A former warehouse for storing goods offloaded from the quays at Rochester docks, this theatre is a…read morelittle gem. Run by a dedicated Committee, it produces and presents around 6 shows a year and also hosts the Duncan Rand One-Act play festival; an opportunity for guest companies to present one-act plays in this theatre as part of an evening of entertainment. It's bijou, seating 100, but perfectly equipped.

The Central Theatre is Chatham's number one choice for theatregoer's…read more It has a great selection of musicals, plays and shows showing for the whole Season. There are even household names appearing on special occasions to mark the start of their tours at times. One example of this is Derren Brown who will be appearing at The Central Theatre in April 2009. Aside from the main function of the theatre there is also a cinema available in which there is often a afternoon matinee (perfect for the kids). So if you missed that film you wanted to see at the cinema, you may get the chance to see it here. They also have a sandwich bar if you get peckish.

A large local Theatre, that has lots of good musicaL shows,…read more as well as comedy and sone plays that have not got any music. They also have a nice Restaurant on site.

Maidstone's cultural nexus. Hosts touring productions of plays as well as exhibitions and stand-up…read morebut never seems to get any big acts booked, in either the intellectual or celebrity sense. The Hazlitt's bread and butter though is music acts like A Tribute to the Eagles or The Real Shalamar coupled with panto at Christmas. It hasn't got much competition and could take definitely a few more artistic risks but a town like Maidstone gets the theatre it deserves.

I remember watching a movie a while back about how King John, after signing, and then ripping up,…read morethe Magna Carta, laid siege to this castle. I don't think it has been repaired since (though I think there are other reasons it is in the state it is in). It is one of William's castles, namely because they all pretty much look the same. It is still cool to go in and explore, and even though it is ruined, there is still a lot to check out here.

One of my favorite castle ruins, the imposing Rochester Castle, a mighty Norman tower-keep of…read moreKentish ragstone standing 113 feet, was built c. 1127 by William of Corbeil, Archbishop of Canterbury. It stands on the east bank of the River Medway. Rochester is the tallest keep (central tower) in England and has been the commanding presence of the city and river crossing for over nine centuries. The castle and keep take up half of the Roman-built walled city. From the 12th into the 14th centuries Rochester Castle played an important role in defending against invasion and uprising threats. After falling into disrepair, King Edward III reconstructed the castle and it was fully functional by 1400. Over the next three centuries it was, once again, neglected and vandalized until the city took command of the property. Though the castle's center wooden flooring no longer exists there are passageways and stairs that carry visitors to the top of the keep, offering impressive views in all directions. The English Heritage now has responsibility for preservation and its doors are open to the public. This castle is a must see when visting the South of England.

The Sweeps Festival takes place in Rochester over the May Day weekend. It is based on a time…read moreseveral hundred years ago where children were used as chimney sweeps. The festival recreates this era and the the time enjoyed by the sweeps at their annual festival. The festival is a mix of music, entertainment, Morris dancing, street entertainers and more. As with the Dickens Festival, it takes place in the centre of historic Rochester and the atmosphere is great.

A fantastic folk festival in Rochester. Gets very busy. Morris dancers galore and plenty of music…read moretoo. The beer festival put on during the event is well worth a visit. Plenty of food and drink available throughout the town as well as many shopping opportunities at the Festival stalls and High Street shops.