The Medway...where to go

[Aquafan]

Last year I visited Gillingham for the first time, whereas Gilingham Marina was good the town was a shock. All we could find when unsuccessfully looking for somewhere nice to eat were porn/pawn/pound shops etc. I am planning another trip to the Medway shortly after Easter so where should we visit, is Rochester better? it must be or should we go up the East Coast?

 

[Portland Billy]

Of all the Medway towns Rochester is probably the nicest with a few good reataurants, but generally the lower reaches towns don't offer much apart from reasonably good boating. I preferr to turn left for Burnham/Mersea/Titchmarsh etc.

 

[maby]

Rochester is quite good - interesting shopping in the High Street and the castle is very interesting.

Quite a lot to see round Chatham too. The town centre is nothing special, but lots of interesting places to visit - the dockyard museum will keep you busy for a couple of days if you want to see most of it and Fort Amhurst is also interesting. Take the boat further up river and have a look at the rusting hulk of the big Russian submarine... Queenborough and Gravesend are also worth a quick look - both have all-tide landings where you can come ashore.

The Royal Engineers Museum and Maidstone Museum and Art Gallery are also worth a look, but further away and not really in walking range. Go to Chatham Marina rather than Gillingham - more to do within walking distance.

Also have a look at:

http://www.kurg.org.uk/

and

http://www.undergroundkent.co.uk/

 

[maby]

Also, if you are prepared to get out the dinghy and put on your waders, there are still interesting archeological finds to be had around Otterham :

http://www.kentarchaeology.org.uk/Research/03/03/01E/132.htm

 

[MoodySabre]

Upnor Castle is quite interesting. Historic Naval Dockyards are very interesting as is Rochester. As said, the marina is good.

Queenborough - not worth a visit IMO. Follow the Swale round the back of Sheppey and pick up a buoy at Harty Ferry - very peaceful spot.

The East coast has many gems.

 

[No Regrets]

Once you get to Kent, best head for St Kats....LOL

 

[maby]

Once you get to Kent, best head for St Kats....LOL

Looking at the OPs signature line, I think he will have passed St. Kats on his way to Kent!

 

[oldgit]

Go to MDL marina located in the old Chatham dockyard.Lots of things to do on doorstep.Including a good days worth in Dockyard/ and Royal Engineers Museum.
Also right next door to major shopping outlets/cinema/pub and enough chain resturants to get your ration of horse in whatever style you wish.
Avoid Chatham,a typical perfectly good town centre destroyed by concrete and chain stores ,now populated with hoodies n chavs and people who think that TV on Saturday night is educational and an intelligent use of time.
Catch a cab or bus into Rochester and walk round the Castle and Cathedral area.Several half decent pubs and eating houses along High St.
Go into Guildhall museum get get an idea of the naval past of the area.
If at a loose end go to Upper Upnor and visit the Castle and then wander down to Lower Upnor for beer.
Several Yacht/boat clubs with decent bars/food in the area if that is your sort of thing and wish to take advantage of whats on offer.
Feeling adventurous,how about a trip up to Maidstone or beyond perhaps even one of the interesting little(drying) muddy creeks along the Swale.
MDL Chatham

Rochester Cruising Club

Town Wharf. Faversham Creek

Maidstone Town Centre

Beyond.

We did have an brave soul round from Bray last year in a weeny little Hardy navigating the upper Medway but he wimped out half way up.

Any idea when you are coming round,can let you know of any events going on ......There will be all sorts of concerts and festivals going on during the "summer"
You may even fancy a visit to our club mooring for an overnighter,prob best when club bar is open on Weds/Fri/Sat or Sunday lunch. !