Rochester Cathedral
Assessed by
Assessor comments
"A beautiful cathedral of a quite unusual design."
Overview
Rochester Cathedral, England's second oldest Cathedral, was founded in 604 AD. The present building dates back to 1083 when it was rebuilt by the Norman Bishop Gundulf. The Cathedral features glorious Norman architecture and one of the finest Romanesque facades in England. The Cathedral is home to Textus Roffensis, an important 900-year-old manuscript. It contains the only existing copy of the first code of English law. Charles Dickens was a regular visitor to Rochester Cathedral and wished to be buried in the Cathedral. He based his final unfinished novel, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, in a fictionalised version of Rochester.
Ratings & awards
VisitEngland Quality Assessed
Features
- Children
- Suitable for children of all ages
- Facilities
- Parking nearby
- Cafe
- Opening Times
Location
Chapter Office, Garth House, The Precinct, ROCHESTER, Kent, ME1 1SX
About the area
Kent is home to the White Cliffs of Dover, an English icon that marks the point where the Kent Downs AONB stretches from the Surrey Hills down to the sea. Visitors can explore historic parklands, including Knole Park and Sir Winston Churchill’s former home at Chartwell, or beautiful nature reserves, such as the coppiced woodlands of Denge Wood and Earley Wood and the ancient fine chalk woodland of Yockletts Bank.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Nearby places to stay
King Charles Hotel
Originally built as a servicemen’s club for the NAAFI in the 1940s, the King Charles Hotel is close to the centre of Gillingham. Facilities include the Lounge Bar and Aurora Restaurant,...
The Inn on the Lake Hotel
The Inn on the Lake is a modern and luxurious hotel set in 12 acres of stunning woodland with three beautiful lakes. With elegant and comfortable bedrooms, the Willow Restaurant, Fisher...
Kits Coty Glamping
Kits Coty Glamping is located in glorious North Downs countryside between Maidstone and Chatham, with far-reaching views across the Medway Valley. The well-landscaped paddock is home to...
Sandhole Barn
Sandhole Barn provides a comfortable and convenient base for a relaxing short break in the Kent countryside. It is ideally situated to explore the many local attractions or to visit Lon...
Sandhole Barn
Sandhole Barn provides a comfortable and convenient base for a relaxing short break in the Kent countryside. It is ideally situated to explore the many local attractions or to visit Lon...
Decoy Farm Holiday Cottages
A working fruit farm that makes the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with views across the RSPB Northward Hill Nature Reserve for watching barn owls, herons,...
Black Horse Inn
In quiet rural surroundings, on the Pilgrims Way with easy access to the M20, less than an hour from London, stands the historic and pet-friendly Black Horse Inn. It has retained plenty...
Kent Coast Leisure Park
Located in a peaceful country park setting beside the Thames estuary close to Rochester, just an hour's drive from London, Allhallows is a popular static-only holiday park. Recent signi...
