The Historic Dockyard Chatham

The Historic Dockyard Chatham

The Historic Dockyard Chatham
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Step into the heart of Chatham’s legendary ship building heritage and return to the ‘Age of Sail’, when the Dockyard built mighty ships that won command of the world’s oceans. Test your sea legs as you peer through the periscope of a Cold War Submarine, command the bridge of a Second World War Destroyer and ring the ship’s bell aboard a Victorian Sloop. Delve into the award-winning Command of the Oceans interactive gallery and imagine the crash of the waves as you explore the UK’s largest collection of RNLI Historic Lifeboats before gaining first-hand experience of life as a Victorian ropemaker. And don’t forget to check out the exciting programme of events and seasonal activities throughout the year.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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  • StarGuvna T
    Cambridge, United Kingdom434 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Chatham docks
    The whole place has a lot to offer- Dan who works here gave us a great guided tour of the submarines and very helpfully answered questions we had about history of the docks and stuff. I love being able to view the interior of the submarines and some other boats and seeing the history of it all. Lots of space around to. I did think times I’ve been here there has always been parts closed or there has been something missing I don’t know which. Especially if you’re an outdoor person than I’d recommend this place 100%. I did think the hours are short as it was never enough time for us to spend on site here as well. We got membership here as we loved the place and I remember when we last came here there was a membership issue something like expires too soon but I can’t remember the full details on that. But always an interesting experience here
    Thank you for taking the time to write to us about your recent visit to the Dockyard, we are very pleased to hear you had a fantastic day out with us, especially your tour of HM Submarine OCELOT. Our ticket membership is an annual pass, so from the day of your first visit, your ticket is valid for 12 months. We hope to welcome you back to the Dockyard again very soon to explore the rest of our 80-acre historic site.
    Written 27 March 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2022
    Travelled with family
    Written 24 March 2023
  • Kelty P
    Hitchin, United Kingdom26 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good fun day out
    Great experience, brilliant staff. had great fun making rope, exploring 3 boats and climbing through a tunnel made of sticky tape. Full day out so make sure you leave enough time to do everything :-)
    Thank you for taking the time to write to us about your recent visit. We are pleased to hear you enjoyed such a full day out with us, don't forget that with an annual ticket you can come back again and again across the 12 months to keep experiencing all of the new things we do at the Dockyard throughout the year. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
    Written 27 March 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 26 March 2023
  • Sally B
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A day full of history, brought to life.
    We visited the Dockyard on Thursday, we spent a whole day here and still have things we want to do when we go back next time (tickets last a year, cheaper to book online). Make sure you book your free tours when you arrive, the ropery demonstration and Ocelot tour were great, the tour guides brought it to life and they were friendly and very knowledgeable. There art installation in Slip 3, 'Tape' by Numan, was a lot of fun and we loved the contrast with the very old building; great interactivity with the art work. Our ages range from 11-70 and were all engaged for the whole visit!
    Thank you for taking the time to share your day out with us. We are very pleased to hear that all in your group, regardless of age had a lovely experience and you were able to enjoy so many aspects of the Dockyard. If you visited on Thursday, you will not have seen our new exhibition Monsters of the Deep which only opened on Saturday, so we look forward to seeing you again to experience the rest of what we have to offer.
    Written 3 April 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2023
    Written 1 April 2023
  • alisdair t
    Workington, United Kingdom6,329 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great place to spend a few hours
    We visited when staying on a short break in the area. It was pretty quiet when we visited, on a Monday morning. The 2 ships and submarine are the highlights, make sure you do visit all. 3 We had the 30 minute tour on the Submarine as my wife has bad eyesight, and our guide was brilliant. Loved going through the hatches. The Command of the Ocean story at the start was brilliant. We did not do the Call the Midwife tour, it was expensive, and im not a fan, but my wife is. The monsters of the deep exhibition was very interesting , as was the amazing lifeboat museum and collection. Excellent collection of paintings and models. We did not have time to visit the ropery. Nice cafe on site, The Wagon Stop, and a restaurant.
    Thank you for taking the time to write to us about your recent visit, we are pleased to hear you enjoyed your day. We hope to welcome you back to the Dockyard again soon to experience the Ropery and the rest of our historic site.
    Written 2 May 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Written 28 April 2023
  • Dreamer797291
