Things to do at the Historic Dockyard Chatham
*We were provided with this experience for the purpose of this post however all opinions are my own.
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Last weekend we spent the day at Historic Dockyard Chatham. It’s somewhere we’ve been a couple of times before, with the children at really different ages each time, but, it’s always been somewhere we have loved to visit as a family, with so much for all ages to enjoy.
So I thought I’d share some of the things there are to do at Chatham Historic Dockyard – it’s a really fun, full day out that everyone will enjoy, even if you only have a passing interest in ships. It’s educational, packed with history and with something for everyone.
Things to do at the Historic Dockyard Chatham
Spend time on warships
The ships are a huge part of Historic Dockyard Chatham and one of the main things that inspires people to visit – but they are only one part of a much bigger day out!
HMS Cavalier
Launched in 1944, HMS Cavalier is a CA class destroyer. She served in the Arctic, Western Approaches and British Pacific Fleet before retiring to Chatham in 1972. She’s now at home in No.2 Dry Dock, where HMS Victory was once constructed!
On a visit to Chatham Historic Dockyard you can climb aboard HMS Cavalier and explore above and below deck, seeing how the sailors would have lived whilst at sea and their basic facilities.
HMS Gannet
HMS Gannet was designed to patrol the world’s oceans, and she helped to protect British interests around the world. She saw service in the South Pacific, the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. Powered by both sail and steam, HMS Gannet is part of the United Kingdom’s core national collection of historic ships.
You can spend time exploring the ship, climbing between decks and imagining yourself sailing the seas on this glorious wood and steel vessel. It’s such an incredible ship and children will love it!
HM Submarine Ocelot Tour
HM Submarine Ocelot was the last warship built at Chatham for the Royal Navy and launched in 1962. She was built as a surveillance vessel and undertook missions across the world’s oceans – clocking up over 90,000 miles and working in nearly every corner of the world, including during the Cold War in the Arctic, Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean and Baltic Seas. She remained in service until 1991.
To visit HM Submarine Ocelot you need to book a free timed tour. This is just a fifteen minute trip through the submarine, with so much info and opportunities to ask questions as you go. It’s a great opportunity to swing through hatches and one of our favourite parts of a day out at Historic Dockyard Chatham.
Explore the exhibitions
As well as the ships, Historic Dockyard Chatham have so many other displays and exhibitions that you can wander around and enjoy at your own pace.
Command of the Oceans
In the four Command of the Oceans galleries you can experience life during the Age of Sail. Discover how ships like HMS Victory were designed and built and immerse yourself in the Hearts of Oak walking cinema where retired Master Shipwright, John North, relives his role as HMS Valiant’s Carpenter and encourages his grandson to follow in his footsteps.
Dive into the story of the dockyard’s workforce during the Age of Sail and the crucial part they played in maintaining Britain’s command of the world’s oceans. Plus, get hands-on with key trades and have some green screen fun as you step into the 18th century dockyard.
You can also walk around a model of HMS Victory, take a look at over 100 objects recovered from the 1758 wreck of HMS Invincible and get up close to timbers of the HMS Namur from 1956, intriguingly laid to rest beneath the floor of the old Wheelwrights’ workshop.
No. 1 Smithery
The No.1 Smithery was built in 1801, providing ironwork for the Dockyard. The building housed metalworking facilities, producing anchors and chain, with a foundry and other workshops added later.
No.1 Smithery is now an exhibition space devoted to National Treasures. Here you can unearth so much history through paintings, ship models and artefacts, including a scale model of the Dockyard which was presented to George III in 1774.
No.1 Smithery is also home to temporary exhibitions which change throughout the year. You can see a calendar of exhibitions and events at Chatham here.
Steam, Steel & Submarines
The Steam, Steel and Submarines exhibition tells the story of the Dockyard through the Industrial Revolution and the two World Wars. It shows 150 years of rapid technological advances and adaptations, from the development iron-hulled warships through to the nuclear powered submarines of the Cold War and reveals the vital activities of Chatham and its workers during the two World Wars.
