Chatham Maritime
Explore centuries of naval history at The Historic Dockyard Chatham and enjoy vibrant marina life with shops, dining, and events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Festivals and lively atmosphere
Chatham Maritime
Best Time
Festivals and lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore centuries of naval history at The Historic Dockyard Chatham and enjoy vibrant marina life with shops, dining, and events.
"Incredible place - bit expensive but ticket is for one year but well worth it."
🚶♀️ Walk from Station
The walk from Chatham station is about 30 mins. Consider local transport if needed.
💰 Annual Ticket Value
A yearly ticket offers great value for repeat visits and site development.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Call the Midwife Tour
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Step onto the sets of the beloved show and immerse yourself in the world of Nonnatus House. A must for fans!
HMS Ocelot Submarine
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Explore a Cold War-era submarine and experience life beneath the waves. A truly unique and immersive exhibit.
Nao Victoria Ship
Chatham Maritime Marina
Board a replica of the first ship to circumnavigate the globe. A tangible link to the age of exploration.
Chatham Maritime Food & Drink Festival
Chatham Maritime
Savor local produce, international flavors, craft drinks, and live music at this vibrant summer festival.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Tours
Annual Tickets Offer Great Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk from Station
The walk from Chatham station is about 30 mins. Consider local transport if needed.
💰 Annual Ticket Value
A yearly ticket offers great value for repeat visits and site development.
🧺 Picnic Potential
Pack a picnic to save on costs, though the on-site cafe is also well-priced.
🚢 Ship Exhibits
Don't miss HMS Ocelot; it's a top attraction and a unique experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk from Station
The walk from Chatham station is about 30 mins. Consider local transport if needed.
💰 Annual Ticket Value
A yearly ticket offers great value for repeat visits and site development.
🧺 Picnic Potential
Pack a picnic to save on costs, though the on-site cafe is also well-priced.
🚢 Ship Exhibits
Don't miss HMS Ocelot; it's a top attraction and a unique experience.
🎶 Festival Fun
Check for the Maritime Food & Drink Festival for free music and food stalls.
📸 Drone Views
Capture unique aerial perspectives of the marina and surrounding areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Chatham Maritime for its rich history, engaging exhibits like HMS Ocelot, and the popular 'Call the Midwife' tour. The annual ticket offers great value, and the site is well-maintained with friendly staff. Some found the 'Call the Midwife' taster session overpriced for its duration.
"Our visit coincided with the 1940s-themed event, which was exceptionally well-executed. It is regrettable that this was the final iteration. The event's organization was commendable. However, the Call the Midwife taster session, priced at £10 per person for a 20-minute experience, received negative feedback from our group, who considered it to be a poor value proposition and not representative of the full tour. This may deter future participation in the main tour.
Despite this, the overall experience remained positive."
T R
"We have used our yearly ticket a few times over the year and always end up having a long and fulfilling day out. Engaging for grown ups and a 6 year old.
We usually pack a picnic, but this time having exited via the restaurant, the food looked delicious and the menu is fairly priced, so we will treat ourselves next time.
All of the staff are so lovely and friendly, but an extra shout out to Jazmyn today who was FANTASTIC! She was so enthusiastic and gave us some lovely information about HMS Gannet.
We feel like we learn something new every time, making the yearly ticket very much worth it. Can't wait to see further development of the site over the next 10 years."
Amy O
"Great day out. Never been before. The historic ships reviewed elsewhere. The ticket is valid for a whole year,so I will be back in the spring.
If you are walking from the station, it's a good 30 minute walk."
William McDowall
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chatham Maritime is accessible by car, with parking available (free with museum tickets). If arriving by train, Chatham station is about a 30-minute walk away, or you can take a local bus service.
Yes, parking is available. It's free if you purchase tickets for the museum, otherwise, it's reasonably priced.
Yes, it's a pleasant 30-minute walk from Chatham train station to Chatham Maritime.
Local bus services operate to Chatham Maritime from the surrounding areas, connecting it to Chatham town center and the train station.
Many visitors enjoy walking around the marina and dockyard. For wider exploration, consider local buses or cycling.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Historic Dockyard Chatham has a fee, but tickets are valid for a whole year, offering excellent value for repeat visits.
