First time visiting the Chatham Historic Dockyard? This practical guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, parking, accessibility and how to get there.
Brief overview of the Chatham Historic Dockyard
Spanning 80 acres, the Chatham Historic Dockyard in Kent preserves 400 years of maritime heritage. Highlights include three historic ships, HMS Gannet, HMS Cavalier and HM Submarine Ocelot, as well as interactive galleries, the working Victorian Ropery, and seasonal hands-on exhibits.
TV viewers may recognise it from BBC series Call The Midwife, and you can visit as part of a Call The Midwife filming locations tour.
How to get to the Chatham Historic Dockyard
By car: Use the postcode ME4 4TE. The site is just off Junction 2 of the M2. Visitor parking is free and signposted on arrival.
By train: Chatham station is the nearest. It is a 35 to 40 minute walk or a short taxi ride from there.
By bus: Multiple local bus routes serve the dockyard area; check bus maps or local travel planners on the Arriva site for your best options. However, the 101 service is usually the best bet for connecting Chatham Station to the Chatham Historic Dockyard.
Opening hours of Chatham Historic Dockyard
Opening hours (typical seasonal times)
- Winter (February to March, or late autumn): Open daily, 10:00 to 16:00. Galleries start closing at 15:30.
- Main season (late March to late October): Open daily, 10:00 to 17:00.
Opening dates and hours vary, and the site may close on selected dates – particularly on Mondays outside of the summer months. Arrive before 15:00 for a full day experience.
The Historic Dockyard is closed between mid-November and mid-February.
Chatham Historic Dockyard ticket prices
Ticket prices (valid for 12 months, online vs on-site)
- Adult (16+): £28.50 online • £32 on the door.
- Child (4–15 years): £16 online • £18 on the door; under-4s free.
- Small Family (1 adult + up to 3 children): £64 online • £70 on the door.
- Medium Family (2 adults + 2 children): £76 online • £84 on the door.
- Large Family (2 adults + 3 children): £87 online • £98 on the door.
- Carer: Disabled visitors pay normal price and one carer (with ID) enters free.
Medway residents claiming Universal or Pension Credit may access a limited number of £2 tickets per person (book in advance with proof).
Why book the Call the Midwife Location Tour in Chatham?
- ⏱ Lasts approximately 90 minutes — perfect for fans wanting a quick, immersive experience
- 🚶 Walking tour of real filming locations around Chatham Historic Dockyard, led by a guide dressed as a midwife
- 🎬 Includes access to the dockyard’s props and costumes exhibition with authentic memorabilia from the show
- 🌊 Explore the Historic Dockyard Chatham, an 80-acre museum that doubles as 1950s East London in the series
- 👥 Small-group format with a maximum of 26 travellers for a personal and informative experience
- ⭐ Highly rated with an average of 4.5 stars from over 500 reviews
Parking at Chatham Historic Dockyard
Parking on site is free and available for all visitors across a large area. The car park surface is loose chippings or gravel.
Accessible parking is provided with Blue Badge bays near the entrance. A drop-off point and ramped, step-free paths lead to the main entrance.
Accessibility and visitor facilities
The dockyard has taken considerable efforts to accommodate a range of needs. Facilities include:
- Manual wheelchairs available for loan from admissions (booking ahead advised).
- Electric buggy available for emergency use (staff-operated).
- Ramped entrance with handrail, induction hearing loop at ticket counter, and accessible toilets nearby.
- Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the site.
- An AccessAble guide gives detailed information on accessibility in specific areas of the site. However, most of it accessible to most wheelchair users.
- Visitor facilities include café/restaurant, gift shop, picnic areas and accessible paths through gardens and attractions.
FAQ: Practical questions
- Are the paths wheelchair-friendly? You will find mostly level access with some uneven surfaces due to historic paving. Wheelchairs are available to borrow.
- Is there accessible parking? Yes. Blue Badge parking is available close to the entrance, with step-free access.
- Can I bring my own food? Yes. Picnic areas are provided and you may bring your own food. There is also an on-site café.
- When is it quietest? Arriving earlier in the day and during weekdays or outside school holidays generally means fewer crowds.
- Do I need to book online? Booking online typically gives a better price and guarantees a ticket, but walk-up entry is still possible subject to availability.
- Are dogs allowed? Assistance dogs are welcome; other dogs should be checked with staff on arrival.
Other attractions in Kent worth considering include Leeds Castle, Dover Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Hever Castle and Chartwell.
