Set sail on a voyage of discovery through the Age of Sail at Kent’s leading maritime destination.
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Explore this award-winning maritime heritage destination with the largest concentration of iconic buildings, historic ships, museum galleries and attractions in the UK. In a partnership with Imperial War Museums and Royal Museums Greenwich, the brilliant No.1 Smithery displays world class maritime treasures and a changing programme of exhibitions.
The reviews are in and this year's Mission Christmas honorary elves know what they're talking about.
If you too would like to giggle your way around Mission Christmas: The Clausometer Catastrophe, it's not too late: https://bit.ly/CHDT_Mission_Christmas_2023
This month's Warship Wednesday looks at HMS ROYAL OAK (1862). This fascinating ship's story encapsulates the Royal Navy's move away from wooden ships towards iron-clad vessels.
HMS ROYAL OAK and other iron-clad ships were introduced as a direct response to the threat from France. In 1850 the Royal Navy’s line-of-battle ship remained unaltered from those of centuries ago. The world changed with the introduction of steam power and shell fire.
In March 1858, the world’s first sea going steam powered Ironclad were ordered by the French Navy. Of the four ships of the 1st Group, three were wooden-hulled ironclad. LA GLOIRE was the first to be completed, with armour between 4.3 – 4.7 inches thick, backed by 26 inches of timber. The fourth ship built was an iron-hulled Ironclad.
The ordering of these ships gave rise to the “1858 Naval Scare”, the design of RN ships of the line had become obsolete. A Parliamentary Committee was formed to assess relative naval strengths of Britain and France.
It was decided that a further programme of wooden ships-of-the line would be put in hand; only those completed as Ironclads would ever be put to sea. A year later in 1859, the Navy suspended the building of all-timber ships in favour of iron-clad ships.
The first sea-going British ironclads were ordered and built in commercial shipyards. The first two were WARRIOR and BLACK PRINCE completed in 1861 and 1862 respectively followed by a further four ships.
In May 1861, the Controller of the Navy proposed that the timbers of some of the wooden line-ships that had had their construction suspended later to be completed as wooden-hulled iron-clads. HMS ROYAL OAK was one of those ships that mid-build was converted into an ironclad from a wooden ship of the line. She would become the Navy’s seventh iron-clad ship.
She was the first British wooden-hulled ironclad warship. The original design for the ship was a 2nd rate, 91-gun, ship of the line.
It's your final opportunity to WIN tickets to Mission Christmas: The Clausometer Catastrophe on Thursday 21st December.
Jingle the elf is still up to mischief around The Dockyard but can you guess where? 🧭
To enter:
✨ Comment on this post telling us where Jingle is in The Dockyard
✨ Like The Historic Dockyard Chatham page
Don't forget to tag who you would bring with you to Mission Christmas the Clausometer Catastrophe.
Good Luck! 🍀
🔴 Tickets are for one family on Thursday 21st December 2023 at 4pm. The session is non-transferable.
Competition closes on Monday 11th December 23.59. One lucky winner will be chosen at random from all eligible entries. The Historic Dockyard Chatham will reply directly to the winner.
https://bit.ly/CHDT_Mission_Christmas_2023
Now that alleyway looks a little familiar 😍
Not long to wait until Call the Midwife is back on our screens. You know where to find us on Christmas Day... 📺🍿
Behind the Scenes on the Call the Midwife Christmas Special: Summer to Winter ☀️🕶️❄️☃️
Filming for this year's Christmas Special took place in late spring and early summer. And like every year before it, the episode brought its own particular challenges. The weather was an important factor in this year's story, and so the exterior conditions really had to match the plot, no matter how warm and sunny the weather might have been on on the day. And it was VERY warm!!
A most obvious impediment for our actors and supporting artistes on the day was that they had to wear many layers of winter clothing in hot conditions. Sorry team! But to make exterior scenes truly authentic, that was only a part of it...
