Gillingham

Gillingham is a town situated within the Blackmore Vale area of Dorset, England. There are many historic features within the town, including a Stone Age barrow and evidence of Roman settlement, as well as the church of St. Mary the Virgin, which features a Saxon cross shaft dating to 800AD.

Amongst the transport links to the town is Gillingham railway station, which is on the Exeter to London railway line. The town is also around 4 miles away from the A303, the main London to southwest England road. Gillingham is very accommodating towards tourists, with a number of places to stay, including guesthouses and bed and breakfasts, as well as a range of public houses and eating options.

Surrounding the town are a number of great walks and cycling routes, as well as areas to enjoy other outdoor activities. The great transport means you can easily access the surrounding towns and villages for a spot of shopping.

Dicken’s World, Leviathan Way, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4LL (01634) 890421
Charles Dickens was a brief resident of Chatham and many of the characters in his novels are based on the people of the Medway towns.

Dicken’s World is a themed attraction located close to Gillingham. Attractions include Europe’s longest indoor ‘dark ride’; a Great Expectations log flume; and the Haunted House of Ebenezer Scrooge.

Fort Amherst, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4UB (01634) 847747
Billed as Europe’s largest surviving Napoleonic fortress, Fort Amherst was constructed to protect the former Royal Dockyard at Chatham.

Over three kilometres in length, the fort includes tunnels, a hidden secret fort and gate house.

Royal Engineers Museum, Prince Arthur Road, Gillingham, Kent ME4 4UG (01634) 822839
Dedicated to the Corps of Royal Engineers, this museum and library holds over 500,000 items relating to the history of the ‘Sappers’.

Covering campaigns from the Norman Conquest to the present day; and incorporating outside displays of tanks and armoured personnel carriers; the museum preserves an outstanding collection of Corps memorabilia.