Learn to make rope
The Historic Dockyard Chatham has a rich history in rope making and learning about it. Seeing rope being made – or even helping to make rope – has always been a real highlight for us on our visits.
Ropery Experience Tour
The Ropery Experience is a half hour tour when you get to learn about the art of ropemaking and its role in supporting Chatham’s shipbuilding as well as getting to see the enormous double ropewalk. You can also get hands-on with the ropemaking machine and have a chance to explore the ropery buildings too.
Ropemaking in Action Tour
If you visit on a weekday you can take part in the Ropemaking in Action tour to witness ropemaking for yourself during a live demonstration by the Master Ropemakers. Rope has been made at Chatham for over 400 years and it continues to be made today for customers all over the world.
The Ropery Gallery
If you don’t want to take part in a tour you can still learn more about the history of ropemaking at Chatham and explore the Ropery Gallery and buildings. The Ropery Gallery takes you on an atmospheric journey through the lives of Ropery workers before you step out onto the iconic ropewalk and witness ropemaking in action.
Chatham is the only one of the original four Royal Navy Ropeyards to remain in operation today. It’s undoubtably the finest integrated group of 18th century manufacturing buildings in Britain.
Explore the remarkable architectural buildings and railway
We only really admired 3 Slip properly for the first time on our latest visit – and what a building it is! definitely do not miss it if you’re planning a trip!
3 Slip – The Big Space
Built in 1838, the immense covered 3 Slip was, when built, the largest wide span timber structure in Europe. It has an amazing cantilever roof, built to the design of shipwright Sir Robert Seppings and created so ships could be built and repaired throughout the year.
In 1904 a high mezzanine floor was installed to provide storage for ships’ boats. You can climb the stairs (or take the lift) to this level to admire the roof at close range. Plus, back on the ground, 3 Slip is now home to epic objects and vehicles including weaponry and heavy machinery.
RNLI Historic Lifeboat Collection
Slip 3 is also home to the UK’s largest collection of historic lifeboats. Formed in partnership with the RNLI Heritage Trust, this gallery spans a vast array of historic craft, each with its own incredible story of survival at sea.
It also brings to life the heroic world of coastal rescue with interactive touchscreen displays, archive film footage and audio clips featuring real-life crew members.
Historic Railway
At one time there were around 17 miles of standard gauge railway within the Dockyard but now there is just under 1 mile of track remaining. This historic railway is now operated by a team of dedicated volunteers, who work tirelessly to restore the locomotives, wagons and cranes, and help keep a valuable piece of the Dockyard’s history alive.
Stop for refreshments
There are two places to stop for lunch, drinks or a quick snack in two different places at Historic Dockyard Chatham depending on your plans and when you get the urge to eat!
Mess Deck Restaurant
The Mess Deck Restaurant offers a variety of great British food to visitors, with a delicious menu of locally sourced meals and sandwiches freshly prepared at the Dockyard each day. Ideally located right next to the Dockyard ticket office and shop, it’s the perfect start or end point to a day at Chatham Historic Dockyard.
Wagon Stop Canteen
Alternatively, The Wagon Stop Canteen is right in the middle of the Historic Dockyard. With a menu of toasted panini, freshly baked pizzas, baked potatoes, cakes and more, food can be either taken away or eaten alongside the locomotives.
Let the kids let off steam in a play area
When we first visited Historic Dockyard Chatham with very young children, we hadn’t expected there to be play areas for them. This was a lovely surprise and something that has definitely helped entertain the kids over the years!
Playgrounds
When you arrive at Chatham Dockyard you’ll find a play area right by the visitor entrance that is free for anyone to enjoy – you do not need an admission ticket. This is great to promise kids a play when you’re done at the Dockyard or a quick run around before you start your visit.
There’s also an outdoor adventure play area located opposite the Commissioner’s House and close to the Ropery. This is a great size play area and nicely shaded by the trees too!
Indoor Soft Play
If you pop into the Wagon Stop Canteen you’ll find a lovely little indoor soft play area. A great way for little ones to let off steam and break up the day.
