The Historic Dockyard Chatham

• Kids go free this summer at The Historic Dockyard Chatham
• Doc. Yard’s science extravaganza gives kids the chance to don white lab coats and experiment with ‘time travel’
• Captain’s Cat invites young adventurers to help on Mission Explore • Visit the new ‘Command of the Oceans’ galleries to discover HMS Namur on display for the first time and extraordinary naval artefacts recovered from the sea bed 
• The new £9m development has something for all the family, including interactive galleries, a new restaurant and a new adventure playground! 
• The summer exhibition ‘Pole of Cold’ combines art, adventure and the natural world 
• Visit thedockyard.co.uk website to plan your visit and purchase tickets. Buy online and save! 
• Tickets valid for a whole year giving unlimited access to all galleries, attractions, exhibitions and activities 

Three playgrounds, two historic battleships, a working steam engine, a cold war submarine, an astonishing Victorian Ropery and a famous film set; The Historic Dockyard Chatham is a unique and fun day out for all the family.

Less than an hour from London, Dover, Tunbridge Wells and Essex, with an abundance of activities for all ages and free on-site parking, The Historic Dockyard Chatham is recognised as ‘one of the UK’s best day-out destinations’.

Having recently undergone a £9m redevelopment, made possible through the generous support of the Heritage Lottery Fund; the Homes & Communities Agency and other donors, the maritime attraction now features a new restaurant, themed playgrounds and the ‘Command of the Oceans’ interactive galleries, offering something for all members of the family.

To celebrate the new opening, the Dockyard proudly presents an exciting line up this summer, including festivals, exhibitions, tours and tons of kids’ activities. What’s more, kids go free!

Highlights include:

Dockyard Explorers
Permanent
Suitable for +6
Take a free Mission Explore booklet on arrival and let Captain’s Cat show you the ropes! Mission Explore is an exciting new way to explore The Historic Dockyard Chatham that puts younger visitors well and truly in the driving seat; Expect lots of fun missions to carry out, fun facts and a new illustrated map. Particularly adventurous visitors might want to try ‘Cracking the Code’, which can be used on the Dockyard’s website to access more missions and fun facts. Mission Explore is part of Dockyard Explorers, the new name for all things family orientated at The Historic Dockyard Chatham - from one off events, to regular activities, special competitions and more. More information can be found at www.thedockyard.co.uk/explore/dockyard-explorers/

Doc Yard’s Time Travelling Techsplorers
Monday August 1st to Sunday September 4th
Suitable for +4
The ever-popular Doc. Yard will make a triumphant return in August with a brand new discovery for young Techsplorers. Fresh from exploring the North and South poles, Doc. Yard’s eccentric assistants Bunsen and Branston, will attempt the ultimate scientific challenge – time travel! The boffins travel back to the reign of King George III when The Dockyard was at its height and Britain had Command of the Oceans. Join Chatham’s terrific trio in a series of hands-on family science experiments and an interactive show with a timely twist.

Command of the Oceans
Permanent display
Suitable for +4
Visitors will discover two internationally significant archaeological discoveries in the brand new Command of the Oceans galleries; try their hand at dockyard trades of the early 1800s and let off steam in a new adventure play area! Command of the Oceans reveals the full dockyard story for the first time and in a way never told or seen before through state of the art audio visuals and interactives, thrilling archaeology and long-hidden objects. Discover the timbers of the Namur (1756) one of the hero ships from the age of sail, intriguingly laid to rest beneath the floor of the old Wheelwrights’ workshop, and an incredible treasure trove of archaeological objects recovered from the sea bed, from the Invincible (1758).

Pole of Cold
13 Aug – 27 Nov 2016
Suitable for all ages
Discover the mystical world of the Arctic and the people who live there. From Shamanism to ice cream. Kent’s very own polar explorer Felicity Aston presents a diverse and exciting exhibition, which combines the natural world, adventure and art. This compelling exhibition gives an insight into the coldest place on earth. thedockyard.co.uk/cold

Of the Sea
6 May – 24 July 2016
Suitable for all ages
A thought-provoking exhibition of international contemporary art; explore the complex relationship between man and sea. See how emerging and professional artists have explored the controversial ‘freedom of the seas’ principle through a diverse range of artistic media. thedockyard.co.uk/ofthesea

Salute to the ’40s
17 & 18 September 2016
Suitable for all ages
One of Britain’s best vintage festivals! Dress in ‘40s style and become part of our 1940’s family. Be transported back in time for a weekend of vintage delight. Living history, live vintage music, dancing and variety acts. Not to be missed, an event filled with vintage spirit! thedockyard.co.uk/salute16

Call the Midwife Location Tour
Various dates in 2016
Suitable for all ages
Experience TV’s hit drama. Led by your very own ‘Midwife’, groups will visit areas used as the locations for many of the scenes in the popular TV series. Tours must be pre-booked. thedockyard.co.uk/midwife

Bill Ferris OBE DL, Chief Executive of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust  said: We’re delighted to let children visit the dockyard for free this summer, and welcome families to come and see the newly opened visitor experiences. The latest investment of nearly £10m has totally transformed the dockyard, to tell its history in interactive ways with innovative design and architecture and pioneering digital displays. New playgrounds, restaurant, shop and galleries that tell the story of this place and make the family day out a treat for everyone! Combine these new developments with our world famous ships, Ropery, Lifeboats and national museum collections to create a fantastic and completely different day. But, don’t believe us, believe our visitors ….We have been awarded 4 consecutive Trip Advisor certificates of merit with 92% saying we are good or excellent!
 
 

 
 
About The Historic Dockyard Chatham (www.thedockyard.co.uk)

The Historic Dockyard Chatham is the only place in the world that lets you explore a complete dockyard from the age of sail and beyond. It’s a unique destination that celebrates Great Britain’s magnificent maritime past and unmatched contribution to the Royal Navy’s shipbuilding excellence that led to worldwide command of the oceans.

Chatham offers unrivalled access to the ships that shaped the world, from a Victorian anti-slavery sailing ship, to a Second World War Destroyer or a Cold War submarine and the stories of the people who made them. From Chatham’s historic buildings, from the Commissioner’s House and officers’ quarters to the remarkable Victorian ropery, where the rigging for HMS Victory was made, to its collection of maritime archaeology, the Dockyard forms an indispensable part of Britain’s naval history and its national heritage.

As a fully accredited museum, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust collects, preserves, researches and exhibits objects and materials connected with the history of the dockyard and its people. It studies the development of Royal Navy warship design, construction and the use of the River Medway by the Royal Navy.

Visitors to and users of The Historic Dockyard Chatham are fundamental to its purpose and the economic reuse of the site and its buildings. Its staff and volunteers play a vital role in providing a high level of service and customer care. The Trust is also involved in the on-going regeneration of Medway and The Thames Gateway, with Culture and Heritage at its heart.