Access statement
Rochester Castle
Medway Council has a commitment to the provision of high quality services and endeavours to understand and meet individual customer needs. The council strives to provide a quality experience to all and is committed to providing accessibility for all visitors where possible. For more information, please use the contact details below and the castle staff will be happy to assist.
Before you visit
- The castle is open daily except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
- From April to September, it is open from 10am to 6pm, with last admissions at 5.15pm.
- From October to March, it is open from 10am to 4pm, with last admissions at 3.15pm.
- A map showing an accessible route around historic Rochester is available from the Visitor Information Centre.
- There is a virtual tour of the castle in the Visitor Information Centre.
Public transport
There are good bus and train services to Rochester. The castle is approximately half a mile (0.31km) from the railway station. Parking
- There is no designated car park for the castle as it is in the middle of the town.
- Blue Badge parking is available in Boley Hill car park at the bottom of Castle Hill.
Ways to get to the castle
There is a very steep incline up to the castle grounds main gates. A less steep route is along the path between the castle and cathedral, around the corner into Baker's Walk and through the pedestrian gate. The grounds of Rochester Castle are accessible with a network of paths. There is some loose gravel on the paths.
Refreshments
There is a kiosk (not managed by Medway Council) in the castle gardens just inside the Castle Hill gate. It is open seasonally. The counter is accessed via two 3-inch (7.6cm) steps.
Toilet facilities
Toilet facilities are in the castle gardens at ground level. There is a toilet for visitors with disabilities next to the main toilets and it operates using a RADAR key. If you have difficulties, please contact the Castle Keep on the number below.
Entrance and reception
- The main entrance to the castle keep is up 50 steps.
- There is an induction loop installed in the counter.
- An audio guide is available at a cost of £1.
- A large print guide is available.
- Admission is free for carers.
Internal areas
Access to other floors in the keep is by spiral stairs, These are stone and can be uneven. Lighting is low in some areas. Assistance dogs are welcome but they may find the stairs difficult. Unfortunately there is no wheelchair access to the interior of the keep.
If visitors can walk but cannot manage the external steps, access can be arranged through the ground floor level staff entrance. Please telephone in advance.
Access to the battlements and upper floors is a steep and energetic climb. There are seats at various levels and handrails throughout the stairwells. The keep may not be suitable for visitors with vertigo or a fear of heights.
Contact information
- Keep telephone and fax number: 01634 402276
- Email: Rochester.castle@medway.gov.uk.
- Minicom: 01634 333111 (Medway Council Customer Services)
- Address:
Rochester Castle
The Keep
Castle Hill
Rochester
Kent ME1 1SW
- Visitor Information Centre: 01634 843666
- Medway Council Customer Services: 01634 333333
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