An incredible 1,400 years of history under one roof
The historical town of Rochester sits along the River Medway in the southeast UK county of Kent (we’ll gloss over the fact that Rochester used to be a city, and due to an administrative error, the city status was lost).
However, Rochester is perfect for a family mini-break as there are so many things to do for all ages in Rochester, and especially Chatham Historic Dockyard just down the road.
Rochester may also ring a bell with many of you for its ancient Norman Castle or that it was home to Charles Dickens for a number of years. However, this historic town is also home to a Cathedral, and this building has some incredible history.
![The pin image for our post - 'A visit to Rochester Cathedral, Kent, England'](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/A-visit-to-Rochester-Cathedral-Kent-England-Pin6.jpg)
Where is Rochester Cathedral
How to get to Rochester Cathedral
- By Train
You can catch a train from London St Pancras or London Victoria to Rochester Station which takes around 40 minutes.
- By Car
Rochester is just over 3 miles (4.5km) off Junction 2 of the M2 motorway. Parking is limited, but there are a few car parks in and around the town.
Happy Anniversary, Rochester Cathedral
Centuries of ancient historyRochester Cathedral dates from the early 7th – century AD604, when the Saxon Cathedral first consecrated the ground, making it the second oldest Cathedral in England after Canterbury.
In 2004 the 1,400th anniversary of the cathedral and the diocese of Rochester was celebrated. And why not, 1,400 years is a long time?
![Looking up at the stone facade of the nave entrance to the historic Rochester Cathedral in Kent](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Facade-of-Rochester-Cathedral-explore-rochester-historic-rochester-sight-seeing-tour-of-rochester-cathedral-things-to-see-in-rochester-visit-rochester-V5.jpg)
![The historic stone Bec Abbey in normandy, france](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bec-Abbey-visit-normandy-places-to-visit-in-france-free-in-normandy-discover-normandy-V5.jpg)
Rochester’s 150-year-old Catalpa tree
Nurturing nature through historyThe cathedral appears slightly overshadowed by the castle peering down from above, but I assure you it is striking in its own right.
During the 12th-century due to damage, re-building work was carried out, and this is reflected in the Gothic architecture upon the building.
![The ancient sprawling catalpa tree in front of rochester cathedral in kent](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rochester-Cathedral-Catalpa-Tree-discover-rochester-historic-rochester-quaint-towns-in-kent-things-to-see-in-rochester-visit-rochester-V5.jpg)
If you're intrigued by Kent's weird and wonderful history, or all unusual stories around the county, then take a peek at "Kent's Strangest Tales".
You won't be able to put it down, you can pick it up for your Kindle or in good old paperback.
Everyone’s welcome at Rochester Cathedral
Young and old alike![A look along the nave of rochester cathedral with its high stone columns and vaulted wooden ceiling towards the cathedral organ.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/The-Central-Nave-discover-rochester-historic-rochester-sight-seeing-tour-of-rochester-cathedral-visit-rochester-what-to-see-in-rochester-V5.jpg)
![A look along the corridors next to the nave of rochester cathedral with its exposed wooden ceiling.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/An-aisle-within-the-cathedral-hidden-gems-in-rochester-historic-rochester-cathedral-places-to-visit-in-rochester-sight-seeing-tour-of-rochester-cathedral-visit-kent-V5.jpg)
Our video of Rochester
We have created a little YouTube video of Rochester. Why not take a look?
Also, why not subscribe to our YouTube channel and get the latest clips as we post them?
