IN ASSOCIATION WITH
KENTSTAYCATION
48 Hours in ROCHESTER
BY OLIVIA RICCINI
HISTORY SEEPS THROUGH THE COBBLED STREETS OF ROCHESTER AND REVEALS ITSELF THROUGH ANCIENT LANDMARKS , INTRIGUING BUILDINGS AND AN ATMOSPHERE BRIMMING WITH CULTURE AND VIBRANCY . THIS RIVERSIDE TOWN WHERE THE LIFE OF CHARLES DICKENS BEGAN AND ENDED IS STILL FULL OF THE CHARACTER WHICH INSPIRED MANY OF HIS STORIES . CHRISTMAS TIME IS THE PERFECT TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT . WITH STREETS THAT COME ALIVE WITH STALLS , LAMP-LIT PARADES AND CAROL SINGERS IN DECEMBER , VISITORS TO ROCHESTER CAN EXPERIENCE TRULY ATMOSPHERIC DICKENSIAN CHRISTMAS SCENES OR SEEK THE COMFORT OF ONE OF THE TOWN ’ S COSY RESTAURANTS , EXCITING MUSEUMS OR HISTORIC LANDMARKS . THE NEARBY MEDWAY TOWNS OFFER EVEN MORE LOCATIONS OF INTEREST , THE GEOGRAPHY OF THEIR SITUATION ON THE RIVER RESULTING IN EACH BEING RICH IN UNIQUE HISTORY , STUNNING ARCHITECTURE AND CULTURAL INTEREST .
ROCHESTER CASTLE
CAFÉ NUCLEUS
Day One
BREAKFAST Set in one of Rochester ’ s grandest buildings , a visit to Café Nucleus ( www . cafenucleus . co . uk / rochester ) allows you to begin your weekend in a setting ripe for admiring the history and architecture of the town . Sit downstairs among the hustle and bustle of the café if you want to embrace the social atmosphere of Rochester , forget yourself in the grandeur of the boardroom upstairs , or enjoy a hot cappuccino in the pretty garden outside . From field , boat , herd or flock , the food and drinks at Café Nucleus are carefully sourced from specially selected suppliers to ensure the very best produce from traceable origins is served to guests . Working with local producers , Café Nucleus are sure to provide deliciousness on every front , from their Peck & Strong vegan cakes sourced from rural Devon , to fresh and creamy Kentish milk from Hinxden Farm Dairy . A breakfast that won ’ t disappoint .
MORNING A visit to Rochester would not be complete without paying homage to Rochester Castle ( www . english-heritage . org . uk / visit / places / rochester-castle ) and Cathedral ( www . rochestercathedral . org ) which sit side by side . First built in 1127 , Rochester Castle comes with hundreds of years ’ worth of intriguing stories of knights , kings , battles , sieges and tragic romances . Strategically placed astride the London Road , guarding an important crossing of the River Medway , this imposing fortress has a complex history of destruction and rebuilding of which visitors can learn while taking in its imposing presence . Today , it stands as a proud reminder of the history of Rochester , along with the cathedral which has the esteemed status of being England ’ s second oldest cathedral . Learn about the history of the building in a guided tour , appreciate its vast beauty , stainedglass windows and gothic architecture , or enjoy one of the cultural exhibitions that are displayed there on a changing basis .
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