# The Historic Dockyard Chatham — Opening Hours, Reviews & Visitor Info > Step aboard historic naval vessels and discover centuries of British maritime heritage at this working dockyard, where families can explore submarines, warships and interactive exhibits across 80 waterfront acres. Source: https://staycation.co.uk/chatham/attractions/the-historic-dockyard-chatham (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version. Museum # The Historic Dockyard Chatham Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust [View on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=13779379103447871282&g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Photo: [Derek Clarke](https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/112429084915891559772) **In short:** The Historic Dockyard Chatham is a museum in Chatham, rated 4.7 out of 5 from 5,778 Google reviews. Details checked 1 September 2026 · source: Google Places ## About The Historic Dockyard Chatham Step aboard historic naval vessels and discover centuries of British maritime heritage at this working dockyard, where families can explore submarines, warships and interactive exhibits across 80 waterfront acres. ## What's nearby - HMS Ocelot 250m away - Travelodge Chatham Maritime 300m away Distances as the crow flies, via Google ## Good to know ### Parking - ✓Free car park - ✓Paid car park - ✓Free street ### Accessibility - ✓Accessible parking - ✓Accessible entrance - ✓Accessible toilet - ✓Accessible seating Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs. ## Photos Photos via Google ## Facilities Toilets Free Wifi Gift Shop Changing Rooms Onsite Parking Accessible Toilets Baby Changing Food Available Wheelchair Friendly Dog Friendly Pushchair Friendly Card Payments Accepted Wheelchair Hire ## Opening hours **Monday** 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM **Tuesday** 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM **Wednesday** 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM **Thursday** 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM **Friday** 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM **Saturday** 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM **Sunday** 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours. ## What visitors say [Lloyd Murray](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/114121984788667412559/reviews) ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5) The Historic Dockyard Chatham offers an enjoyable day out with a huge amount to see. The sheer scale of the site is impressive, with a wide range of original historic buildings, preserved ships and exhibitions spread across the dockyard. It’s easy to spend several hours exploring without feeling rushed. One of the highlights was being able to go aboard the Second World War destroyer. Unlike some historic ships where access is fairly limited, you can walk through much of the vessel at your own pace, exploring the different decks and compartments. It gives a real appreciation of what life would have been like for the sailors who served on her and makes the experience feel far more immersive. The Victorian Ropery was another standout attraction. The building itself is remarkable, stretching for around a quarter of a mile so full-length ropes could be produced for Royal Navy ships. Seeing the scale of it in person really brings home the importance of the dockyard and the engineering that supported the Royal Navy. There is a good variety of attractions across the site, from naval history and engineering to film and television locations, so there’s something to appeal to a wide range of visitors. The only thing we missed was the submarine. Visiting requires booking a timed slot, and with everything else we wanted to see we didn’t have time to stop and organise one. It didn’t appear to be particularly busy when we were there, so it would have been nice if it had simply operated as a queue-and-board attraction. That said, it wasn’t a major issue and just gives us another reason to return. Overall, The Historic Dockyard Chatham is well worth a visit, particularly if you have an interest in maritime history. There’s plenty to explore, the historic setting is impressive, and being able to step aboard genuine Royal Navy vessels makes for a memorable experience. · via Google [Roger Powell](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/116203347577469763128/reviews) ★★★★★ Very well worth a visit. Very easy entry and loads of parking, masses of room it never felt crowded. The ship exhibits are superb and you get a truly realistic feeling of what it is to be a sailor or submariner. The facilities and staff were faultless. It was all better than expected. Especially enjoyed seeing rope being made. · via Google [Jermaine Rhiti](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/105465092447413558697/reviews) ★★★★★ This was such an interesting place to visit. Plenty to see and good value for money. Not really suitable for people with mobility issues as ships and submarine are confined spaces with steep, narrow steps and ladders. Very educational visit. Several tours available. Good catering facilities (cafe and restaurant). A full day out. Would recommend. · via Google [Satish P](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/102681485201434433180/reviews) ★★★★★ Great day out with kids. Very informative and well illustrated. Huge car park. Used the cover one which is further inside. Parking was free . Had to register the car at the ticket counter. Food options were were decent enough at the cafeteria. Plan to book the Ropery and Submarine visits as you arrive to the 1st counter after the ticket counter. The tickets are valid upto a year if you like to come back. · via Google [See all reviews on Google →](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m4!3m3!1s0x47d8cda8c175cf55:0xbf3a3049ce736f32!9m1!1b1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Visitors say