With the Great British summer you never know whether it’s going to rain or shine but what better way to cool off or shelter from a shower than aboard a historic warship or inside a vast, ¼ mile long working ropery – all part of The Historic Dockyard Chatham’s sensational summer adventures.
Ready for fun with Doc Yard’s Summer Show?
A day at the Dockyard lets younger visitors get hands on with history with free activities running throughout the school holidays.
In an all-new interactive performance complete with live science experiments, scientist Doc. Yard, along with able assistant Bunsen, investigate how forces shaped the Dockyard (31 July – 30 August). After taking part, young visitors will leave being able to answer questions like ‘How can a ship weighing thousands of tonnes float on water?’ and ‘Which falls faster a feather or a hammer?’
Mission Explore: Climb the Ranks (available daily), is a new and exciting challenge-based programme inviting children of all ages to join the Chatham crew as a Cadet and progress through the ranks to Admiral. At the end of the season, one lucky family will win an exclusive tour with real-life Admiral of the Fleet, Sir Trevor Soar’s on warship HM Submarine Ocelot.
Get set to discover fascinating history …
Visitors of all ages can savour the bygone age of steam when beautiful historic locomotives run through the ‘yard on special Railway Days (24 – 25 July & 28 – 30 August). Visitors can get up close to demonstration freight trains including steam locomotive ‘Ajax’ and diesel locomotives ‘Rochester Castle’ and ‘Overlord’ for the perfect photo opportunity.
Hidden Heroines: the untold stories of the women of the Dockyard, brings together a fascinating collection of stories, objects and photographs for the first time. The temporary exhibition celebrates extraordinary women in Chatham Dockyard’s history who campaigned for change, fought against the odds and whose impact left a lasting legacy (open daily until 31 October).
A visit to the 400-year-old Ropery, described as ‘breathtaking’ by a recent guest, is a must. Learn about the ancient art of ropemaking on the ¼ mile long double ropewalk on a 30-minute Ropery Experience (bookable on arrival) and watch the skilled Master Ropemakers demonstrate their craft (select days only).
Go on a voyage of discovery onboard three historic warships …
After closures due to COVID restrictions, the Dockyard’s three magnificent historic warships, HMS Ocelot, a Cold War Submarine; Second World War Destroyer HMS Cavalier and HMS Gannet, a Victorian Sloop, are now fully open.
Pay once, free for a year
With 80 acres to explore, the Dockyard provides a safe and fun environment for all visitors and as tickets are valid for a whole year, there’s no need to tackle everything in one visit.
Whilst England has reached Stage 4 of the Government’s COVID recovery plan and many rules have been relaxed, the threat of the virus remains high. Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust has a duty of care to keep all users of the Historic Dockyard safe. There are several safety measures that the Trust has chosen to keep in place to help mitigate risk and ensure everyone has a safe but enjoyable visit to the Historic Dockyard. Visitors are advised to read the ‘know before you go’ information on thedockyard.co.uk for the latest updates.
For more information and to book a visit see: thedockyard.co.uk
ENDS
