Major city · United Kingdom
Chatham
Base in Rochester or Chatham for one night, not more: the Historic Dockyard is a half-day, and London is 45–60 min by train.
Chatham is a Medway Towns maritime town, 32 mi (51 km) from London by the A2 and 45–60 min by train from London Victoria. Its one big draw is the Historic Dockyard, a former Royal Naval yard that closed in 1984 and is now a museum with ships, a submarine and a working rope factory. Most travellers see it as a half-day stop between London and Dover, or sleep one night and pair it with Rochester next door.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Dec–Feb (cold, wet, short days)
- Airports
- LGW · LHR · STN
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Chatham999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Chatham, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyChatham is a normal British town and safe by day; the usual care applies at night around the High Street and station.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police, fire, ambulance · 112 EU emergency number · 111 NHS non-urgent
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckLGW London Gatwick (About 1 h 15 min–1 h 45 min by train to Chatham via London; check connections.).
- Getting aroundChatham station (CTM) is south of the town centre; Southeastern trains run to London Victoria in 45–60 min and slower services from Charing Cross…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- BeerPint of beer£4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, Chatham station to the Dockyard£8–12 (≈ US$11–16)
- Metro or bus rideBus single fare in the Medway Towns£2–3 (≈ US$3–4)
- Budget bedFamily room (up to 4), a night, per room£110 (≈ US$150)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, mid hotel or pub, a night, per room£95 (≈ US$130)
- High-end bedDouble room, mid hotel or pub, a night, per room£160 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £45 (≈ US$60) · Mid £85 (≈ US$120) · High £150 (≈ US$200)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LGW London Gatwick (About 1 h 15 min–1 h 45 min by train to Chatham via London; check connections.) · LHR London Heathrow (About 2 h by train and Tube via central London; check.) · STN London Stansted (About 2 h–2 h 30 min by train via London; check.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
May
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jul
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Aug
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Dec
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (11 rain days), driest Jul (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Chatham: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
11 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
9 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
9 rd
Apr
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
8 rd
Jun
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Jul
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
10 rd
Nov
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
11 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Chatham station (CTM) is south of the town centre; Southeastern trains run to London Victoria in 45–60 min and slower services from Charing Cross, Waterloo and London Bridge in 60–65 min. High Speed 1 trains from London St Pancras also stop here and cost more. Local buses are run by Arriva Kent and Surrey, Nu-Venture and ASD Coaches; buy from the driver, or contactless/App on Arriva. The town is walkable, but the Dockyard is about 1.5 mi from the station: bus or taxi.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Rochester
goDoor to door: About 15–30 min
Train from Chatham, about 5 min, or a 25–30 min walk
Cathedral, castle and high street; the natural half-day pair with Chatham.
Door to door: About 1 h
Train from Chatham via Faversham or direct, about 45–60 min
Cathedral and old streets; a full day.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
Train from Chatham, about 1 h–1 h 15 min
Castle and white cliffs; check train times.
Door to door: About 1 h
Train from Chatham to Victoria, 45–60 min
Easy day trip; book off-peak to cut the fare.
Margate
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Train from Chatham, about 1 h
Beach and Turner Contemporary.
Folkestone
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 20 min
Train from Chatham, about 1 h 15 min
Longer ride; better as an overnight on the way to Dover.
Door to door: About 1 h 20 min
Train from Chatham, about 1 h 15 min
Royal Harbour and sands.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Chatham town centre
Around the station and Pentagon Shopping Centre; cheapest beds and the easiest walk to buses and trains.
Chatham Maritime / Dockyard
Travelodge and Dockside Outlet next to the Historic Dockyard; quiet evenings, 1–2 mi from the town centre.
Rochester
Next town over, about 5–10 min by train; more pubs and a cathedral, often a better evening base.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £45–75 (≈ US$60–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- £75–130 (≈ US$100–180) excl. bed
- High
- £130 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, mid hotel or pub1 × 1 night × £95 | £95 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × £85 | £170 |
| Historic Dockyard adult ticket (valid 12 months)2 × £24 | £48 |
| Copper Rivet Distillery tour2 × £20 | £40 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £10 | £20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £37 |
| Trip total≈ £205 per person per day, bed included | £410≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in pounds; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | £3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub main meal | £10–18 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Pint of beer | £4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Bus single fare in the Medway Towns | £2–3 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Taxi, Chatham station to the Dockyard | £8–12 (≈ US$11–16) |
| Train Chatham to London Victoria, off-peak return | £25–40 (≈ US$35–55) |
| Historic Dockyard adult ticket | £24 (≈ US$35) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Dockyard opening hours and days vary by season: check the official site before you travel.
- The Dockyard Main Gate on Dock Road is for tenants and residents only; visitors use the Western Avenue entrance.
- Chatham station car park is about £6 (≈ US$8) per day.
- High Speed 1 trains cost more than the slower London routes for the same trip.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 999
- EU emergency number
- 112
- NHS non-urgent
- 111
- Police non-urgent
- 101
Pocket card
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ChathamChatham
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance999
- EU emergency number112
- NHS non-urgent111
- Police non-urgent101
Embassy
No embassies in Chatham; most are in London. US citizens: US Embassy, London (check the address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Chatham → London Victoria, train: 45–60 min; off-peak return about £25–40 (≈ US$35–55)
- Chatham station → Historic Dockyard, taxi: about £8–12 (≈ US$11–16), 5–10 min
- Historic Dockyard adult ticket: £24 (≈ US$35), valid 12 months
Say or show
- Hello — Hello (heh-LOH)
- Thank you — Thank you (THANK yoo)
- Please — Please (pleez)
- Excuse me / Sorry — Excuse me / Sorry (ik-SKYOOZ mee / SOR-ee)
- How much is it? — How much is it? (how much iz it)
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card? (kan eye pay by kard)
English is the only language you need here.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Chatham. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Dec–Feb (cold, wet, short days) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 8 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for LGW, LHR and STN: last Southeastern departures field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Chatham station and High Street, the Historic Dockyard, Fort Amherst and the Great Lines, Chatham Maritime and Dockside.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Historic Dockyard, Fort Amherst, Copper Rivet Distillery, Nucleus Arts Centre) and eat pages with last orders.
- Golden and hostile arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.