A fitting tribute to Armistice Day
Rochester Cathedral’s community spirit![The grand organ, with it's ornate pipework in the heart of rochester cathedral in kent](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/The-Cathedral-organ-free-in-rochester-historic-rochester-places-to-see-in-rochester-sight-seeing-tour-of-rochester-cathedral-visit-rochester-V5.jpg)
![A close-up look at the main ancient stained glass window of rochester cathedral in kent](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/The-main-stained-glass-window-discover-rochester-historic-rochester-sight-seeing-tour-of-rochester-cathedral-visit-rochester-what-to-see-in-rochester-V5.jpg)
![Knitted poppies hung from the arches of the nave of rochester cathedral in kent](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Inside-Rochester-Cathedral-decorated-with-poppies-explore-rochester-historic-rochester-sight-seeing-tour-of-rochester-cathedral-visit-rochester-V5.jpg)
Where to stay in Rochester
Rochester Cathedral Quire
An enchanting chorus fills the air![A look along the seating of the quire towards the organ, with it's ornate pipework in rochester cathedral](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/The-Choir-towards-the-nave-free-in-rochester-historic-rochester-places-to-visit-in-rochester-sight-seeing-tour-of-rochester-cathedral-visit-kent-V5.jpg)
Where to eat & drink in Rochester
- Don Vincenzo -A wonderful family-run, unpretentious Italian restaurant that is a joy to experience on the high street.
- Café Nucleus - great little place at the Bridge end of the high street for a coffee or more
- The Cooper's Arms - A great traditional pub, just a short stroll from the Castle & Cathedral
- The Two Brewers - Another traditional pub, this time a Shepherd Neame one, midway down the High Street
- Thai Four Two - A splendid little Thai restaurant on the High Street
- Three Sheets to the Wind – An unusual twist in this family-run pub, there’s a delightful Anglo-Austrian mix.
- The Eagle Tavern - A great little independent pub in the centre of the high street.
- Ye Arrow - Pub with a garden view overlooking Rochester Castle & Cathedral
Gundulf and the King’s Engineers
The "father of the Corps of Royal Engineers"Gundulf, the Bishop of Rochester had an incredible talent for architecture and military engineering while serving under three Kings of England. Gundulf was appointed as the first "King's Engineer".
Gundulf built several castles, including Rochester, Colchester and the White Tower of the Tower of London.
![A tired-looking plaque of raised brass against a dark iron to Colonel J.R.M. Chard VC in rochester cathedral](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Plaque-to-Colonel-J.R.M.-Chard-VC-explore-rochester-historic-rochester-places-to-visit-in-rochester-sight-seeing-tour-of-rochester-cathedral-visit-kent-V5.jpg)
There’s so much more
Rochester Cathedral Crypt
Sweeping medieval archesIn 2016, a restoration project was undertaken in the Medieval Crypt, Vestry and Chapter Library, as part of the Hidden Treasures; Fresh Expression Lottery project.
As you head down the stairs below the vaulted Crypt opens out before you. This is the oldest part of Rochester Cathedral and dates from the 1080s.
![The vaulted arches of the medieval crypt of rochester cathedral in kent](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/The-Medieval-Crypt-explore-rochester-historic-rochester-places-to-see-in-rochester-sight-seeing-tour-of-rochester-cathedral-visit-kent-V5.jpg)
![Knitted poppies scattered in a stone window of the medieval crypt of rochester cathedral in kent](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tribute-in-the-Crypt-explore-rochester-historic-rochester-cathedral-places-to-visit-in-rochester-sight-seeing-tour-of-rochester-cathedral-visit-kent-V5.jpg)
Accessibility
![A chapel beneath the vaulted arches of the medieval crypt of rochester cathedral in kent](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Chapel-in-the-Crypt-hidden-gems-in-rochester-historic-rochester-cathedral-places-to-visit-in-rochester-sight-seeing-tour-of-rochester-cathedral-visit-kent-V5.jpg)
Discover more of the Medway Valley
Off to King’s School
The second oldest school in the world![A robust stone wall in front of The King’s school in Rochester Kent.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Kings-School-Rochester-discover-rochester-historic-rochester-places-to-see-in-rochester-quaint-towns-in-kent-visit-rochester-V5.jpg)
![A stone cross in Memorial Court, King's School, Canterbury](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Kings-School-in-Canterburyexplore-kent-historic-canterbury-places-to-see-in-canterbury-places-to-visit-in-canterbury-visit-kent-V5.jpg)
Visit some of Kent’s Historic Towns, Villages & Cities
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