Rochester Castle - Rochester

Melek M.

I recently visited Rochester and had such a great experience exploring both the castle and the town itself. Rochester Castle is absolutely stunning—full of rich history and with an incredible view from the top. The castle is quite a climb, so if you're not great with heights or a bit nervous about steep steps, you might want to admire it from below. But even from the ground, the structure is impressive and totally worth seeing.

The town of Rochester is just as lovely. It has a really charming, historic vibe with lots of independent bookshops, quirky little stores, and cozy cafés. We were lucky to catch the local market too, which had a great mix of food, crafts, and handmade items. There’s definitely something for everyone.

The park next to the castle is big, peaceful, and perfect for a stroll or a picnic, and the whole area is family-friendly. I'd say it’s great for all age groups, but do be careful with the steps inside the castle—they’re steep and uneven in places.

One thing that stood out was how kind and welcoming the people were. It really added to the whole experience. Whether you're into history, shopping, relaxing in the park, or just exploring somewhere new, Rochester has a lot to offer.

Oliviaa R.

Amazing experience, well maintained, has a lovely gift shop with good prices. Has an option for an audio tour however isn't necessary as they have signage explaining the events. We went when the weather was beautiful so was really nice. Alot of steps but definitely worth it for the views of Rochester and the cathedral.

Alba S.

If you’re visiting Rochester, a stroll through the Rochester Castle Gardens is a must. Nestled beside the towering ruins of Rochester Castle, these gardens offer a peaceful and picturesque spot to take in the beauty and history of the area.

Atmosphere:
The gardens are beautifully maintained, with vibrant flower beds in the spring and summer and plenty of open green space year-round. There’s a lovely contrast between the softness of the flowers and the rugged strength of the ancient stone castle beside them. The views of the castle from the gardens are truly Instagram-worthy.

Experience:
It’s a great place for a relaxing walk, a picnic, or just to sit and enjoy the scenery. You’ll often find families, couples, or solo visitors enjoying the space. There are benches throughout, and the atmosphere is calm and welcoming. On sunny days, it’s especially lovely.

Events & Accessibility:
Sometimes, there are local events or performances held in the gardens, which can be a fun surprise. The paths are fairly accessible, although a few areas may be a bit uneven due to the historic setting.

Final Thoughts:
Whether you’re a history buff, a local looking for a quiet place to unwind, or a tourist exploring Kent, Rochester Castle Gardens is a lovely stop. It’s free to enter, full of charm, and steeped in history — a perfect blend of nature and the past.

Elizabeth D.

Interesting to walk up the tower of this ancient castle. Some remainders of the walls of the Bailey still remain and there are lovely views over the River Medway, which are even better from top of tower. Good interpretive boards throughout. Didn't take particularly long to visit and was out in about half an hour. Friendly staff, Interesting history; a good ruin.

Darren

Rochester Castle in Kent makes for a great day visit, offering one of England’s best-preserved Norman keeps—the tallest in the country at 113 feet. Built in the 12th century and famously besieged by King John in 1215, it’s a dramatic slice of medieval history. Visitors can climb winding staircases for sweeping views over the River Medway, explore the vast roofless interior, and relax in the surrounding gardens. It’s not wheelchair accessible due to the many steps, but the site is atmospheric, rarely overcrowded, and pairs well with a visit to nearby Rochester Cathedral.
Expect to spend around two hours here for a rewarding mix of history, views, and quiet charm.

Definitely Recommended.

Jane E.

Came here for a Craig David concert, it was absolutely brilliant! Amazing venue in the grounds with the castle. Bag searches were vigorous! There were bars, food, tea and coffee, ice creams, glitter tent, medical tent and portaloos. Got a real mini festival vibe, was such a great afternoon and night, really nice crowd. Lots of security too.

o S.

Had a lovely day out and it cost me under 10 pounds to get in. We'll worth it with plenty of history and lots to explore. Plus there is loads of information about the people that where around. The castle is very big and I climb all the way to the top which is a 100 feet, but I would recommend taking breaks inbetween and sitting on the seats provided on the way or exploring the interesting things on each floor before going to the top. Got some amazing views and the staff are very friendly. Plus you can get a audio which I never done so I'm not shore if that is included in the price.

Joanne C.

Rochester Castle....
20th August 2025... This wasn't a planned visit, but we were really glad we did. As you entered there was a small gift shop where you purchesed tickets. They were £9.50 per adult, and this included an audio tour guide, we chose to look around ourselves, however after having visited, its probably worth taking the audio for more indepth knowledge. In our opinion, its worth the money and a visit.
As you walk around there are information boards located in different areas, with a brief description and scent boxes to smell.
The staircases could be tricky for some, though there is a handrail, the steps are original, so uneven and plenty of them.
They had a Jester on the day, who carried out a great magic card trick for us, so they obviously have bits on to entertain the kids in the school holidays.
The grounds around the castle are free to enter and spotless. There were lots of people sitting and having something to eat, playing or just chatting. There was also a small kiosk in the grounds by one of the entrances that sold drinks and ice creams/lollies etc..
We also noticed there was parking.
It's also a short 10min walk from the train station and right by the wonderful Cathedral and high street with some fantastic shops, pubs and restaurants.
Overall a great day out.