    South East England, United Kingdom18 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Awesome, Call the Midwife for wives and Ships and submarines for the men, best day out weve had
    My wife and I visited a part of a Virgin Red Letter Experience. Had an absolutely stunning day, started with a Call the Midwife tour that my wife really enjoyed as she is from Poplar,.and very authentic. We then had a quick lunch next we visited the ships and submarine. Followed by a cream tea in the main restaurant near entrance. A quick trip round the gift shop finished a great day. If you are staying local there is a Travelodge 5 minute walk away
    Thank you for taking the time to write to us about your recent visit, we are pleased to hear you enjoyed the Call the Midwife experience and enjoyed exploring the historic ships and the refreshments from our café. We hope that if you are staying down this way again, we can welcome you back to the Dockyard to explore the rest of the historic site.
    Written 1 June 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 26 May 2023
  • Robin S
    Sheffield, United Kingdom266 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Got to love the ships.
    What a cracking day out, what’s not to like. Theres is an abundant amount here to see from the more modern submarine right back to a Victorian sloop. The main attraction for me was HMS Cavalier a ww2 destroyer having read numerous sea novels I finally got to be where the section happened it was a great memory yo store away. The museum is well kept with lots more to see like the impressive array of RNLI lifeboats , REME collection and the ship models plus much much more. The 12 month ticket will be used again. Tea and coffee was readily available and there was also a restaurant you could use. This a great place to visit.
    Thank you for taking the time to write to us about your recent visit, we are pleased to hear you enjoyed your day. and look forward to welcoming you back again soon.
    Written 15 June 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 2 June 2023
  • Memo
    Chicago, Illinois53 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Britannia ruled the seas, the Chatham Dockyard made it happen
    Eighty acres of history on display: shipbuilding, rope making and related actives. A submarine, a warship for climbing around on. In 1808 the admiralty decided to cover part of the dockyard - too much wood rot going on while a “ship of line” was being repaired. The HMS Victory was built there and refurbished there at Dock 2. This enormous space now houses Royal National Lifeboat Institute’s collection of retired rescue craft. This collection is immaculately kept up. Even up close the watercraft seems ready to be dropped in the water and head out to perform heroics on the open sea. Yes, there’s too much to see and appreciate in a single visit but your entry ticket is good for a year. Two cafes serving food.
    Thank you for taking the time to post a review after your recent visit. We're really pleased to hear that you enjoyed your day with us and it sounds like to managed to explore a lot of our galleries. As you say, your ticket is valid for 12 months so we hope to see you again soon.
    Written 24 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 29 June 2023
  • sovenna
    233 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent day out for all ages.
    Excellent day out. Lots to see, the rope making demonstration is absolutely brilliant. The cafe serves fresh delicious food at a very reasonable price. Will go back for a return visit.
    Thank you for taking the time to post a review after your recent visit. We're really pleased to hear that you enjoyed visiting the Ropery and had a good experience in our restaurant. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
    Written 24 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 15 July 2023
  • W JAM
    Cambridge, United Kingdom104 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    a slice of history
    Enjoyed this place very much. It is my first visit and look forward to going again. The ticket lasts a year which is a bonus if live near. One of the highlights was certainly the Rope making demo, the staff really made this come alive and the buildings history is fascinating. The submarine tour was also a great experience but due to the ships design it is tricky to get through if larger/less mobile/bendy. Again the staffs passion adds to the enjoyment. The lifeboat exhibit was a hidden gem and we will be back to do the bits we missed the first time round.
    Thank you for taking the time to post a review after your recent visit. We're really pleased to hear that you enjoyed exploring the Ropery and HM Submarine OCELOT. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
    Written 24 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2023
    Written 18 July 2023
  • KK48
    Gillingham, United Kingdom633 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great day out
    Visited with our children and grandchildren. We were thoroughly occupied for the whole day, even though it was windy and rainy. Thoroughly enjoyed our tour of the submarine Ocelot and the grandkids loved the soft play. The restaurant food was outstanding, so overall a fantastic day out!
    Thank you for taking the time to post a review after your recent visit. We're really pleased to hear that you enjoyed HM Submarine OCELOT and our soft play - we're just sorry we couldn't arrange some sunshine for you. Your ticket is valid for 12 months so we hope to see you again soon.
    Written 24 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 26 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles2,702 reviews
Excellent
1,956
Very good
545
Average
114
Poor
52
Terrible
36