In this age of CGI special effects, there might be a tendency to think that miracles can be achieved in a TV scene with just a click of the fingers. But that's not the case. Such effects are expensive and laborious, and best used sparingly. The snowy exteriors of streets, not to mention winter mists coming in off the Thames, still require work on the day to achieve the required atmosphere.
This photograph shows the team setting up for a major street sequence in the Historic Dockyard at Chatham, Kent. The sky is clear and sunny as you can see, but large areas of the street have been 'winterised'. So effective was this transformation that the experience of walking onto the set was quite disconcerting, as actor Stephen McGann (Dr Turner) explained:
"I was called to set from a wonderful sunny morning, and then turned the corner to find I was in a cold December day! The effects were amazing. My brain took a few moments to adjust to what my eyes were seeing - like waking up six months later! It was easy to perform winter that day, as the whole place looked absolutely freezing!"
Filming that day was a great success, and we can't wait to show you the results. Without revealing any details of the story, we can tell you that our Nonnatun team have a lot more on their minds than the weather...
Call the Midwife returns this festive season with a brand new Christmas Special xx
Today marks the 71st anniversary of the Dock Road tragedy that saw a group of 52 young cadets hit by a double decker bus.
Out of the 52 boys, 24 were killed with 17 boys dying at the scene. A further 18 cadets sustained injuries.
The company of cadets aged between 9 and 13 years were local to The Historic Dockyard Chatham. On the evening they were walking from their base at the Melville Barracks in Gillingham to the then Royal Naval Barracks at Chatham for a boxing match.
The incident was the result of poor street lighting and the bus driving in the dark with only side lights instead of full headlights.
As a direct result of the tragedy, Medway Towns made wide-reaching improvements in street lighting. Additionally, all three military services brought in a policy that required a red light to be shown at the rear of any group marching in public at night.
For over twenty years, it was the highest loss of life in any road accident in British history.
A commemorative service is held every year to remember the boys that lost their lives during this tragic incident.
Another brilliant weekend of Mission Christmas: The Clausometer Catastrophe completed.
Make sure you join in the festive fun. Full information available on the website: https://bit.ly/CHDT_Mission_Christmas_2023
HM Submarine OCELOT was the last the last warship built at Chatham for the Royal Navy.
Launched in 1962, OCELOT was one of 57 submarines built between 1908 and 1966 and served during the Cold War in the Arctic, Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean and Baltic Seas.
Back in early Autumn, HMS GANNET underwent some renovation to her deck.
Dave and the ship's team replaced a number of planks with wood that was ethically sourced from Honduras. The wood used was over 110 years old (nearly as old as GANNET herself!)
To ensure that she is water-tight the gaps between the planks was filled with hot pitch.
With thanks to Davey & Co for their assistance supplying the tradition resources used in this project.
Welcome to a snowy December! It's starting to feel a lot like Christmas with all this beautiful snow! ❄️🎄
Two weeks until the Carol Service at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.
Have you bought your ticket for the most festive evening in The Dockyard calendar? Join us for carols, music, readings, and mulled wine.
The Royal Dockyard Church will provide the perfect setting for a Mulled Wine Reception from 18.30 before the Service commences at 19:30.
✨ https://bit.ly/CHDT_CarolService2023
Discover the secrets of Mission Christmas: The Clausometer Catastrophe. 🎄
Step in to Father Christmas' hidden substation at The Historic Dockyard Chatham where your group will be in the centre of the story to help Mrs Clause save Christmas from Catastrophe.
Meet Father Christmas in his private study for a chance to have a photo and tell him your Christmas wish. 🎅🎁
✨ Book online for Mission Christmas: The Clausometer Catastrophe is essential.
https://bit.ly/CHDT_Mission_Christmas_2023
**Competition Closed**
It's that time again for cheeky Jingle to rope us all in and guess where he is at The Historic Dockyard. ⚓
For your chance to WIN a family ticket to Mission Christmas: The Clausometer Catastrophe you need to guess where our favourite elf is dressed as a reindeer and having fun with his sledge.
