Chatham Historic Dockyard, Medway Tourist Attractions

The town of Chatham has long held links with the Royal Navy and when its dockyard was closed in the 1980’s it was decided that it should be turned into a museum to tell the story of its 400 year history.

Since the 16^th Century Chatham, on the banks of the River Medway has had a connection with the Royal Navy. The Royal Navy was established during the reign of Henry VIII and Chatham quickly became a favourite location and anchorage because of its sheltered river location and nearness to the English Channel and Europe; where the greatest threat to national security was believed to be.

There is a lot to see and do in a visit to the dockyard and places worth a visit include the Ropery which was built in 1785 and where ropes were made to supply the Navy. The building is 1,140 feet long and the ground floor is still in use; visitors can see ropes still being made today on machinery installed in 1806. The covered slipways built to allow work to be carried out without worrying about the weather are also worth a visit as are the many listed buildings which give a picture of life at the dockyard in years gone by. There is a fine display of the history of wooden warships. The museum in the dockyard charts the 400 year history of the place and is fascinating.

A number of ships are on display including HMS Cavalier from World War II, the submarine Ocelot and HMS Gannet built in 1878. There is a lifeboat collection from the Royal National Lifeboat Institute and displays about some of the more famous rescues the volunteer crews have been involved in.

Chatham Historic Dockyard Prices 2012:

• Adults - £16.50
  
• Concessions - (Senior Citizens, Students, Ex-Services, HM Forces with ID) - £14.00
  
• Children - (Aged 5-15 years old) - £11.00
  
• Family - (2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children) - £45.00
  
• Additional Family Child - £8.00

Opening Dates and Times 2012:

• 25 March - 27 October 10am - 6pm
• 28 October - 2 December 10am - 4pm
• For the last admission times to galleries and historic ships see website

You can find the Chatham Historic Dockyard at:

• The Old Surgery
  The Historic Dockyard
  Chatham
  Kent ME4 4TZ
  
• Tel.: 01634 823800
• or visit the website www.thedockyard.co.uk

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