Rochester, a historic town in Kent, lost its city status due to an administrative error, sparking interest in its rich heritage and attractions.
Rochester: So, you know how living in London is great, but sometimes you just want to escape? Well, Kent is the perfect spot for that. It’s got this rich history and is super close to the capital.
Now, Kent has only one city, Canterbury, famous for its stunning cathedral. But here’s the twist: Rochester also has a cathedral and used to be a city until 1998.
What happened? There was a mix-up when Rochester-upon-Medway and Gillingham merged into Medway. They lost their city status, and no one noticed for four years! Crazy, right?
Even though Medway Council tried to get city status back in 2000, 2002, and 2012, Rochester is still a gem for history lovers. Its cathedral is the second oldest in England, dating back to around AD604.
This place is packed with history, featuring the Textus Roffensis, the first code of English Law, plus loads of beautiful art and stained glass. And let’s not forget Rochester Castle, a stunning piece of Norman architecture that stands proudly by the River Medway.
In the summer, the castle grounds turn into a lively spot with open-air theatre and cinema shows. Plus, Rochester’s High Street is buzzing with shops, restaurants, museums, and galleries.
Wandering through the cobbled streets, you can easily pop into both the castle and the cathedral, along with cool spots like Eastgate House and the Guildhall Museum. Getting to Rochester is a breeze, too, with trains from Victoria, Kings Cross, and London Bridge taking less than 40 minutes.
If you’re driving, it’ll take you about an hour and eight minutes via the A13 and A2. So, whether you’re hopping on a train or hitting the road, Rochester is just a quick trip away!
