The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Type:Maritime

Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, 1st Floor North, Fitted Rigging House, Anchor Wharf, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4TZ

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Tel01634 823800

Family visiting The Historic Dockyard Chatham with a ship in the background

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About

Discover Chatham's illustrious shipbuilding legacy and transport yourself back to the 'Age of Sail', an era when the Dockyard churned out formidable vessels that asserted dominance over the world's oceans.

A journey to The Historic Dockyard Chatham, hailed as one of the foremost maritime heritage sites in Britain, promises an unforgettable experience.

Embark upon this maritime odyssey - see a Cold War Submarine (HM Submarine OCELOT), a Second World War Destroyer (HMS CAVALIER) and a Victorian Sloop (HMS GANNET).

Explore the acclaimed Command of the Oceans interactive gallery and unravel the mysteries concealed beneath centuries-old ship structures. Envision the relentless crash of the waves while perusing the UK's most extensive assortment of RNLI Historic Lifeboats and immersing yourself in the treasures housed in No. 1 Smithery, which showcases remarkable collections from Royal Museums Greenwich and Imperial War Museums.

Indulge in a firsthand encounter with daily life in a Victorian dockyard and trace the path of the master ropemakers who have meticulously crafted ropes for Britain's ships on the quarter-mile-long ropery since 1618.

Once a clandestine and secure location for generations, the dockyard now welcomes visitors to explore its rich history.

Tickets offer year-long access, granting you a full 12 months to relish the diverse attractions nestled within this remarkable 80-acre estate.

Accessibility is very important at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, please see a detailed guide to accessibility here: https://thedockyard.co.uk/plan-your-visit/accessibility/

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult (valid for 1 year) (on the door)£32.00 per ticket
Child (valid for 1 year) (on the door)£20.00 per ticket
Family (valid for 1 year) (on the door)£85.00 per ticket
Online Adult (valid for 1 year)£28.50 per ticket
Online Child (valid for 1 year)£18.00 per ticket
Online Family (valid for 1 year)£77.00 per ticket

Carer (with ID) FREE- with 1 paying ticket

Facilities

Accessibility - Food and Drink

  • Dietary requirements catered for - A selection of food is offered for a range of dietary requirements. 
  • Quieter table  - A table located in a quieter area is available, where noise is minimised. 
  • Table service as standard or on request   - Table service is available as standard or on request. 
  • Wheelchair-accessible food and beverage outlet - There is at least one wheelchair-accessible food and beverage outlet on site.  

Accessibility - General

  • Additional detailed accessibility information:
  • Changing Places toilet - There is a Changing Places toilet, which includes an adult size changing bench, toilet, sink and hoist.  
  • Designated quiet space or room - A designated quiet space or room is available. 
  • Designated quiet times - Designated quiet times, during which noise levels are reduced to meet the needs of people with sensory sensitivities e.g. autistic visitors, are available. 
  • Disability awareness / equality training - Disability awareness / equality training is provided for staff. 
  • Emergency evacuation plan for disabled people - Personal or General Emergency Evacuation Plans are in place for disabled customers. 
  • Enclosed outdoor area - There is an enclosed outdoor area for customer use. 
  • Fast-track queuing - Fast-track queuing is available for disabled customers.  
  • Lift  - There are lift(s) available.  An evacuation chair should also be available in case of emergency.
  • Map / floorplan showing accessibility facilities - A map or floorplan showing accessibility facilities is available.  
  • Seating at regular intervals - Seating is available at regular intervals.  
  • Step-free access to all or most areas - There is step-free access to all or most areas. This may include access by ramp or lift. As a minimum, there is step-free access to an accessible toilet and at least one food and beverage outlet, where available. 
  • Step-free entrance - There is step-free access at the main entrance or an alternative entrance. This may be via a ramp or lift. 
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet in public areas - A designated accessible toilet designed for wheelchair users, and others with visible and non-visible accessibility requirements, is available within the main public areas. 
  • Wheelchair-accessible viewing area - A wheelchair-accessible viewing area with step-free access is available providing an optimal vantage-point to view performances, presentations or activities. 

Accessibility - Parking

  • Designated accessible parking is available within 50 metres of the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance if applicable.
  • Step-free route with firm surface from car park to entrance - There is a step-free route with a firm surface from the parking to the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance. 

Catering

  • On-Site cafe/restaurant/catering
  • Picnic area

Children & Infants

  • Baby changing facilities

Establishment Features

  • Dogs Accepted
  • Shop
  • Toilets
  • Wireless internet (WiFi) connection available

Key Features

  • Smoking Areas Available

Parking & Transport

  • Coach Parking
  • On site parking
  • Parking (free)

Payment Methods

  • Cash Accepted
  • Cheques accepted
  • Credit cards accepted (no fee)
  • Groups Accepted

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Educational Visits Accepted

Travel & Trade

  • Group Discount

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Please use postcode ME4 4TY.

Follow the Brown tourist signs (anchor) from Junctions 1, 3 and 4 of the M2 and Junction 6 of the M20.

We have plenty of car parking spaces with no height restrictions. Motorhomes are welcome but please note that these cannot be parked overnight.

There are dedicated parking bays for Blue Badge Holders and EV charging points available.

Public Transport Directions

The Historic Dockyard Chatham's nearest train station is Chatham Station which is regularly served by Southeastern High Speed travelling to/from London St Pancras as well as regular services via London Victoria and Charing Cross.

The Historic Dockyard is served by a number of local bus services currently operated by Arriva buses.

For up-to-date information on local buses please visit the Arriva website and enter ‘Chatham Historic Dockyard’ as your destination.

Opening Times

10am – 4pm. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays in February and March 2026 (excluding February Half Term). (12 Feb 2026 - 28 Mar 2026)
10am – 5pm (Apr – Oct) | 10am – 4pm (Nov). Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays from September to November 2026 (excluding October Half Term). (1 Apr 2026 - 15 Nov 2026)