The great keep of Rochester Castle towers over the River Medway and by its side, an inseparable twin, the magnificent cathedral shares and dominates the skyline.

Rochester Castle is known as one of the best preserved and finest examples of Norman architecture in England. Its great keep; square, massive and one of the tallest in the country, measures 113 feet high, 70 feet square and has walls 12 feet thick in places.

The castle has had a chequered history, having been three times subjected to siege and was partly demolished in 1215 by King John, who gained entry by undermining the south-west tower, using the fat from 40 pigs to set fire to the pit props. Today, visitors can see the rebuilt round tower, contrasting with the square towers of the original Norman castle.

Please note: queuing may be necessary at busy times due to the restricted capacity of the castle.