To enter:
✨ Comment on this post telling us where Jingle is in The Dockyard
✨ Like The Historic Dockyard Chatham page
Don't forget to tag who you would bring with you to Mission Christmas the Clausometer Catastrophe.
Good Luck! 🍀
Competition closes on Monday 5th December 23.59. One lucky winner will be chosen at random from all eligible entries. The Historic Dockyard Chatham will reply directly to the winner.
https://bit.ly/CHDT_Mission_Christmas_2023
Today celebrates the vital role of retail in helping arts, cultural and heritage venues to survive and thrive.
Here at The Historic Dockyard, we are fortunate to not only have our main shop located by the visitor entrance that sells a selection of nautical themed gifts and keepsakes. We also have the oldest rope making facility in the UK.
At the heart of The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Master Ropemakers maintains a process of ropemaking that dates back on this site for more than 400 years.
The Ropery Shop gives you opportunity to take a piece of history home and purchase a special gift handmade by our master craftsmen and women? Every purchase made helps to keep the Ropery alive.
The main Dockyard shop is only open during Mission Christmas: The Clausometer Catastrophe until we reopen in February.
The Ropery shop is open up to 15th December, access is through the Main Gate entrance.
This afternoon, our CEO Richard, stopped by to visit Father Christmas in his study.
After a friendly chat, Richard was checking to see if he made it on to this year's Nice List. He was also able to ask Father Christmas for a new ship but failing that socks would do nicely.
Father Christmas has been busy meeting families in his new study here at The Dockyard. This is where your family group will meet him and get chance to have a chat and a photo in private.
Mission Christmas: The Clausometer Catastrophe is booking up, so don't miss out: https://bit.ly/CHDT_Mission_Christmas_2023
And we're off!
Mission Christmas has launched for 2023. 🚀
Join us before Christmas Eve to take part in an immersive Christmas adventure that puts your group at the heart of the story.
NEW story for 2023: Mrs Claus needs your help to save Christmas and solve the mystery of the missing clausometer.
🎅 Your visit ends with a private audience with Father Christmas himself. Your family group will have the chance to chat with Father Christmas in his study, receive a wrapped present per child, one printed photo of your group.
This weekend only - enjoy 30% off tickets with code MCBF23
👉 Book now: https://bit.ly/CHDT_Mission_Christmas_2023
BLACK FRIDAY OFFERS ⚓
This Black Friday, our ticket and experience offers are making waves.
30% OFF available on:
• Mission Christmas: The Clausometer Catastrophe (25 & 26 November only) - code MCBF23
• Wreath Making Workshop - code CWBF23
• Call the Midwife Official Location Tours - code CTMBF23
• Gift Vouchers - code ATBF23
A great opportunity to start shopping for Christmas presents or perfect stocking fillers.
Now this update is geared to those with a wheelie good interest in heritage bikes. 🚲
Don't worry, we don't think we can torque the talk for much longer. We're two tired to keep this up so will break the cycle now.
Without further ado... we are delighted to reveal this recently restored women's bicycle from the 1940's. The voluntary service here at The Dockyard lead by Andrew, have done a beautiful job stripping the frame back to bare metal and respraying it.
The bike will be used on the historic Ropewalk. Previously, modern bikes were used to quickly move around the 1/4 mile walk.
What style of Christmas Wreath would you make?
Come along to a Christmas Wreath workshop and bring your wreath making ideas. You'll have the opportunity to chose your colour scheme, get creative, and learn how to make a unique festive wreath to hang proudly on your door.
Join the Master Ropemakers in the festive surrounds of Commissioner’s House on Sunday 26 November or Sunday 3 December or Sunday 10 December.
