also home to England ’ s second oldest cathedral . Visit this architectural gem and you ’ ll find medieval wall paintings and a history that goes back as far as AD 604 .
Rochester Cathedral
Medway is famed for its military history , starting with iconic family favourite , the Historic Dockyard Chatham with its ropery , Cold War submarine , shipmaking prowess and exhibits that tell the tale of the Age of Sail . Visit nearby Fort Amherst , Britain ’ s biggest Napoleonic fortress and discover a maze of underground defensive tunnels , nature trails , soldiers ’ quarters and 20 acres of green space perfect for family friendly days out . While the Royal Engineers Museum is another family must-visit with treasures including 25 Victoria Crosses , Wellington ’ s map of Waterloo , a huge piece of the Berlin Wall , a Harrier Jump Jet and much , much more .
We told you Dickens found his home here in Medway , but we didn ’ t mention that much of Medway has been immortalised on the pages of his much-loved works . Grade I listed Eastgate House was written into history as Westgate in The Pickwick Papers and the Nun ’ s House in The Mystery of Edwin Drood , and today stands as one of the most impressive buildings in Rochester High Street . Discover the stories of those who have lived here and get a peek into Dickens ’ writing world in his very own Swiss chalet within the grounds of the house .
Chatham Maritime Marina
Just off the High Street , true Dickens fans may recognise Restoration House from the pages of Great Expectations as Miss Havisham ’ s rambling manor . The real manor is just as intriguing as a city mansion and amalgamation of two medieval buildings to create the grand house you can visit today . While Rochester ’ s Guildhall Museum is a must-stop on any Dickens tour with its exciting new exhibition , The Making of Mr Dickens , depicting the writer ’ s childhood years in Rochester
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