Stories
Stories, conversations, and reflections on the people and places of Medway.
Eating in Rochester High Street
This guide brings together current independent places to eat that we love. From early morning coffees to lingering dinners all chosen for atmosphere, consistent quality and a genuine sense of place.
A Quiet Walk Through Rochester
A gentle circular walk through quiet streets, green spaces and river views, revealing how Rochester fits together beyond the High Street.
Rochester High Street
Rochester’s Historic High Street blends independent shops, major landmarks, and everyday local life within one of England’s most enduring historic streets.
The Mausoleum in the Woods
Deep within Cobham Woods, a quiet path leads to an unexpected monument. A neoclassical mausoleum that stands as the last visible trace of a vanished estate.
A Morning Ritual at St Andrews Lakes
A morning at St Andrews Lakes wellness centre near Halling, where sauna heat, cold water plunges and lakeside stillness form a simple ritual to begin the day.
Inside Cobham Hall: The Storied Interiors of a Kentish Masterpiece
Glimpse inside Cobham Hall, one of Kent’s grandest historic homes. Its interiors reveal centuries of artistry, aristocracy and quietly magnificent craftsmanship.
London to Rochester: A Calm Riverside Day Trip
A surprisingly easy day trip from London to a compact historic town where river, cathedral and High Street sit within minutes of the station.
A Walk Through Cobham: Church, Hall and Woods
A quiet, just over one hour walk, linking Cobham village, estate landscape and woodland, ending where church and pub have anchored local life for centuries.
Where the Tide Sets the Pace
A slow walk through Riverside Country Park, Medway. An unhurried estuary walk between Gillingham and Rainham, shaped by tidal rhythms, birdlife, and the simple pleasure of being outdoors.
Pie & Mash in Rochester: A Tradition That Endures
A place-led look at Cathedral Pie House on Rochester High Street and the enduring tradition of pie and mash in southeast England.
The Leather Bottle of Cobham: A Village Inn with Centuries of Stories
A character-filled coaching inn, in Cobham, The Leather Bottle has welcomed travellers, locals and literary legends for over 400 years. Loved by Charles Dickens, it brims with old-world charm.
Analogue Music is a Vinyl Collectors Paradise
A wonderful place to spend a few hours browsing and finding a new addition to your record collection. Our tips is: get to know the owners... they know their music!
Store 104, Rochester: Where Books, Coffee and Community Meet
Store 104 on Rochester High Street blends books, coffee and yarns within a listed building. Rooted in local history it carries forward the creative legacy of Frances Iles Art Gallery.
The Wooden Mouse: Craft and Restoration on Rochester High Street
A visit inside The Wooden Mouse on Rochester High Street, where French polishing, upholstery and furniture restoration are taught in a working workshop behind the shopfront.