While specific discounts aren't always advertised, purchasing an annual ticket is the most cost-effective option for multiple visits.
Yes, it's highly recommended to book the 'Call the Midwife' tour in advance, especially during peak season, as it's a very popular attraction.
This is a shorter, 20-minute experience offering a glimpse into the 'Call the Midwife' sets. Some visitors found it to be poor value for money compared to the full tour.
Yes, the Chatham Maritime Food & Drink Festival is a free family-friendly event.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the Historic Dockyard Chatham with its warships and exhibits, the Nao Victoria replica ship, and the marina area with shops and dining.
You can explore historic warships like HMS Ocelot, learn about shipbuilding in the Ropemaking building, and visit the 'Call the Midwife' set tour.
Yes, it's great for families with interactive exhibits, Lego wreck building, and the 'Call the Midwife' tour appealing to various ages.
Chatham Maritime hosts events like the Food & Drink Festival, 1940s-themed weekends, and dragon boat races.
Absolutely! The marina, historic ships, and waterfront offer many picturesque spots for photography, especially at sunset.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are several dining options, including a cafe at the Historic Dockyard with fairly priced food and a good menu, as well as restaurants and eateries around the marina.
The food at the dockyard's cafe is considered fairly priced, and the marina area also offers a range of dining options to suit different budgets.
While specific menus vary, the Food & Drink Festival often features diverse international food stalls, increasing the likelihood of finding various dietary options.
Yes, visitors often pack picnics, which is a great way to save money, especially when visiting the Historic Dockyard.
The festival offers a wide array of food from local producers and international delights, including street food like paella and Pad Thai.
📸 📸 Photography
The marina with its reflections of boats, the historic ships, and the waterfront views, especially at sunset, are prime photography locations.
Drone photography is possible, offering unique aerial perspectives of the marina and landmarks like Upnor Castle. Always check local regulations before flying.
Golden hour, particularly sunset, provides beautiful light for capturing the marina and waterfront scenes.
Generally, photography is encouraged for personal use. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage within exhibits.
You can capture maritime history with the ships, modern marina life, architectural details, and scenic waterfront landscapes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the dockyard, the Chatham Maritime Food & Drink Festival is a highlight for families, offering free entry, live music, and a wide variety of food stalls. The marina itself provides open spaces for kids to explore, and the presence of impressive ships like the Nao Victoria can spark curiosity about history and adventure. Consider packing a picnic to make the day more budget-friendly.
💰 Budget Travelers
While entry to the Historic Dockyard has a fee, the annual ticket provides exceptional value if you plan to visit more than once, effectively reducing the per-visit cost. Exploring the marina area, enjoying the waterfront views, and window shopping at the outlets are all free activities that contribute to a fulfilling experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For unique perspectives, consider drone photography to capture aerial views of the marina and surrounding landmarks like Upnor Castle. The dockyard's architecture, the 'Call the Midwife' set, and the bustling festival atmosphere during events like the Food & Drink Festival also provide ample subjects for creative shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Dockyard Chatham: A Journey Through Time
Beyond the major attractions, the dockyard is a vibrant place with ongoing development, including new businesses and restoration projects. This means there's always something new to discover on subsequent visits. The site is managed with care and attention, and the staff are consistently praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience both educational and enjoyable for all ages.
For those interested in a deeper dive, consider the annual ticket, which provides excellent value and allows you to revisit the dockyard throughout the year. This is particularly beneficial if you want to experience different events or simply soak in the atmosphere at a more leisurely pace. The dockyard offers a comprehensive look at naval heritage, from grand warships to the daily lives of those who worked there.
Chatham Maritime Marina: More Than Just Boats
This area is a focal point for community events, most notably the Chatham Maritime Food & Drink Festival. This annual free festival draws crowds with its diverse offerings of local and international food, craft beverages, live music, and family entertainment. It's a fantastic opportunity to sample local produce and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere.
For history buffs, the marina occasionally hosts significant vessels like the Nao Victoria, a replica of the first ship to circumnavigate the globe. Visiting such a ship offers a tangible connection to the age of exploration and the daring voyages of the past. The marina area also features outlet shopping and dining options, making it a well-rounded destination for a day out.





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