Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Chatham has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Chatham.
Here you can find hotels in the area of Chatham
Just type in your destination and get many different suggestions.
Sights in Chatham
In the heart of the historic Medway town of Chatham, Kent, lies Chatham Maritime, a spectacular 200acre waterside regeneration project that is home to the world’s first ever tidal energy lagoon.
Chatham Maritime is steeped in maritime history. For centuries, this was where ships were built for the British Navy, including HMS Prince and HMS Victory. In more recent times, it was a bustling seafood canning factory.
Now, the area has been transformed into a dynamic mixeduse destination, with a marina, residential apartments, restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, galleries, a museum, and much more. There is also a 1.4kilometre promenade that is perfect for a leisurely stroll, jog, or cycle.
One of the highlights of Chatham Maritime is The Historic Dockyard Museum. This worldclass museum tells the story of the dockyard and its workers, and features interactive exhibits, simulated shipbuilding experiences, and a short film.
Another mustsee attraction is the Tidal Energy Lagoon, which generates electricity from the rise and fall of the tides. This innovative project is the first of its kind in the world, and is a fascinating way to see renewable energy in action.
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat or drink, there are plenty of options at Chatham Maritime. The Boathouse Brasserie & Bar overlooks the lagoon, and serves classic British fare with a modern twist. The Friars Cliffe Café is a great spot for coffee and cake, while The Spirit of Kent Wine Bar is perfect for a glass of Kentish wine or beer.
With so much to see and do, Chatham Maritime is the perfect place to spend a day exploring.
History of Chatham
Chatham is a town in Kent, England, on the River Medway. It is within the Medway unitary authority, and the ceremonial county of Kent.
The town developed in the Middle Ages as part of the manor of Chatham, which belonged to Rochester Cathedral. As a royal dockyard from the 16th century until the mid19th century, it was attacked and bombarded many times by the French and Dutch during conflicts including the AngloDutch Wars, and was a strategic target for both sides during the Napoleonic Wars due to its shipbuilding and ropemaking industry, as well as its military significance as a gateway to London from the Continent. The town’s history has seen it through many changes, most notably during World War II, when it was one of the targets of the Baedeker Blitz and the heavy bombing raids of Operation Stevedore.
The town was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, when it was known as Cetham, and its lord was the Bishop of Rochester. It is thought that the name comes from the British words for “stony port”, since the Medway estuary has a large number of chalk shoals.
During the medieval period, Chatham was part of the manor of Chatham, which belonged to Rochester Cathedral, and the town developed around the cathedral Cloister. In 1295, the Pope granted a charter to Gavelkind, the system of land inheritance unique to Kent, which allowed all land to be inherited by the eldest son, rather than being divided among all of the children, as was the norm elsewhere in England. This helped the town to grow and flourish, as theaos wealthiest families built mansions in the town, and invested in businesses.
In 1567, Queen Elizabeth I visited the town, and two years later, she granted a charter to the town, giving it the status of a borough, and appointing John Munday as the first mayor. This resulted in a period of prosperity for the town, as new buildings were constructed and the town became an important stopping point for royal processions.
In 1642, the first dockyard was established in the town, and over the next hundred years, the town became an important centre for shipbuilding, with the dockyards being responsible for the construction of many famous ships, including HMS Victory, HMS Chatham and HMS Kent.
During the 18th century, Chatham continued to prosper, and many fine buildings were constructed, such as the Royal Exchange, the Kentish Independents chapel and the Townsend estate.
The 19th century saw the coming of the railways, and with it an increase in tourism to the town. The Medway Valley Railway opened in 1844, connecting the town to London, and in 1856, the North Kent Railway arrived, giving the town a direct link to the south coast.
The 20th century was a turbulent time for Chatham, as the town was heavily bombed during World War II, particularly during the Baedeker Blitz of 1942. However, the town recovered from this, and in recent years has undergone regeneration, with the opening of the Chatham Waterside Hub, and the redevelopment of the historich Portsmouth Road.
Today, Chatham is a vibrant town, with a rich history and a bright future.
Vacation in Chatham
Chatham is a historic town located in the county of Kent in southeast England. The town is situated on the River Medway and has a population of just over 50,000 people. Chatham is most famous for its dockyards which were established in the 16th century and served as a major naval base for over 400 years. These days, the dockyards are no longer in operation but have been transformed into a popular tourist attraction known as the Chatham Historic Dockyard. Other popular attractions in the town include the Puppet Barge, Howletts Wild Animal Park and the Dickens World theme park.
Just a short train or boat ride away from London, Chatham is the perfect destination for a day trip or a longer stay. Visitors can explore the town’s rich history and heritage, enjoy the many shops, cafes and restaurants, or simply take in the beautiful scenery. With so much to see and do, Chatham is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a relaxing break.
Other vacation destinations in England:
