Historic Dockyard Chatham Review
DISCLOSURE – THIS EXPERIENCE WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST/S FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW.
Reviewed by Mel Randle
At the weekend we set the alarms early and packed everyone in the car for a day out at The Historic Dockyard Chatham – a 160 mile round trip for us. I want to make it clear from the outset, this is not a full review. Why? Because there is so much to see and do that we couldn’t possibly see it all and do it justice in one visit. The good news is, every day ticket is automatically transferred to an annual pass, so you can return again and again.
The Dockyard has attractions for everyone – boats, trains, gardens, interactive displays, play facilities and so much more! It is also used as a filming location for ‘Call The Midwife’. I believe at certain times they run ‘set tours’. Check the website for details!
On arrival we were offered the opportunity to book a time slot to visit the Submarine HMS Ocelot and also the Ropery. These are the only attractions that needed booking (included in ticket price but because of their make-up, visitor numbers need to be controlled). Highly recommend both. Ocelot is an absolute must. A rare opportunity for children (and us) to get onboard what was a serving naval submarine and appreciate what life was like for the crew onboard for up to three months at a time!
As the weather on the day was ‘changeable’ we decided to concentrate on the outside attractions whilst it was fine. As well as the submarine, you can also get onboard HMS Gannet, a Victorian sloop and HMS Cavalier, a WW2 destroyer. Fascinating to see that these two couldn’t be more contrasting yet are less than 100 years apart, demonstrating the advances in engineering and ship building made!
Whilst wandering between the attractions, you take in the views across the River Medway. Be sure to look out for pictures of the same views through the years from Georgian times in the museums and see how the landscape has changed! There are lots of information boards to read around the dockyards detailing the history of the buildings. Our takeaway fact was that Charles Dickens’ father worked in the Cashier’s Office back in early 1800s so Charles Dickens himself spent a lot of his childhood at the docks. The Commissioner’s Garden is a great place to sit and relax for a while away from the hustle and bustle of the dockyard. Be sure to explore and find the ice house!
Inside attractions included Command Of The Oceans – an exhibition dedicated to ship building and especially Nelson’s HMS Victory which was famously built at the Dockyard. We chose to spend a lot of time here as Nelson is a subject we have been learning about recently so to bring that to life with films and models and displays was great! We also loved the Ropery (as previously mentioned a time slot is required). We were given a demonstration of how rope was made (my husband was chosen for audience participation). This was an absolutely fascinating insight into a 400+year old trade that still takes place in The Ropery today. I had never even thought how rope was made, and didn’t know I wanted to know until now! They also have a shop selling rope products from bags to dog leads!
Among the attractions we missed, purely due to lack of time because we were enjoying everything so much, are No1 Smithery, which amongst other things houses temporary exhibitions, the RNLI Historic Lifeboat Collection, and Steam, Steel and Submarines. I’m sure there is lots more we missed so we definitely need to return two or three times!
There are plenty of facilities on site to keep everyone fed and entertained. The Mess Deck Restaurant offers a selection of hot and cold foods, whilst the Wagon Stop provides much needed refreshments half way along the Dock yard and a soft play area for the children to let off steam. There is also a couple of outdoor play areas perfectly located for you to sit and enjoy a coffee and watch the kids play.
All in all, this was one of the best days out we have had in a while. So much to see and do for everyone whatever the weather. I can guarantee the kids won’t be bored and you’ll be surprised at how much you learn!!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets valid for 1 year can be prebooked online at a reduced price to the price charged on the door. £28.50 Adult, £18 Child aged 4 – 15, Family ticket £77 for 2 adults and up to 4 children or 1 adult and up to 5 children with extra children charged at £14 with Disabled visitors normal price with 1 Carers (with ID) free.
Information, ticket prices and booking can be found on the Historic Dockyards Chatham website
https://thedockyard.co.uk/