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Chatham Maritime

4.7
·6k reviews·, United Kingdom

Explore centuries of naval history at The Historic Dockyard Chatham and enjoy vibrant marina life with shops, dining, and events.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer weekends

Festivals and lively atmosphere

CrowdHigh
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Chatham Maritime - Image 1

Chatham Maritime

Best Time

Summer weekends

Festivals and lively atmosphere

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore centuries of naval history at The Historic Dockyard Chatham and enjoy vibrant marina life with shops, dining, and events.

4.7
(6k reviews)

"Incredible place - bit expensive but ticket is for one year but well worth it."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Call the Midwife Tour

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

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

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 Food & Drink Festival

Chatham Maritime

Savor local produce, international flavors, craft drinks, and live music at this vibrant summer festival.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Popular Tours

The 'Call the Midwife' tour is a major draw, so book tickets in advance to secure your spot. Consider if the short 'taster' session is worth the cost for you, as some visitors found it pricey for the duration.Reddit

Annual Tickets Offer Great Value

If you plan to visit more than once, an annual ticket is highly recommended. It's valid for a whole year, allowing you to explore the site at your own pace and see it evolve.Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer weekends
Why
Festivals and lively atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Spring/Autumn
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer tourists
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The best afternoon at the Call the Midwife location tour 🚑 Would 100% recomend, so informative and amazing to see some of the sets!🤩 @The Historic Dockyard Chatham #callthemidwife
@mollie.ap
31.1K likes • 787.2K views

🚶‍♀️ Walk from Station

The walk from Chatham station is about 30 mins. Consider local transport if needed. Reddit

💰 Annual Ticket Value

A yearly ticket offers great value for repeat visits and site development. Reddit

@OfficialCallthemidwife tour was amazing! Tour guide was fantastic #callthemidwife #callthemidwifetour #tourguide Trixie and Barbras dresses were stunning to see #thehistoricdockyard #chatham
@ldjw88
8K likes • 363.1K views
Explore the Medway & Beyond from Chatham Maritime Marina! ⚓️ Start your summer journey on the River Medway at Chatham Maritime Marina and take part in MDL’s Dock & Discover for the chance to win incredible prizes, including a luxury holiday for two! 🌴✈️ Cruise to other MDL marinas, collect stamps along the way, and get rewarded for every stop. Adventure starts here at Chatham—where will your ne...
mdlmarinas
24 likes • 891 views

🧺 Picnic Potential

Pack a picnic to save on costs, though the on-site cafe is also well-priced. Reddit

🚢 Ship Exhibits

Don't miss HMS Ocelot; it's a top attraction and a unique experience. Reddit

✨ The Nao Victoria will be arriving soon at Chatham Maritime Marina! Step into history aboard the first ship to sail around the world. Explore its decks and experience what life was like for 16th-century explorers. 📅 July 31st to August 3rd only 📍 Chatham Maritime Marina 🎟️ Tickets available now — Don’t miss out! tickets.fundacionnaovictoria.org 👉 Guided tours, exhibits and an unforgettable expe...
lanaovictoria
143 likes • 3.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Walk from Station

The walk from Chatham station is about 30 mins. Consider local transport if needed. Reddit

💰 Annual Ticket Value

A yearly ticket offers great value for repeat visits and site development. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Potential

Pack a picnic to save on costs, though the on-site cafe is also well-priced. Reddit

🚢 Ship Exhibits

Don't miss HMS Ocelot; it's a top attraction and a unique experience. Reddit

🎶 Festival Fun

Check for the Maritime Food & Drink Festival for free music and food stalls. Instagram+2

📸 Drone Views

Capture unique aerial perspectives of the marina and surrounding areas. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(6k reviews)

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

Historic ships and exhibits
Call the Midwife tour
Friendly and knowledgeable staff

What People Dislike

Call the Midwife taster session cost

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. Reddit

Yes, parking is available. It's free if you purchase tickets for the museum, otherwise, it's reasonably priced. Reddit

Yes, it's a pleasant 30-minute walk from Chatham train station to Chatham Maritime. Reddit

