If you’re planning a day out in Kent, Chatham Historic Dockyard is the perfect destination to bring history to life. From impressive warships to interactive exhibitions and hands-on workshops, the dockyard offers something for everyone, whether you’re a history lover, a family, or just looking for a unique experience. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit and what to expect at Chatham Historic Dockyard.
How to Get to Chatham Historic Dockyard by Train
Chatham Historic Dockyard is easy to reach by train. Chatham railway station is served by direct Thameslink services, making it accessible from London and surrounding areas. From the station, the dockyard is just a 20-minute walk away. For visitors coming from London St Pancras International or London Blackfriars, Thameslink trains offer a smooth and scenic journey through Kent, making Chatham Historic Dockyard an ideal day trip.
Is Chatham Historic Dockyard Worth Visiting?
Chatham Historic Dockyard is definitely worth visiting. The dockyard is one of the UK’s most impressive maritime heritage sites and provides an immersive experience. You can explore historic ships like HMS Cavalier, wander through the Ropery to see centuries-old rope-making techniques, and enjoy interactive exhibitions that tell the story of Britain’s naval power. With plenty of activities for children and adults, it’s more than a museum, it’s a living experience. Visiting Chatham Dockyard is a chance to step back in time and truly understand the scale and importance of the Royal Navy through the ages.
How Much Does It Cost to Go to Chatham Dockyard?
An adult ticket for the Historic Dockyard in Chatham costs £28.50 when purchased online in advance and £32 on the door. Children’s tickets cost £16 online or £18 on the door.
Ticket prices at Chatham Historic Dockyard are great value for money, as you pay once and get access for a full year. You can receive a discount if you book online at least one day in advance, and all profits are put back into the preservation of the dockyard, so you know that with your ticket you are helping to preserve history.
Family tickets are available, making it a cost-effective outing for groups. Special events may have separate pricing, but standard admission gives you access to the historic ships, exhibitions, workshops, and the Ropery. What’s more, included in your ticket price are guided tours of the submarine and other exhibits.
How Long Do You Need at Chatham Dockyard?
Chatham Historic Dockyard covers over 80 acres of historic buildings, waterfront, and open spaces. To really enjoy everything that Chatham Historic Dockyard has to offer, you should plan to spend at least three to four hours, or longer if you want to include special events or guided tours.
Exploring the historic ships, interactive museums, and the Ropery takes time, and there are plenty of photo opportunities along the waterfront. For families or history enthusiasts, a half-day visit ensures you can see all the highlights without feeling rushed.
What Has Been Filmed at Chatham Dockyard?
Chatham Historic Dockyard is a popular location for film and television productions, thanks to its authentic Victorian atmosphere, cobbled streets, and historic ships. One of its most famous connections is Call the Midwife, the beloved BBC period drama set in 1950s East London.
The dockyard regularly hosts guided tours themed around Call the Midwife, where visitors can explore filming locations, learn behind-the-scenes stories, and see how the historic buildings and streets were transformed for the show.
Visitors can also bring a piece of this history home, as the gift shop sells Call the Midwife books and memorabilia, along with literature on the dockyard’s maritime heritage. For fans of the show or history enthusiasts, seeing these locations in person offers a unique way to connect with both television history and Britain’s naval past.