Eastgate House
Eastgate House
Eastgate House
Eastgate House
The Swiss Chalet at Eastgate House
This Grade I listed 16th and 17th Century townhouse is one of the most impressive and distinctive buildings on Rochester’s historic High Street. It also has many fascinating stories to tell…
Once the family home of Sir Peter Buck, a senior officer at the Royal Tudor Dockyard, the house has also been a Victorian boarding school, a hostel, a museum and an inspiration to the great author Charles Dickens.
As part of a £2.2million Heritage Lottery Funded project, Eastgate House underwent major refurbishment works and is now open to the public.
Many of the building's original features and decorative schemes have been carefully restored, and new heating and lighting has been installed. The second floor of the house is open to visitors for the first time in more than 40 years.
Visitors to the house can explore the amazing rooms of the house while learning the remarkable story of those who lived, worked and played here throughout the centuries.
In the gardens of the house stands Dickens’ Swiss Chalet, used by the author as his study at his home at Gad’s Hill Place.
For details of upcoming events at the house visit www.friendsofeastgatehouse.org or follow House on Facebook and Twitter.
Step inside Eastgate House and explore a maze of beautiful rooms and displays telling the stories of those who lives there throughout the centuries.
The splendid oak-panelled ceremony room at Eastgate House features a gorgeous fireplace and offers a true sense of occasion.
Eastgate is a ceremony-only venue that seats 40 guests.
Sat, 11 and Sun, 12 Oct
Daily during half-term Sat, 18 to Sun, 26 Oct
10am to 5pm, last admissions 4.15pm
Find all the friendly spooks lurking in the nooks and crannies of the house and win your official Ghost Club badge!
Included with general admission to the house.
Tickets:
Fri, 31 Oct, Sat, 1 & Sun, 2 Nov – 5 & 7pm
The nights are drawing in and there’s a chill in there, which can only mean one thing – it’s time for another Evening of Classic Ghost Stories at Eastgate House!
Tickets are on sale now for this ever popular event in Rochester’s mysterious and magnificent 16th century townhouse. Join us as we turn down the lights and gather round the fire for a selection of sensationally spine chilling yarns, and maybe a story of your own.
Tickets: £12
Book here or call 0333 666 3366
Sat, 29 and Sun, 30 Nov, Sat, 13 and Sun, 14 Dec
Immerse yourself in Dicken’s best loved festive story, performed in the magnificent 16th century Grand Reception Room, where the drama will unfold all around you.
Book online or call 0333 666 3366
Sat, 8 Nov - Sun, 28 Dec, 10am-5pm
Discover unique gifts and stylish decorations in a charming Tudor setting.
Entry to the shop is free.
Sat, 22 and Sun, 23 Nov, 10am-5pm
Step into a Victorian Christmas with costumed characters and learn to make traditional paper decorations.
(Subject to capacity)
Included with admission.
Sat, 29 and Sun, 30 Nov, Sat, 13 and Sun, 14 Dec, 12noon, 1.30pm, 3pm, 4.30pm, 6pm
Immerse yourself in Dickens' best loved festive story, performed in the magnificent 16th century Grand Reception Room, where the drama will unfold all around you.
Tickets £12.50
Sat, 6 and Sun, 7 Dec, 11am-5pm
Come and meet characters from A Christmas Carol, including everyone’s favourite old curmudgeon - Mr Scrooge.
Those making merry will be severely reprimanded!
Included with admission.
Sat, 20 - Tue, 23 Dec, 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm,
4pm, 5pm (quiet session)
Come and hear a new festive story read by Victorian Father Christmas, dressed in his green robes.
Tickets:
To book your place, please call the house on 01634 332700.
Admission prices from 29 March 2025:
For private hire, weddings and educational visits please email.
The house will be closed for the following dates for weddings:
The house will be open for Event ticket holders only on:
Address
Eastgate House
High Street, Rochester, Kent
ME1 1EW
Open weekends only (except during events) from 10am-5pm (last admission 4.15pm). Open bank holiday Mondays. Open Wednesday to Sunday during Easter (5-20 April) and October school holidays (18-26 October). Open 3-7, 10-14, 17-23 and 27-28 December (Weekends resume from 3 January 2026).