Full information and to book: https://bit.ly/CHDTWreathWorkshop
**Competition Closed**
Jingle (and his giant duck) is up to his antics again and it's your turn to WIN a family ticket to Mission Christmas: The Clausometer Catastrophe.
Can you guess where he has docked this time at The Historic Dockyard?
To enter:
✨ Comment on this post telling us where Jingle is in The Dockyard
✨ Like The Historic Dockyard Chatham page
Don't forget to tag who you would bring with you to Mission Christmas the Clausometer Catastrophe.
Good Luck! 🍀
Competition closes on Monday 27th November 23.59. One lucky winner will be chosen at random from all eligible entries. The Historic Dockyard Chatham will reply directly to the winner.
It's official - the Learning Team here at The Historic Dockyard Chatham have received their Sandford Award.
Education is integral to everything that we do here at The Dockyard. Whilst visits from schools, colleges, and universities are a large part of the educational provision, we also strive to engage with families, local community, and special interest groups.
Thanks to Hampton Court Palace for hosting the awards, and to Tracy Borman for the wonderful job of presenting our team their award.
To read all about The Historic Dockyard Chatham's recognition, please head to our website: https://bit.ly/3tbCG9V
That’s a wrap. 🎬
Today was the last day of operations for our attractions, café, and shop. The Dockyard is now closed for the Winter season and will reopen in February 2024.
These are just a few of the faces that you may have seen during your visit(s) this year. Each and every one has helped to make The Historic Dockyard Chatham the engaging and friendly place it is to visit.
Thank you to all of our staff and volunteers (both front of house and behind the scenes) that help to keep this magnificent ship afloat.
And of course, thank you to every single one of our visitors, whether you stepped through our doors to explore our naval history or have a cup of coffee in The Mess Deck through to those of you that have engaged with us online via our website or social channels. We hope that you have enjoyed your time and learned something new.
Please let us know what has been your favourite part of the 2023 season. Did Monsters of the Deep inspire you or did you get swept up in the music and dancing of Salute to the 40s? Drop a comment below and share your favourite memories.
If we don’t see you for Mission Christmas: The Clausometer Catastrophe, be sure to stop by in 2024- we’d love to see you. ⚓️
Today is International Men's Day.
During the week, we marked the day with a number of activities open to all of our staff and volunteers. The aim of the activities was to not only make a positive difference to the wellbeing, health and lives of men and boys but also promoting a positive conversation about men, manhood and masculinity.
The day's activities included circuit making, creative interactive art installation, techniques for mindfulness, and a photography workshop.
The circuit proved to be a particular hit and one that tested many minds.
Thank you to all those that stopped by during the day. We hope you benefitted from the day's activities.
With thanks to Men in Sheds Medway, Sunlight Centre, Angela, George, and Peter for your support with the day's programme.
The Historic Dockyard Chatham recently participated in the Brompton Lightspaces parade (part of the Electric Medway Festival).
The Dockyard proudly showcased our mesmerising Monsters of the Deep-inspired lanterns, which were skilfully crafted in collaboration with Intra Arts.
The parade started from outside the Dockyard Main Gate and was led by the community group The Wave, from Mrs Baker’s Theatre Company accompanied by The Dockyard's sea creature lanterns, including Salamis the Sea Serpent.
Don't miss the last two days of Monsters of the Deep exhibition. It is only open until the end of Sunday 19 November. Included in the standard Dockyard ticket.
Black Friday offers have launched at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.
Start shopping for Christmas presents or perfect stocking fillers with our 30% discounts on Dockyard tickets and experiences:
• Mission Christmas: The Clausometer Catastrophe (25 & 26 November only) - code MCBF23
• Wreath Making Workshop - code CWBF23
• Call the Midwife Official Location Tours - code CTMBF23
• Gift Vouchers - code ATBF23
On this day in 1974, former Dockyard shipwright Tony Peacock, joined fellow Chatham apprentices at the dedication of Harbour Launch No. 7025 - the very vessel they had helped to build.
