Eastgate House
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Eastgate House

4.4
·296 reviews·, United Kingdom

A beautifully restored Tudor townhouse in Rochester, famous for its gardens and Charles Dickens' Swiss writing chalet.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Eastgate House

Eastgate House

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beautifully restored Tudor townhouse in Rochester, famous for its gardens and Charles Dickens' Swiss writing chalet.

4.4
(296 reviews)

"A lovely, peaceful garden with the unique charm of Dickens' chalet, offering a tranquil escape."

Vertical photo
TIP

Don't Miss the Chalet! 🇨🇭

The Swiss Chalet is a must-see in the gardens, a unique piece of Dickensian history.

Garden Picnic Spot 🧺

Bring a picnic to enjoy in the serene gardens; benches and grassy spots are available.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Charles Dickens' Swiss Chalet

Charles Dickens' Swiss Chalet

Gardens

See the charming Swiss writing chalet gifted to Dickens, where he penned some of his most famous works.

Instagram
Restored Tudor Townhouse

Restored Tudor Townhouse

Main House

Step back in time within the grand rooms of this meticulously restored 16th-century townhouse.

TikTok
Peaceful Gardens

Peaceful Gardens

Gardens

Enjoy a tranquil stroll through blooming gardens, a quiet oasis with benches and a picturesque pond.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Tranquility

While Eastgate House is a historical gem, weekdays outside of peak tourist seasons offer the most serene experience. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to fully appreciate the peaceful gardens and avoid crowds. Reddit

Garden Access and House Hours

The beautiful gardens at Eastgate House are generally open year-round, offering a lovely escape even when the house itself is closed. Always check the official opening days and times for the house tours to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Spring and Summer
Why
Gardens in full bloom
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

"I'm from SE London" but moretime they're from these sides 😭😭😭 #fyp #fypシ #viral #viralvideo #funny #relatable #chatham #chathamkent #kent #westkent #medway #uk #england #seengland #ghetto #trenches #tired
@m.combe07
34.1K likes • 554.7K views

Don't Miss the Chalet! 🇨🇭

The Swiss Chalet is a must-see in the gardens, a unique piece of Dickensian history. InstagramReddit

Garden Picnic Spot 🧺

Bring a picnic to enjoy in the serene gardens; benches and grassy spots are available. Reddit

#chatham #chathamhighstreet #fyp #viral #kent #normal
@marcusjamesjasonconn
14K likes • 199.5K views
Eastgate House always looks lovely on a Wedding Day! Perfect for smaller, intimate weddings, we can seat 40 guests. Email eastgate.house@medway.gov.uk for further details. @visitmedway #weddings #weddingday #weddingphotography #weddinginspiration
eastgate.house
7 likes • 146 views

Check House Opening Times ⏰

The house has specific opening days; gardens are usually always accessible. Reddit

Nearby Cafe Option ☕

Lenny's Cafe is adjacent to the gardens for refreshments. Reddit

Let’s take a wander around the gardens of Eastgate House, home to Charles Dickens. Can you see his Swiss writing Chalet peeking over the garden wall? Believe it or not, the chalet was actually a gift from his friend Charles Fechter and arrived by train in no less than 58 boxes! It was originally constructed in the garden of Dickens’ home in Gad’s Hill before finally being moved to its current spo...
whereemmawent
252 likes • 7.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Don't Miss the Chalet! 🇨🇭

The Swiss Chalet is a must-see in the gardens, a unique piece of Dickensian history. InstagramReddit

Garden Picnic Spot 🧺

Bring a picnic to enjoy in the serene gardens; benches and grassy spots are available. Reddit

Check House Opening Times ⏰

The house has specific opening days; gardens are usually always accessible. Reddit

Nearby Cafe Option ☕

Lenny's Cafe is adjacent to the gardens for refreshments. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(296 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Eastgate House for its peaceful gardens and the unique charm of Charles Dickens' Swiss Chalet. The historic Tudor house offers a glimpse into the past, and the friendly staff enhance the experience. It's a tranquil spot perfect for a relaxing visit, though some may find the house tours brief.

"This is a lovely garden to visit just of Rochester hg street.
It is where Charles dickens chalet is located.
It is so nice and peaceful here and only ever a few people in here at a time.
As you enter you will see the little pond which looks lovely in the summer with the lily pads flowering.

As you walk through to the second part of the garden you will notice how beautiful it looks with all the flowers blooming.