nnmercman
Camberley, UK13,826 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Family
Took my 7yr old grandson here for the day and there’s so much to see and do that it’s really difficult to cover everything in one visit. Grandson was particular impressed with the submarine tour and checking out all the lifeboats at the RNLI historic collection (there must be one of each version through the ages on display). Fortunately the weather was fine on the day we visited but there’s plenty to see undercover if it’s not. The exhibition hall was closed for refurbishment but other than that everything was open. The impressive national destroyer memorial remembers the 142 destroyers lost (with over 11,000 lives) during WW2. There’s a cafe/restaurant just inside the entrance building and another cafe further into the dockyard. Plenty of parking, either undercover or on the outside overflow area. You can also book onto a “call the midwife” tour (I believe a lot of the show was filmed here). Overall, the museum is a great day out with something of interest to all ages.
Written 18 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Quest30838229257
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Family
Wow! First visit to the dockyard and we’ll be back for sure, this place is sooo interesting, well run, clean and there’s a lot to see whether interested in maritime or not. The staff are amazing which made the visit even more enjoyable, good food on site. Well worth a day out, highly recommended!👍
Written 17 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Vixie84
York, UK18 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Friends
Brilliant day out and I would definitely like to visit again. There is way more there than can be done in the day. The staff were excellent. On the ticket desk they were very friendly and helpful. The first guide when we went in was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I was very nervous about going on the submarine but they took the time to explain the layout to me. The guide on the submarine was also excellent. She was very knowledgeable and made the 30 minute tour go very quickly.
The site is massive and I need to go back and explore more of it but there was plenty do undercover despite the rain. We also had a very nice lunch at the cafe.
Written 11 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rebecca C
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Couples
We very much enjoyed a day spent at the Dockyard today. We've been many times and have enjoyed it every time.

The highlight of our day today (06/03/24) was the submarine tour. We attended a 15 minute tour at 1pm. The person that delivered the tour was very knowledgeable and delivered the tour in an engaging way leaving time for questions following each description of each section of the submarine. This enabled us, as the guest, the chance to ask questions relating to each section. The length of the tour was just the right also.

The food at the Wagon Cafe was also really nice, coffee hit the spot!

We visited the gardens also, which despite being winter, was neat and blooming with colour.

We visited using an ATAK pass which we were very lucky to have. Well worth a visit!
Written 6 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mary C
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
Thoroughly enjoyed our first ever visit yesterday and looking forward to going again! So much to see we shall be making good use of the entry for a year! Did the submarine tour and saw several of the indoor exhibitions but so much we didn't do! Lovely hot drinks and cake too so all in all a good day. Highly recommended.
Written 26 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, it's wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your visit. We look forward to welcoming you back.
Written 27 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