Find the perfect venue for your next event
Did you know that Historic Dockyard Chatham can also host your events or even a wedding? We were lucky enough to have a tour of The Commissioner’s House during our last visit and it would definitely make a great location for any meeting or event.
Commissioner’s House
At the heart of the historic Chatham Dockyard estate, the Commissioner’s House has been lovingly restored and is ready to be your home for the day – whether you are getting married, looking for somewhere to hold a meeting or planning a gorgeous event.
The Commissioner’s House is Britain’s oldest naval building. It’s an elegant Georgian-style house with a choice of stylish rooms to suit all party themes and sizes, plus the surrounding Commissioner’s Garden can provide the perfect setting for drinks receptions and photographs.
There are a variety of rooms to choose from, with a choice of warm and intimate to the more grand and luxurious. With beautiful bathrooms, an opulent bar and even a terrace and outdoor balcony, it’s a beautiful space for whatever you are planning. You can find out more here.
The Commissioner’s Garden
The Commissioner’s Garden is open to the public whenever there isn’t an event on at the Commissioner’s House. If the gate is open you can walk on in and explore!
Created in the 1640s, Commissioner’s Garden was originally designed as the private garden of the Dockyard’s resident Commissioner – the most senior official in the Dockyard. However, it is now a beautiful and tranquil space for all visitors of the dockyard to enjoy.
Buy some souvenirs
There are two shops across the Historic Dockyard Chatham site to buy a souvenir, gifts or just a little treat. The Dockyard Shop is right next to the ticket office, and on the way out of the Dockyard but the Ropery Shop is just next to the Ropery so make sure you pop in and browse after you’ve found out all about rope making!
Enjoy a tour
If seeing all the ships and exhibitions at Historic Dockyard Chatham wasn’t enough, you can also enjoy a themed tour during your visit at an additional cost. Make sure you book ahead to guarantee your spot!
Call the Midwife Official Location Tour
If you’re a fan of the hit series and you’ve been wondering where Call the Midwife is filmed, put yourself in the picture and explore where the real drama happens with a Call the Midwife Official Location Tour. Whilst the show is set in the East End of London, many of the outside scenes from the BBC series are actually filmed at The Historic Dockyard Chatham in Kent.
Walk in the footsteps of Nurse Trixie Franklin, Sister Julienne and Dr Turner and explore where the real drama happens. You will be guided through the Historic Dockyard by your very own costumed Midwife, armed with a photograph book and tales of their ‘sisters’, before being allowed to explore the sets, costumes and props in the all-new, exclusive gallery.
Film Location Tour
The Film Location walking tour lifts the lid on the secrets of the screen. Venture into areas not open to the public and gain insider knowledge from the Dockyard crew who have worked with the productions. These expert guides will give you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the buildings and surrounding areas that have been transformed into iconic sets and backdrops.
Lady Daphne River Tour
Or, for something completely different, step aboard an historic Thames sailing barge and truly experience the age of sail on a Lady Daphne River Tour. Sailing from Thunderbolt Pier, this stretch of the river oozes with history and there will be plenty to see as the barge sails along the River Medway. The Skipper and crew will share tales from the Dockyard as we sail, using the wind and tide to propel the barge as centuries of sailors experienced in centuries gone by.
You will be invited to lend a hand setting the sails and are welcome to take a turn at the wheel – a rare chance to handle a large vessel under sail. Once aboard, refreshments are available to purchase, including hot and cold drinks, a selection of coastal beers, Kent wines and local spirits.
I hope that’s given you some inspiration for your next trip to Historic Dockyard Chatham. It’s always such a nice day out and somewhere we love to visit every couple of years to see what’s new and to see our favourite things again – the tour of HM Submarine Ocelot will never get boring!
If you’re looking to extend your trip, Bridgewood Manor Hotel & Spa is just a 15 minute drive away and a great place to stay whether travelling as adults only or with the kids. You can read our reviews here:
You can find out more about Historic Dockyard Chatham over on their website and for reference the address is: Main Gate Rd, Chatham ME4 4TZ
