Rochester is a city full of treasures. Rochester was the second place settled by the Christian missionaries sent from Rome by Pope Gregory the Great to convert southern England in 597AD, and its cathedral is the second oldest after Canterbury.
However, the Romans were here long before as this is the perfect place to cross the River Medway & the bridges are still an important part of the city today.
Fast forward to 1066 and the arrival of the Normans heralds the gradual rebuilding of the cathedral as well as the construction of a huge stone castle - second only to the Tower of London.
Kings have stayed in the city on their way to mainland Europe whilst escaping political tumult and also on their way back to reclaim their thrones.
Henry VIII met his 4th wife Anne of Cleves here for the first time & he also had one of the city's most famous Bishops executed for not supporting him as supreme head of the Church of England.
More recently Charles Dickens spent his childhood here and chose to live here in his later years - see the many buildings and sites that inspired some of his famous works including Great Expectations.
On this walking tour you will discover a city with many layers of history well preserved and waiting to be explored.
Rochester has fast train links to London (St Pancras) and is well connected by road. We can meet you centrally at a convenient place.
The terrain is mostly level and easily accessible.