Local Stories

Engaging Experiences and Accessibility

Visitor Amenities and Community Involvement

Opening Hours and Admission

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Falklands Island Monument

Laindon War Memorial

Southchurch Hall

Prittlewell Priory

National Trust - Rayleigh Mount

Prittlewell royal Anglo-Saxon burial

Rayleigh Windmill

Barleylands Farm Park

Hopefield Animal Sanctuary

Havering Museum Ltd

RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Ingatestone Hall

Mountnessing Windmill

Old MacDonald's Farm & Fun Park

Great Baddow Chain Home Radar Tower

Unmissable attractions to see

Rochester Castle

Rochester Cathedral

Six Poor Traveller House

Eastgate House

Restoration House

The Historic Dockyard Chatham

The Leather Bottle

St Mary Magdalene Church, Cobham

Coalhouse Fort Park

Tilbury Fort

Canvey Wick

Fantasy Island

Funky Friday Over 30's Night

Bluewater Shopping Centre

Brands Hatch

Essential places to dine

La Quinta Restaurant & Venue Hire - Benfleet Essex

The Dining Room

Aspera

Leigh Bistro Restaurant

Toulouse Restaurant

Oyster Creek Kitchen

Padrino Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

Prowse Restaurant

Piccolo

Great Tides Restaurant & Bar

Il Mondo Southend

Aurum Restaurant

La Petite Petanque

San Fairie Ann

The Royal Hotel

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Gifts for All Home Decor

Latham Street

Store Thirty3

A Touch Too Wild

La Luna Boutique

Eliza Boutique

Argosy Toys & Gifts

By the Sea Vintage

Linked UK Clothing Limited

Books-on-Sea