and Chatham , the fondness for the area that brought him back , and the characters that helped shape the man behind Oliver Twist and Great Expectations .
Once your history lesson has concluded , it ’ s time to get into the cultural curiosities that make this area one of Kent ’ s most exciting spots for a weekend away . With a river running through its heart , a boat tour with Jetstream Tours from Chatham ’ s Sun Pier is the perfect gateway to the Kent coast . Post-tour drinks at Chatham Maritime Marina offer sunset views across the water and some exceptional food and drink .
Guildhall Museum
Tour and taste your way through Copper Rivet Distillery , an exciting and innovative craft distillery set in the architectural splendour of Pump House No 5 . Here you ’ ll find gin , whisky and vodka crafted in one of the UK ’ s only grain-to-glass distilleries , which takes inspiration from Chatham ’ s rich history of innovation and craft to produce a range of distinctly unique spirits . Round off your day with signature cocktails crafted with their artisan spirits , and sensational seasonal dining at the Pumproom Restaurant next to the distillery . Or head over to Shepherd Neame ’ s Pier Five , perfect for local brews , gastro dining and a game or two of shuffleboard !
Saving some of the best till last , Medway ’ s festival calendar is jampacked with annual events . Look out for the food and drink festival for culinary delights , The Rochester Sweeps Festival for a taste of the region ’ s quirky traditions , and the Dickensian Christmas and Dickens Festivals for fairy-tale markets , Instagrammable views and a taste of Victorian England .
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