Read Tony's account of the construction of the New Zealand Class 58ft harbour launch (colloquially known as the Kiwi class) who he had hoped would end her days as a houseboat: https://bit.ly/3oz0KNT
Transport yourself back in time to the 1940s at Royal Engineers Wartime Christmas Weekend (25th-26th November 2023).
Join us for a chance to try your hand at some traditional ropemaking – a process largely unchanged for centuries.
There will also be stalls selling vintage cloths, crafts, and local produce throughout the weekend.
Autumn is still in full, vibrant colour here at The Historic Dockyard. This gem can be found in the garden of Commissioner's House.
It's the last week of the 2023 season here at The Dockyard, the site is partially open for Mission Christmas but the attractions will reopen February 2024.
** UPDATE: This competition has now closed, one lucky winner will be chosen at random very soon. Good Luck! **
WIN a family ticket to Mission Christmas: The Clausometer Catastrophe. 🎄
As the Sub Station: Chatham prepares to reopen, Father Christmas' elves have returned. Cheeky Jingle is having fun around The Dockyard but can you guess where?
To enter:
✨ Comment on this post telling us where Jingle is in The Dockyard
✨ Like The Historic Dockyard Chatham page
Don't forget to tag who you would bring with you to Mission Christmas the Clausometer Catastrophe.
Good Luck! 🍀
Competition closes on Monday 20th November 23.59. One lucky winner will be chosen at random from all eligible entries. The Historic Dockyard Chatham will reply directly to the winner.
Mission Christmas: The Clausometer Catastrophe 25 November to 24 December: https://bit.ly/3PE9TUd
There is only one week left of Monsters of the Deep at The Dockyard.
Visit before Sunday 19th November to decide what lies beneath. Discover legends, folklore, and modern day science of sea monsters throughout history.
Explore the centuries-old myths and legends, when chance sightings and odd appearances led to tall tales of deep sea creatures. Learn how, even today, these stories continue to capture imaginations, fuelled by fake news and conspiracy theories.
So, do sea monsters exist? You decide!
Monsters of the Deep, until 19th November. Included in standard Dockyard ticket.
Find out more: https://bit.ly/47pYnli
We remember them. ⚓️
* Job Opportunity * Do you have a passion for caring for the historic environment? We are currently recruiting for a Director of Estates and Preservation to join our senior leadership team.
Our Director of Estates and Preservation plays a critical role in meeting our Preservation charitable objective, promoting excellence in the care, conservation and stewardship of our world-class heritage site.
Find out more:
Full Time. Salary c.£65,000 p.a The Historic Dockyard Chatham, the best preserved of all Georgian...
Eleventh hour of the eleventh Day of the eleventh Month.
We Remember Them.
This morning we held our Armistice Day Commemoration Service alongside the National Destroyer Memorial.
The service was lead by The Right Rev. Bishop Stephen Venner DL, former Bishop to the Armed Forces.
Yesterday we were delighted to welcome the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, the Rt. Hon. Lucy Frazer KC MP, to the Historic Dockyard to officially open the Fitted Rigging House South, our latest 'preservation through re-use' success story.
Read the full story: https://bit.ly/3SSHvzR
Rainy November nights are made for snuggling up indoors with a delicious hot chocolate. 🌧🌧
Here at The Dockyard, we have received some very important help putting together the Hot Chocolate Menu for this year's Mission Christmas: The Clausometer Catastrophe.
Last week, 9-year old Aaliyah-Danielle stopped by The Mess Deck to help bring her Rudolph-inspired drink to life. 🦌
In 2022, Aaliyah-Danielle won our competition to create a brand new drink that would feature on the 2023 menu.
Her winning drink features salted-caramel syrup, whipped cream, pretzel antlers, a cherry red nose and extra chocolate sprinkles. It's delicious and we cannot wait for you all to try it during this year's Mission Christmas.
