The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Medway Towns

Type:Historic Site

Anchor Wharf, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4TZ

Tel: 01634 823800

The Historic Dockyard Chatham

About

Immerse yourself in Chatham's renowned shipbuilding legacy and step back in time to the 'Age of Sail', when the Dockyard constructed powerful ships that dominated the world's seas.

A trip to The Historic Dockyard Chatham – a top maritime heritage site in the UK – promises an exciting adventure.

Come aboard! Test your sea legs by peering through the periscope of a Cold War Submarine, taking command on the bridge of a Second World War Destroyer, and ringing the ship's bell on the deck of a Victorian Sloop.

Explore the captivating Command of the Oceans interactive gallery and discover the mysteries of the centuries-old ship lying beneath the floor. Envision the sound of crashing waves as you wander through the UK's largest collection of RNLI Historic Lifeboats and delve into the remarkable No. 1 Smithery, housing extraordinary collections from Royal Museums Greenwich and Imperial War Museums.

Experience firsthand what life was like in a Victorian dockyard and follow in the footsteps of the master ropemakers who have been crafting rope for British ships along the quarter-mile-long ropery since 1618.

Once a concealed and secure location for generations, the dockyard is now open for exploration and eagerly awaits your visit.

Tickets are valid for a year, giving you 12 months to enjoy the wide range of attractions on this incredible 80-acre estate.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
2A/4C or 1A/5C Gate Price£85.00 per ticket
2A/4C or 1A/5C online£77.00 per ticket
Child 5 - 15 Gate Price£20.00 per ticket
Child 5 - 15 online£18.00 per ticket
Gate Price£32.00 per ticket
Online£28.50 per ticket

All tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Accessible Lift
  • Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors
  • Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors
  • Facility for service dogs
  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
  • Ramp/Level Access
  • Toilets for Disabled Visitors
  • Wheelchair user accessible

Catering

  • On-Site cafe/restaurant
  • Picnic Site

Establishment Features

  • Conference facilities
  • Dogs Accepted - on a lead
  • Event Venue
  • Licensed for weddings & ceremonies
  • Open Christmas - Only open for special ticketed Christmas event from November to December
  • Toilets

Parking & Transport

  • On site parking
  • Parking (free)

Payment Methods

  • American Express accepted
  • Approx length of visit - 3 - 6 hours
  • Blue Badge Guides admitted free
  • Can be packages by 3rd parties
  • Delta accepted
  • Groups Accepted
  • Maestro Accepted
  • MasterCard accepted
  • Min group size - 15
  • Visa accepted

Provider Preferences

  • In town/city centre
  • Indoor Attraction
  • No Smoking Attraction
  • Outdoor Attraction

Specialist Features

  • Family Fun
  • Marketed Towards Children
  • Marketed Towards Families
  • Marketed Towards Senior Citizens

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Please use postcode ME4 4TY.

Follow the Brown tourist signs (anchor) from Junctions 1, 3 and 4 of the M2 and Junction 6 of the M20.

We have plenty of car parking spaces with no height restrictions. Motorhomes are welcome but please note that these cannot be parked overnight.

There are dedicated parking bays for Blue Badge Holders and EV charging points available.  

Public Transport Directions

The Historic Dockyard Chatham's nearest train station is Chatham Station which is regularly served by Southeastern High Speed travelling to/from London St Pancras as well as regular services via London Victoria and Charing Cross.

The Historic Dockyard is served by a number of local bus services currently operated by Arriva buses.  

Awards

  • Visit England Awards -Large Visitor Attraction of the Year - Gold Large Visitor Attraction of the Year - Gold 2023
  • Tourism South East Award -Tourism South East Member 24/25 - Bronze Tourism South East Member 24/25 - Bronze 2024

Opening Times

Spring/Summer (1 Apr 2025 - 27 Oct 2025)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00
Bank Holiday10:00 - 17:00
Winter (28 Oct 2025 - 17 Nov 2025)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 16:00
Bank Holiday10:00 - 16:00

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