A day out in Rochester, Kent

My cousin Joanne and I had purchased 8 day Flexi Britrail Passes which meant we could make use of the pass anywhere in Great Britain for 8 days within a month of its first use. This pass includes as many trips in those 24 hours of each chosen day as you can take.  We only had the opportunity to use the pass for 7 days so after Joanne had flown home I was left with one day.  Where to go, where to go?  Exciting stuff! Originally I had hoped to get up to Lincoln in the East Midlands as I have read it's a beautiful city with a well-known cathedral.  However, I was recovering from a bad cold and was pretty tired and just the thought of the journey up and there and back in one day was overwhelming.  Time was of the essence as I was due to fly to Denmark at the end of May. Over the last few years my hairdresser Giselle has mentioned that I should visit Rochester in Kent as it is a beautiful city.  So I decided that's where I would go as it was pretty close by train - less than an hour from London Victoria.  

So May 28th found me at Victoria station bound for Rochester.  So less than a five-minute walk from the train station and I was in the centre of town.  

I had a quick glimpse of the High Street (don't worry, we'll be back) before heading over to the castle. 

And here we are.  

Rochester Castle originates from the late 11th century when it was built in stone. In the early 12th century King Henry entrusted it to the Archbishop of Canterbury who began building the keep which is a marvel of medieval architecture and the tallest such building to survive in Europe. The castle's appearance evolved over time as changes were made each century but it endured as a major stronghold before falling into ruin in the 17th century. In the late 19th century the gardens were opened to the public with repairs following during the first part of the 20th century.  

Even though the interior of the castle is now a condo for pigeons I still thought it was beautiful.  

I loved this view of the Cathedral (we will be visiting that next) through the bars. 

This view is dark and gloomy but I still loved it. 

I must admit the stairs made me a bit nervous but thank goodness for handrails. (says the oldie) 

There was a great view of Rochester cathedral from above

I guess it speaks to the intelligence of some of our fellow human beings that they have to have signs like this.  

There were some great views from the castle grounds over the Medway river and the surrounding area. 

If I had been feeling more energetic I probably would have walked in that park and along the river but I wasn't so I didn't.  

I did, however, walk along the front of the castle again as I think it is a beauty. 

Oh yes, Charles Dickens lived in Rochester from 1856 until he died in 1870.  He wasn't buried here though - popular opinion overruled his own wishes of being buried in Rochester Cathedral churchyard and he was buried in Poets Corner in Westminster Abbey in London.  

Across from the Castle is Rochester Cathedral.  The cathedral was founded in 604AD making it the second oldest cathedral in England (Canterbury is the oldest).  

I was told there was going to be a special concert in the cathedral that evening which normally I'd have loved to attend but I knew my poor old body would not last that long.  

I walked down into the crypt to have a look at the cafe but did not stop for a cuppa...I had other plans!!! 

I made my way back to the High Street. 

I was on a quest for a Ploughman's lunch.  I hadn't had one on this trip yet and somehow it's one thing I associate with being in a country pub.  Okay so I wasn't in a country pub but this was probably my last shot at it this trip.  I opted for the ham and cheese option in a pub (and I checked them all out to see if they offered one - lots didn't) and oh my my my....it was good. 

I do love my food as you can probably tell by all the pictures and my physique.  I make no apologies.  To me, eating a good meal is one of the great pleasures of life...

With my tummy full and happy I headed out to do a bit more exploring. 

Here is a side view of Rochester Cathedral 

I was there on a Tuesday so was not able to see inside but not sure I was interested enough to bother anyway. 

No getting into Charles Dickens' chalet! 

Well there had to be a dog picture in here somewhere, right?  This doggie was waiting for his master to come out of the library.  As I can't resist a library anywhere he trotted in with me where a member of the staff had a dog biscuit ready for him as he's a "regular". I love running into little happenings like this on my travels!!  His master was soon done and he went off happily off with him. 

Back onto the High Street and onto the train back to London. 

I really enjoyed my time in Rochester and would definitely return again sometime - there is a history walk that I would love to take.  

Rochester can be reached from Victoria station in London and is a less than a 40 minute trip if you pick the right train!