Congratulations Aaliyah-Danielle! 🎅🎄
Here at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, we make every effort to ensure maximum accessibility for all visitors to The Historic Dockyard Chatham.
Ahead of a visit to The Dockyard, looking through the AccessAble guides on the website will provide you with detailed information you need to work out if a space is going to be accessible to you.
We also ensure that a number of our events, talks, and tours are accessible. Throughout the year there are BSL tours, Audio described tours, and relaxed opening afternoons (every school holiday).
Even Mission Christmas: The Clausometer Catastrophe benefits from relaxed sessions and (new for 2023) a BSL session. This session will be led by a qualified BSL interpreter and will go at a slower pace to ensure everyone gets the best experience.
We are proud of all that we achieve here at The Dockyard and want to ensure that as many people as possible can experience its heritage.
A little bit of Monday Motivation for you.
This Y101 Babcock & Wilcox marine boiler found on display in 3Slip would definitely help get you out of bed in the morning and on your way to work.
The Y101 boiler is provenance of an ex royal Naval Whitby Class Frigate. Later used at the royal Navy's School of Aeronautical Engineering, HMS Sultan, for training purposes.
These Y series boilers were fitted to a range of Royal Navy steam powered ships from Rothesay Leander classes to gas turbine ships.
3Slip is full of fascinating artefacts. Which have you found to be the most interesting?
On this day in 1940, Chatham manned armed merchant cruiser, Jervis Bay, was sunk by the German surface raider, Admiral Scheer. Her Captain, E S Fegen, was awarded the highest and most prestigious award of the British honours system, the Victoria Cross posthumously.
The Admiral Scheer sailed from the Baltic Sea tasked to “hit-and-run”. Captain Fegen, commanding the Jervis Bay, knew his ship was outclassed and decided that the only way to buy time for the other ships was to engage the Admiral Scheer. All of the officers in this photograph (taken on commissioning day, 11 September 1939) were lost.
Find out more in our blog: https://bit.ly/3GXIje3
Job Opportunity - Interpretation Officer
We are passionate about creating memorable experiences to share our extraordinary story and we are currently seeking an Interpretation Officer to join our dynamic team. It is an exciting time to be joining the Collections Department, why not come and join the crew?
Full details:
It is an exciting time to be joining the Collections Department at The Historic Dockyard...
50 sleeps to go until the Big Ho Ho Ho 🎄🎅
It's not long until Father Christmas' elves take over operations of The Dockyard in preparation to bring Sub Station: Chatham back in to service.
This is a vital support resource for Father Christmas on Christmas Eve night to ensure that present delivery goes as smoothly as possible. The elves are trained to help Father Christmas should he run into trouble with his sleigh, get lost using his Santa-Nav, or needs to carefully pin-point a child staying away from home.
This festive season, you are invited to visit Chatham's sub station during Mission Christmas. This immersive Christmas experience is back for 2023 with a NEW story for your group to get involved in and help save Christmas from catastrophe.
Tickets are available to purchase now: https://bit.ly/3PE9TUd
Mission Christmas: Clausometer Catastrophe, 25 Nov - 24 Dec 2023
Dock Road
Chatham
ME44TZ
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Discover the secrets of Mission Christmas: The Clausometer Catastrophe. 🎄 Step in to Father Christmas' hidden substation at The Historic Dockyard Chatham where your group will be in the centre of the story to help Mrs Clause save Christmas from Catastrophe. Meet Father Christmas in his private study for a chance to have a photo and tell him your Christmas wish. 🎅🎁 ✨ Book online for Mission Christmas: The Clausometer Catastrophe is essential. https://bit.ly/CHDT_Mission_Christmas_2023
And we're off! Mission Christmas has launched for 2023. 🚀 Join us before Christmas Eve to take part in an immersive Christmas adventure that puts your group at the heart of the story. NEW story for 2023: Mrs Claus needs your help to save Christmas and solve the mystery of the missing clausometer. 🎅 Your visit ends with a private audience with Father Christmas himself. Your family group will have the chance to chat with Father Christmas in his study, receive a wrapped present per child, one printed photo of your group. This weekend only - enjoy 30% off tickets with code MCBF23 👉 Book now: https://bit.ly/CHDT_Mission_Christmas_2023
Have you joined the hijinx of Captain Axel and Here Be Dragons? This half term, take part in the interactive story of lost sea vessels, dangerous sea monsters, and hearty crew members. All of our Here Be Dragons activities take place under shelter. Don't worry Captain Axel won't be washed away like his lost ship. Join us every day until Sunday 29th, Here Be Dragons is included with your standard Dockyard ticket. Arrrr, me hearties.
