With the warmer summer weather and school holidays here, there is no better time to go on your next staycation adventure.
An area in the south-east of England and just 35-minutes from London by high-speed rail offers visitors a collection of attractions to explore and enjoy.
Whether you visit for the day or treat yourself to an overnight stay, there’s more than enough happening in Medway to keep you and your family entertained.
Attracting around five million visitors each year, Medway has an idyllic and charming heritage scene with castles, a cathedral, museums, as well as picturesque award-winning parks, including two country parks perfect for a picnic stop.
Medway is also home to the Historic Dockyard Chatham. With events running through the summer, including Octonauts Deep Sea Adventure and Doc. Yard’s Deep Dive, you can keep the whole family entertained whilst discovering Medway’s rich maritime history.
You can also keep your little ones entertained at Medway’s stunning heritage sites this summer with the fabulous summer trails. Future explorers can hunt for clues at Rochester Castle, The Guildhall Museum, Eastgate House, Temple Manor and Upnor Castle and receive a special reward for each trail they complete.
Medway also has the only riverside saltwater lido in the UK, The Strand, offering the perfect spot to relax and take a dip during the summer months, as well as a stunning blue lake, St Andrews Lake, offering a variety of water sports.
Medway is also a haven for budding cyclists, and even those who prefer a scenic gentle pedal, with more than 80 miles of cycle routes to choose from.
With the River Medway providing peaceful walks and a marina with waterfront bars and restaurants, as well as a gin distillery with views of Upnor Castle, you don’t need to travel as far as the coast to enjoy a water’s view.
Enjoy amazing estuary and marshland views by walking one of the seven Saxon Shore Way routes which run through Medway. The walks stretch 26 miles across Medway and each route offers something unique to admire. Six of the sections are five miles or less.
Historic Rochester provides opportunities for the perfect selfie, with awe-inspiring Rochester Castle – the country’s oldest and finest Norman keep – and the impressive architecture of Rochester Cathedral. Relax in the castle gardens after exploring the bespoke shops and indulging in a treat or feast from one of the cobbled high streets many restaurants, cafes, pubs and coffee shops.
Here’s just a few ideas for the to do list when visiting Medway this summer:
- The Strand Lido
- Chatham Dockside marina, gin distillery and shops
- Rochester Castle and Rochester Cathedral
- The Guildhall Museum, Eastgate House and Dickens Chalet, in Rochester High Street
- Upnor Castle
- St Andrews Lake
Packed with things to do and places to see
Cllr Harinder Mahil, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Leisure, said: “Medway is packed with things to do and places to see. Whether you discover our rich heritage and history, take part in family-friendly events and activities, relax and unwind at our breathtaking nature spots or enjoy the fantastic sport facilities on offer, there really is something for everyone. Whether the sun is shining or it is a classic British rainy summer day, there is plenty to keep you and the whole family entertained in Medway - come and find out for yourself this summer!”
Medway is easily accessible by both train and car, with high-speed railway lines taking 35-minutes from London St Pancras International and easy road access from the M2, M20, M25 and A2.