this historic dockyard offers a vast array of exhibits, including preserved ships like HMS Ocelot and HMS Cavalier, and the impressive Victorian Ropery. They also highlight the excellent value, as tickets are valid for a year, and appreciate the friendly, knowledgeable staff. Guests mention the convenient free parking and good food options in the cafes and restaurants. Summary via Google ## At a glance **Address** Main Gate Road, Chatham, ME4 4TZ [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=51.3971021%2C0.5289683) **Category** Museums & Galleries **Guest rating** 4.7 / 5 (5,778 reviews) **Prices from** £27 **Suitable for** All Ages **Setting** Indoor & outdoor **Good for children** Yes **Toilets on site** Yes **Destination** Chatham [More attractions in Chatham](https://staycation.co.uk/chatham/attractions) ★ 4.7 (5,778 reviews) From £27 [Book tickets — from £27](https://www.awin1.com/pclick.php?p=40194033542&a=35498&m=86769) on Lovetovisit — affiliate link [Visit official website](https://thedockyard.co.uk/?utm_source=staycation.co.uk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=attraction) [01634823800](tel:01634823800) (please mention staycation.co.uk when calling) ### Quick Facts **Destination** Chatham **Postcode** ME4 4TZ **Plus Code** 9F329GWH+RH [Directions ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//''/data=!4m7!4m6!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x47d8cda8c175cf55:0xbf3a3049ce736f32!3e0?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [More photos on Google ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x47d8cda8c175cf55:0xbf3a3049ce736f32!10e5?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [Write a review ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x47d8cda8c175cf55:0xbf3a3049ce736f32!12e1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) ### 🏨 Places to stay near Chatham Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com, with live prices. [Check availability →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DChatham%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom) Affiliate link [Hotels →](https://staycation.co.uk/chatham/hotels) [Camping →](https://staycation.co.uk/chatham/camping) ## Quick answers ### What are the opening hours of The Historic Dockyard Chatham? The Historic Dockyard Chatham is open Mon–Sun 10am–5pm (from its Google listing; hours can change on bank holidays, so check before you go). ### Is The Historic Dockyard Chatham any good? The Historic Dockyard Chatham is rated 4.7 out of 5 from 5,778 Google reviews. ### Is The Historic Dockyard Chatham good for children? Yes, The Historic Dockyard Chatham is listed as good for children. ### How long do you need at The Historic Dockyard Chatham? Allow four to five hours. ### Is The Historic Dockyard Chatham indoors or outdoors? The Historic Dockyard Chatham has both indoor and outdoor areas. ### What ages is The Historic Dockyard Chatham suitable for? The Historic Dockyard Chatham suits all ages. ### Is The Historic Dockyard Chatham wheelchair accessible? The Historic Dockyard Chatham has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and an accessible toilet. ### Is there parking at The Historic Dockyard Chatham? Yes: free car park, paid car park and free street parking. ### How do I contact The Historic Dockyard Chatham? Call The Historic Dockyard Chatham on +44 1634 823800. ## Stay near The Historic Dockyard Chatham [Holiday cottages nearby 24](https://staycation.co.uk/near/the-historic-dockyard-chatham/cottages) [Campsites nearby 13](https://staycation.co.uk/near/the-historic-dockyard-chatham/camping) [Hotels and B&Bs nearby 19](https://staycation.co.uk/near/the-historic-dockyard-chatham/hotels) ## More near The Historic Dockyard Chatham ### Hotels & B&Bs nearby - [Travelodge Chatham Maritime Hotel ★ 3.8 · 0.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/chatham/hotels/travelodge-chatham-maritime-hotel) - [Ship & Trades ★ 4.1 · 0.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/rochester/hotels/ship-and-trades) - [King Charles Hotel ★ 3.9 · 0.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/gillingham/hotels/king-charles-hotel) - [Queen Guest House ★ 2.3 · 0.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/gillingham/hotels/queen-guest-house) ### Holiday cottages nearby - [Cottage Annex 1.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/medway/cottages/cottage-annex-uk51138) - [Oakwell Lodge 3.9 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/medway/cottages/oakwell-lodge-uk34094) - [Haymens Wharf 4.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/tonbridge-and-malling/cottages/haymens-wharf-syk1169355) - [Denmark House ★ 5.0 · 4.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/tonbridge-and-malling/cottages/denmark-house-uk42836) ### Campsites nearby - [Waterways Caravan Park ★ 4.5 · 4.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/kent/camping/waterways-caravan-park) - [Overshore Caravan Park ★ 4.5 · 4.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/rochester/camping/overshore-caravan-park) - [Manor Farm Caravan and Camping Park ★ 4.3 · 4.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/margate/camping/manor-farm-caravan-camping-park-birchington) - [Kits Coty Glamping ★ 4.5 · 5.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/maidstone/camping/kits-coty-glamping) ### Things to do nearby - [ODEON Chatham ★ 4.2 · 0.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/chatham/attractions/odeon-chatham) - [Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park Chatham ★ 4.9 · 0.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/chatham/attractions/ninja-warrior-uk-adventure-park-chatham) - [Royal Engineers Museum ★ 4.7 · 0.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/gillingham/attractions/royal-engineers-museum) - [Battle Sector X ★ 4.7 · 0.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/rochester/attractions/battle-sector-x)