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

While specific discounts aren't always advertised, purchasing an annual ticket is the most cost-effective option for multiple visits. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, the Chatham Maritime Food & Drink Festival is a free family-friendly event. Instagram+1

🎫 🧭 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. Instagram+1

You can explore historic warships like HMS Ocelot, learn about shipbuilding in the Ropemaking building, and visit the 'Call the Midwife' set tour. TikTokReddit

Yes, it's great for families with interactive exhibits, Lego wreck building, and the 'Call the Midwife' tour appealing to various ages. Reddit

Chatham Maritime hosts events like the Food & Drink Festival, 1940s-themed weekends, and dragon boat races. Instagram+2

Absolutely! The marina, historic ships, and waterfront offer many picturesque spots for photography, especially at sunset. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

While specific menus vary, the Food & Drink Festival often features diverse international food stalls, increasing the likelihood of finding various dietary options. Instagram

Yes, visitors often pack picnics, which is a great way to save money, especially when visiting the Historic Dockyard. Reddit

The festival offers a wide array of food from local producers and international delights, including street food like paella and Pad Thai. Instagram+2

📸 📸 Photography

The marina with its reflections of boats, the historic ships, and the waterfront views, especially at sunset, are prime photography locations. Instagram+1

Drone photography is possible, offering unique aerial perspectives of the marina and landmarks like Upnor Castle. Always check local regulations before flying. Instagram

Golden hour, particularly sunset, provides beautiful light for capturing the marina and waterfront scenes. Instagram

Generally, photography is encouraged for personal use. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage within exhibits. Instagram

You can capture maritime history with the ships, modern marina life, architectural details, and scenic waterfront landscapes. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Chatham Maritime is a fantastic destination for families. The Historic Dockyard Chatham offers engaging exhibits like the HMS Ocelot submarine and interactive displays that capture children's imaginations. There's even a building with Lego wrecks, ensuring fun for younger visitors. Reddit The 'Call the Midwife' tour, while perhaps more engaging for adults, can still be interesting for older children who are fans of the show. TikTok+1

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. Instagram+1 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. Instagram Consider packing a picnic to make the day more budget-friendly. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Chatham Maritime offers several ways to enjoy a great day out without breaking the bank. The Chatham Maritime Food & Drink Festival is a free event, making it an excellent option for entertainment and affordable food. Instagram+1 Packing a picnic for your visit to the Historic Dockyard is also a smart way to save on dining costs. Reddit

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. Reddit Exploring the marina area, enjoying the waterfront views, and window shopping at the outlets are all free activities that contribute to a fulfilling experience. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Chatham Maritime is a photographer's dream, offering a rich tapestry of subjects. The marina itself provides stunning opportunities for capturing reflections of boats, especially during the golden hour and sunset. Instagram+1 The historic ships, such as the HMS Ocelot and the Nao Victoria replica, offer dramatic compositions and a sense of maritime grandeur. InstagramReddit

For unique perspectives, consider drone photography to capture aerial views of the marina and surrounding landmarks like Upnor Castle. Instagram 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. TikTokInstagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Historic Dockyard Chatham: A Journey Through Time

Chatham Maritime is anchored by The Historic Dockyard Chatham, a sprawling 80-acre site that was once a Royal Navy base for over 400 years. It's a living museum where you can step back in time and explore the heart of British maritime history. Key exhibits include the HMS Ocelot, a Cold War submarine offering a unique glimpse into naval life, and the impressive Ropemaking building, one of the longest 18th-century buildings in Britain. The dockyard also famously serves as the filming location for the popular TV series 'Call the Midwife', with dedicated tours available for fans. TikTokReddit+1

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Chatham Maritime Marina: More Than Just Boats

The Chatham Maritime Marina is a modern hub that complements the historic dockyard, offering a lively waterfront experience. It's a popular spot for boat owners and visitors alike, with stunning reflections of masts and boats, especially during golden hour and sunset. The marina is also a gateway to exploring the River Medway and beyond, with opportunities for cruises and visits to other MDL marinas. Instagram+2

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. Instagram+2

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. Instagram The marina area also features outlet shopping and dining options, making it a well-rounded destination for a day out. Instagram

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