Step back in time in historic Rochester, famous for its connections with the author Charles Dickens. Rochester has maintained much of its Victorian charm and is packed with independent specialty shops where you can uncover unusual gifts or souvenirs to take home.

There are plenty of places to eat and drink, from quaint old-world hostelries to modern bistros, cafes, and bars serving homemade dishes and lunches at great prices. On the third Sunday of each month, you can buy seasonal products direct from farmers and producers at the Rochester Farmers' Market.

On the second Saturday of each month, the Rochester Artisan Market takes place, offering a wide variety of homemade crafts, works of art and collectibles. And, not to be missed at the end of the year, get in the festive mood by visiting the Rochester Christmas Market at the castle.  For more information on the shopping in Rochester, go to the Visit Rochester website.

Chatham is in the heart of Medway and is the largest of its shopping towns. The pedestrianised high street and the Pentagon Shopping Centre boast hundreds of household and independent retailers. The Central and Brook theatres in Chatham offer an exciting range of shows for all the family. Just a short stroll from the Pentagon Shopping Centre is Chatham Intra, an interesting creative and cultural section of Chatham where you can discover historic buildings and plenty of trendy places to eat and drink.

Getting to Chatham by public transportation couldn't be easier. Chatham Waterfront Bus Station is right outside the Pentagon and regular bus services link Chatham to the other retail centres in Medway.

The town centre of Gillingham at the heart of the local community host twice-weekly markets on Mondays and Saturdays. Strood and Rainham are also busy local high streets shopping areas.

Popular retailers and a wide range of different eateries can also be found at Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre in Gillingham and Dockside Outlet Shopping Centre at Chatham Maritime.

Our top things to see & do

There are plenty of things to see and do when visiting Medway. Here you can discover the area's military and maritime past, follow in the footsteps of Charles Dickens, or explore our heritage sites and museums.