There's plenty to do and explore across Medway's heritage sites this Autumn! Take a look below at our list of events...
Medway's Autumn Trails
Following on from the success of our annual Summer Trails, we're excited to be continuing the fun into the next season with our Autumn Trails! Taking place across four spooky sites, the sun might be leaving Medway, but the fun certainly isn't. Take a look at the details for each trail below:
Trails will be taking place during October Half-Term (Monday, 23 October - Sunday, 29 October)
Medieval Storyteller
Gather round, and listen to the tales of old from our Medieval Storyteller! Suitable for all, don't miss the chance to take a trip back in time...
These fascinating folk tales will last approximately 30 minutes and take place in The Chapel.
The Legend of Houdini
Sat, 5 and Sun, 6 Oct, 2.30 and 7pm.
Magician Greg Chapman performs effects and escapes inspired by the most famous illusionist who ever lived and shares the story of his visit to the Medway towns in 1905.
Tickets £14 and are available here. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased by phoning 0333 6663366.
Please note: Eastgate House is a Grade I listed building and there is restricted access for visitors with mobility difficulties. Please call for further advice.
Pumpkin House Trail
Sat, 14 and Sun, 15 Sep; Sat, 21 and Sun, 22 Sep; Sat, 28 and Sun, 29 Sep; Sat, 12 and Sun, 13 Oct and 19 – 27 Oct daily (half term break).
Have fun finding our enchanting pumpkin houses and learn about autumn and harvest traditions from years gone by. FREE with general admission to the house.
Please note: Eastgate House is a Grade I listed building and there is restricted access for visitors with mobility difficulties. Please call for further advice.
An Evening of Classic Ghost Stories
Thu, 31 Oct, Fri, 1 Nov and Sat, 2 Nov, 6.30 & 8pm
Gather round the fire and an enjoy a selection of chilling tales, read for you in the unique setting of this beautiful 16th century mansion. Tickets for this event always sell fast so book early to avoid disappointment.
Tickets £11 available online or from Eastgate House on 01634 332700.
Please note: Eastgate House is a Grade I listed building and there is restricted access for visitors with mobility difficulties. Please call for further advice.
There's plenty of upcoming activities at Upnor Castle this Autumn:
Learn more about Upnor Castle.
Elizabeth I visits Upnor Castle
Sunday, 29 September - 10am to 4pm
Get ready to curtsey! Queen Elizabeth I will be making a special visit to Upnor Castle on Sunday 29 September. Find out why she ordered a castle to be build here and all about life in Elizabethan court. You might find her on her throne in the South Tower, or wandering the castle grounds, so be sure not to miss out.
Normal admission charges apply. English Heritage members £2.
Samuel Pepys at Upnor Castle
Saturday, 5 October - 10am to 4pm
Come and meet one of the great diary writers in history! Samuel Pepys will be making a special visit to Upnor Castle on Saturday, 5 October where he will tell you all about the significant events in 1667 which he wrote about when the Dutch raided the Medway. He might even let you have a go with his ink and quill. Don’t miss out!
Normal admission charges apply. English Heritage members £2.
WW2 Bomb Disposal Squad
Thursday, 24 October - 10am to 4pm
Come & meet Lt Palmer of the Royal Engineers Bomb disposal squad. Handle bombs and hear stories associated with them from actual accounts of the time. Have a go at defusing a bomb and being a child evacuee.
Normal admission charges apply. English Heritage members £2.
Guy Fawkes at Upnor Castle
Saturday, 2 November
Ending the last weekend of the season with a bang! In amongst out gun powder barrels you will find Guy Fawkes on site today. Come and meet him to find out all about his big plot and his plans for 5 November!
Normal admission charges apply. English Heritage members £2.
Rochester Castle's New Arrival
We were thrilled to discover our very own dragon wandering around within our ancient stone walls, its scales glistening in the sunlight. Very approachable and friendly, albeit sometimes a
little lonely. But maybe that’s because we are still trying to figure
out its name. So far we’ve tried Scorch, Flambé, Blaze, Sparkie,
Ember…. and none seem to be right.
If you are visiting Rochester Castle soon and have some suggestions on other names we can try, please share them with us.
Toxic Tales at Rochester Castle
Our smelling stations will give you the chance to step back in time and get an even better sense of what the historic building would have been like…
You will be able to get a whiff of the food store. This was one of the most important rooms in the castle and would have been filled with fish, poultry, cheese, herbs and spices as well as ale
and wine.
Moving on to the chapel, you can expect strong incense smells like myrrh, ambergris, cinnamon, saffron, rosemary and more. This smell sensation is inspired by 11th century medieval
manuscripts.
The last stop is the cess pit, which is definitely one for braver visitors. This is where all of the castle’s waste, both human and animal, would have ended up – so be prepared!
Guildhall Museum
As you climb the grand staircase you’ll come across The Making of Mr Dickens gallery, where you can journey with the great author from his childhood in the Medway area, to becoming the world’s most celebrated writer.
You can discover the sights and sounds of Rochester Castle under siege in 1218 (and then visit the castle itself, which is just over the road).
Your kids will love to step aboard a full-size reconstruction of part of a 18th century Medway prison hulk and even touch a
200,000-year-old axe!
There’s lots to see and do.