There is a few benches to sit on to just relax and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Lennys cafe backs onto the garden which is also a great place to grab a hot drink and cakes."

Daniel

"We spent a great 90 minutes here exploring this fascinating house. Would highly recommend if you’re in the area and/or interested in learning more about Dickens. Don’t forget to see Dickens’ chalet outside round the back too!"

diddely squat

"The house is closed on Mondays but the gardens are always open. I love this time of year when the lavender is in full bloom and the herbaceous borders are brimming with bright blooms and bees. The gardens are a quiet spot. It’s never packed. There are plenty of benches and shady spots or full sun if you like to sit on the grass and bring a picnic. I just love it here."

JulieAnn

What People Like

Peaceful gardens
Dickens' Swiss Chalet
Historic house charm

What People Dislike

House tours can be brief

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Eastgate House is located just off Rochester High Street. It's easily accessible by public transport, with Rochester train station a short walk away. Parking is available nearby, though can be busy. Reddit

The gardens are generally accessible, but the historic nature of the house may present challenges for full wheelchair access inside. It's best to contact them directly for specific accessibility information. Reddit

Yes, Eastgate House is a key point of interest on many Rochester walking tours, especially those focusing on Charles Dickens. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The house has specific opening days and hours, often closed on Mondays. The gardens are typically open year-round. Always check the official website for the most current information. Reddit

Admission fees apply for tours of the house. Entry to the gardens is often free, but it's advisable to confirm current pricing on their official website. Reddit

For house tours, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak times or for group visits. For garden access, it's usually not required. Reddit

Eastgate House hosts various events, including historical talks, workshops, and sometimes even weddings. Keep an eye on their events calendar for upcoming activities. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally permitted inside Eastgate House, but flash photography may be restricted to protect the historic interiors. Professional photography or filming may require special permission. Instagram

The gardens, especially with the Swiss Chalet and the pond, offer beautiful photo opportunities. The exterior of the Tudor house itself is also very photogenic. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While Eastgate House itself doesn't have a full restaurant, Lenny's Cafe is located adjacent to the gardens and offers hot drinks and cakes. Reddit

Yes, the gardens are a perfect spot for a picnic. There are benches available, and you can also sit on the grass. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Eastgate House offers a gentle introduction to history for families. The gardens are a great space for children to explore and burn off energy, with the pond and the Swiss Chalet providing points of interest. Reddit While the house tours might be more engaging for older children, the outdoor space is universally appealing. Consider packing a picnic to make the visit a relaxed family outing. Reddit

📚 Literature Enthusiasts

For fans of Charles Dickens, Eastgate House is a must-visit. The presence of his Swiss writing chalet in the gardens offers a direct connection to the author's creative process. InstagramReddit Imagine Dickens working on his novels in this very setting, adding a layer of depth to your visit. The house itself, a historic Tudor building, also provides a glimpse into the era that inspired many of his stories. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Dickensian Connection

Eastgate House holds a special place in the literary world due to its association with Charles Dickens. While he didn't live here, the house and its grounds were a source of inspiration for his writing. The most tangible link is the Swiss Chalet, a gift from his friend Charles Fechter. This charming structure was originally at Dickens's home, Gad's Hill Place, and was later moved to the Eastgate House gardens. It's within this chalet that Dickens is said to have written some of his novels, making it a pilgrimage site for literature enthusiasts. InstagramReddit+1

Visitors often express delight in discovering this unique piece of history tucked away in the gardens. The chalet's journey to Eastgate House, arriving in 58 boxes by train, adds another layer to its fascinating story. Exploring the grounds allows you to imagine Dickens finding solace and inspiration in this very spot, connecting with a significant figure in English literature in a very personal way. InstagramReddit

Exploring the Gardens

The gardens of Eastgate House offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling Rochester High Street. Described as a 'lovely garden' and a 'quiet spot,' they provide a serene environment for visitors to relax and explore. Reddit The gardens feature a picturesque pond with lily pads, particularly beautiful in the summer, and well-maintained herbaceous borders that burst with color. Reddit

Multiple benches are scattered throughout the grounds, offering ample opportunities to sit, unwind, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. Whether you prefer a shady spot or full sun, there are options for everyone. Many visitors recommend bringing a picnic to fully enjoy the peaceful surroundings, making it an ideal location for a leisurely afternoon. Reddit The combination of historical significance and natural beauty makes the gardens a highlight for many who visit Eastgate House. Reddit

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