What's on Rochester

03/12/2025

COMING BY CAR THIS WEEKEND? Please use Medway Council's excellent PARK & RIDE facility details of which can be found at www.medway.gov.uk

In case it's escaped your notice, this weekend is the DICKENSIAN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL in Dickens' 'ancient, drowsy city' of Rochester.

COMING BY CAR?
Could we please ask everyone coming by car to use Medway Council's excellent PARK & RIDE facility - details are at: https://www.visitmedway.org/events/rochester-dickensian-christmas-festival/

It's cheap, efficient and drops you right in the heart of the festival near Eastgate House. If you're feeling the chill when you arrive, you can pick up a warming drink at Lennys of Eastgate right next to the arrival point.

We hope everyone coming has a great time!

Merry Christmas!

Photo | Medway Council / Steve Hartridge Photography

13/11/2025

Come and see the official switch on this Saturday 15th November at The French Hospital

🌟 Thank you from the Rochester Christmas Light Legacy Board 🌟

What an incredible journey it’s been — and we couldn’t have done it without you all! ❤️

From our very first fundraising steps to seeing the lights ready to shine, this moment belongs to every single person, business, and supporter who believed in bringing the magic back to our high street ✨🎄

Now it's time to celebrate together! Join us as we switch on our lights and for the first day of our Artisan Market Christmas special on Saturday 15 November 💫

Ps. They'll hate me doing this, but a SPECIAL shout out to members of the Rochester Christmas Light Legacy Fund - Clare from SMOQE , Brad from Johnstones Tool Shop , Shane from Rochester History Guided Tours and Rochester residents Keith Donegan and Fiona, for the massive amount of time, effort and love they've put into making these lights shine ✨️💫

These lights shine for all of us 🌟

06/10/2025

I don’t have ketchup often, so it takes me a while to run out. After some futile and rather aggressive squeezing today, I finally conceded my current bottle was truly empty. Off to the shops I went, only to be struck with horror.

“FOUR POUNDS TEN?!” I bellowed, loud enough to shatter the shop windows and set off nearby car alarms. When did a small bottle of sauce creep over four quid?! Outrageous. I’ll be having my oven chips dry from now on I think.

14/07/2025

Did someone say ' free BOTTOMLESS tea or filter coffee' ...?

START YOUR TUESDAY WITH A FREE BOTTOMLESS TEA OR FILTER COFFEE AT Peggottys Parlour !!

Diary open.... make a note that from Tuesday to Sunday you can get a FREE BOTTOMLESS TEA OR FILTER COFFEE with any small, large or vegetarian traditional breakfast from 10am to midday.

Ts & Cs apply.

13/07/2025

Austen's of Rochester are celebrating TEN YEARS in our High Street.

Follow ten days of give-ways at Visit Rochester UK !

11/07/2025

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01/07/2025

A Cherry Red day awaits in Rochester this Saturday, 12th July.

Discover the Rochester City Artisan Market, with its elegant red gazebos and handpicked makers stretching along the High Street from 10am to 3.30pm.

Then just a five minute stroll away, hidden behind the Cathedral, The Vines gardens host the annual Friends of The Vines, Rochester Cherry Picnic from 12 noon to 3pm — a delightful tradition of live music, refreshments, and all things cherry-themed.

Whether you come for unique crafts, fine food, or the charm of Rochester in summer — Saturday is the perfect day to explore.

Cherries, crafts, and a touch of tradition in Rochester, Saturday 12th July