Just in… Captain Axel has sent a message asking for your help. Can you answer his call the half term? Here be Dragons, 21 - 29 October. Included in standard dockyard ticket. with Play On Words Theatre Company
Summer fun continues here at the Historic Dockyard. Check out our '5 Things to do with Under 5s' and get ready to let imaginations set sail. From taking on the Octonauts Deep Sea Adventure to commanding the make-believe ship in 3 Slip. The possibilities are endless for imaginative play. 👉 https://bit.ly/3Rinnq3 We'd love to hear what your mini explorer's favourite activity is, so pop your suggestions in the comments below 👇
With just 1 month to go until ‘one of the Britain’s best vintage festivals’ Salute to the '40s, let's get ready to reminisce and feel nostalgic as the Dockyard site is transformed into a 1940s experience... 🎉We welcome back The Glenn Miller Orchestra - performing Saturday only 🎉The D-Day Darlings return - performing Sunday only 🎉Live demonstrations from our reenactor groups 🎉Dance lessons and a 1940s DJ 🎉Dress to impress and join in on the fashion parade 🎉FREE Funfair Prices will increase on the day – book now to secure the best price for your entry to Salute to the '40s: https://bit.ly/32APAyt
We're getting ready to welcome a very special visitor this winter... Did you know that every winter the Dockyard becomes a secret sub-station, helping Father Christmas and his elves deliver presents to children all around the world? For the first time, we’ve been granted special permission to allow a few "good" children into this magical world. Find out more: https://bit.ly/3ShiI4G
From everyone at Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, we would like to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who supported Salute to the '40s this weekend. We still have big smiles on our faces from seeing everyone having such a great time (although our feet are a little sore!). Block out your 2023 diary now, we'll meet again on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September 2023.
Summer is here and we are in full swing at the Dockyard🌞 Explore our 3 Historic Ships, dive into our family friendly activities, visit a working Ropery, have a picnic in the stunning Commissioner's House Gardens or meet our friendly and knowledgeable staff, and more. All of this is included within your admission ticket to the Dockyard. Book online now to save a few pounds: https://thedockyard.co.uk/plan-your-visit/buytickets/
Our next Octonauts Character Meet and Greet is taking place this coming Sunday. Kwazii will be making a special appearance onboard HMS GANNET and he cannot wait to meet you. Once you've said hello, and taken a selfie with Kwazii's Gup, head off on an Octo-Cadet adventure and complete the Octonauts themed activities around our historic site. Please note, there is a small additional fee to meet Kwazii and this needs to be booked in advance. Places are getting booked up quickly: https://bit.ly/38LyinI
Our Research Volunteer team plays an integral part in helping to bring our collections and exhibitions to life. George Hornby worked on our latest temporary exhibition, Diving Deep: HMS Invincible 1744, helping to research the historic links to Chatham. Why not take a break from the heat and visit the exhibition on your next visit the Dockyard in our air conditioned No.1 Smithery. Entry is included within your admission ticket to the Dockyard. Book online to save a few pounds: https://thedockyard.co.uk/whats-on/diving-deep-hms-invincible-1744/
Historic LifeBoat Collection - Chatham
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