JaneMLondon
London114 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
There is loads to see here - at least 2 days' worth. It was pouring with rain but we still loved it and there is enough that is inside to cope with the weather! We saw the Heart of Oak gallery which is very imaginative and the sections of the museum in that area. Also watched a demo of ropemaking in the Ropery, which was great and was a genuine commercial rope order being made for delivery. Had a tour of the submarine - not for the less mobile as the hatches are small. Gave a good feel for what a sub like that would have been like. Ran out of time (we were there all day) and we will certainly be back to see the rest ( the ticket gives multiple entry for a year, fortunately). Big car park, but you can also get a couple of buses from Rochester, changing at Chatham or just walk it from Rochester in about 30 mins
Written 24 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, and we're thrilled that not even the rain could put you off. We look froward to welcoming you back soon.
Written 27 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

747trotters
London, UK5 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Family
You pay once for the year but there are quite a lot of days that it's either closed or your ticket doesn't cover you for special events, which have to be paid for in full, no discount for already having paid for yearly admission.
I used the cafe quite a lot as a place to meet up with friends and family as parking was free. However, when the docks reopen in February 2024 the free parking will be no more. Your yearly ticket will only give you free parking for day one.
My yearly ticket expires in May 2024 but I'll not be visiting the dockyard or its cafe again purely because of the parking charges. Had I known this before I bought my yearly admission in May 2023, I would have spent my money elsewhere.
Note to the owners of Chatham Dockyard....I was spending a great deal more in your cafe than you would ever get from charging me to park. Go figure!
Written 21 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to post a review. To confirm, anyone visiting the Historic Dockyard will not be charged for car parking when we reopen in February 2024. We were exploring a few options for car parking during 2023 and the confirmed decision for 2024 is that parking will be free for museum visitors. Our annual ticket is valid for 1 year from the date of your first visit and for 2024, there are only 4 dates during our main opening season that annual tickets are not valid, this is for Medway Gaming Festival (15 & 16 June) and Salute to the '40s (14th & 15th September). We have an exciting programme of exhibitions, events and activities planned for 2024 and we hope that you will be able to visit us.
Written 7 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Paolo88_12
Gillingham, UK305 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
What an engaging Christmas event for all. A well organised and thought out walkthrough that brings Christmas and the Dockyards together - some good touches that bring artefacts in line to the Christmas mission. The elves that take you through the sections ensure all the children and adults understand and take part. Santa at the end took time to speak to our boys too - the free picture is a nice touch too.
Written 18 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to review our Mission Christmas experience. We're so pleased to hear you enjoyed your visit. Our team really enjoy putting on this event and such lovely feedback makes it all worthwhile.
Written 7 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

HistoricHotelFan
Philadelphia, PA109 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Solo
Wow! I spent almost 2 whole days visiting. The ticket is good for an entire year. I especially loved the Lifeboat Collection, the 1878 British Naval ship, the WW2 destroyer, the Victoria ship model that was made by a film studio, and the Ropery. I was told rope demonstrations are not held on weekends. I was told the steam train only runs once a month. I took a local bus from Chatham Railroad Station, found right behind the station, and thankfully another passenger & Dockyard visitor on the bus told me where to exit the bus & where to walk to get into the Dockyard. I enjoyed lunch in the Mess Deck. The fish & chips were especially good.
Written 2 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to post a review after your visit. We're so pleased to hear that you packed so much into your visits - we love that you came back for a second day. This is the exact reason that we offer an annual ticket. We hope to see you again soon. The demonstrations on the ropework take place on weekdays at 12.15 - so maybe next time you visit, come along during the week as this is a real 'must see'.
Written 7 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Mischela
Brighton14 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Friends
There is a lot to see and the staff are friendly. You could stay all day there and it's very relaxed. The food options away from the main entrance is pretty poor and expensive. I don't think I've ever seen a sadder excuse for a sandwich before. Bring your own food and drink especially if you have young kids.
Written 4 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to post a review after your visit. We're pleased to hear that you find our staff friendly. We take all feedback seriously and we will pass your comments on to our catering team. They work hard to provide great food that is good value for money so they will be disappointed to read this.
Written 7 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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The Historic Dockyard Chatham - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions about The Historic Dockyard Chatham