Out and about around Rochester

As part of the Medway Towns it is easy to navigate your way around Rochester and surrounding area on foot or by using the extensive public transport links.

Sitting in the River Medway area of Kent, Rochester is only 20 minutes away from Ebbsfleet International train station and less than 50 minutes by train from London. The UCA campus is a five or ten minute walk from both Chatham and Rochester train stations with direct links to London and the North Kent coast. Visit National Rail Enquiries for more details.

Chatham bus depot services routes around the Medway Towns and further afield such as Maidstone and Bluewater shopping centre. For more information visit Medway Council's bus service.

Rochester to Europe

Ebbsfleet International station is just 20 minutes away by car, making it easy to visit the continent.

• Ebbsfleet International to Paris takes 2 hours 5 minutes
• Ebbsfleet International to Brussels 1 hour 41 minutes
• Ebbsfleet International to Lille 1 hour 10 minutes.

Visit Eurostar for more information.

Chatham

Moored alongside Rochester, Chatham is home to the Historic Dockyard, a stunning 80 acre site with over 100 buildings of international maritime heritage, historic ships, museums and galleries. With growing numbers of pubs and restaurants, the new Dockside, Chatham is often regarded as the hub of Medway, thanks to the growing student population. In the heart of Chatham, the Pentagon shopping centre has nearly 100 shops, restaurants and a bowling alley all under one roof. Argos, Debenhams, Primark and TK Maxx are all on the high street.

Strood

Home to Medway Valley Park, an excellent entertainment area with a nine screen multiplex cinema, a nightclub, restaurants and a leisure complex. The centre has a small range of shops and a traditional market is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays offering a wide range of quality goods.

Gillingham

Famous for its football club, Gillingham FC, the town has a small selection of shops and a street market on Mondays and Saturdays. In Upper Gillingham you'll find lots of tree-lined streets and a golf course.

Rainham

Rainham has many places to eat and drink, from family-friendly pubs with gardens to modern cafés providing al fresco dining. In the heart of Rainham you'll find a selection of shops serving the day-to-day needs of the local community including family-run fishmongers, grocers and bakers. There is also a speciality food market held twice a year in the Rainham shopping centre.

Cast your net wider

If you like farmers' markets, outside shopping and shopping malls, Bromley South is a good bet and only half an hour away by train. Royal Tunbridge Wells is one of the most beautiful Georgian spa towns in Kent with boutiques and shops in The Pantiles. Maidstone is only half an hour away and has a stunning array of shops, bars and clubs.