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Getting to Rochester

CAR SERVICES: There are a number of car services that you can book to get you from London to Rochester. If you GOOGLE “car service from London to Rochester” a variety of options will pop up. Car service can be quite pricey, but if you are traveling with other people you can split the cost among you. We do recommend that you book your car service ahead of time–and do some research to find the best priced–and best reviewed–services.

Train from London to Rochester. Photo by class466cuxton.
Train from London to Rochester. Photo by class466cuxton.

TRAIN: You can travel from Heathrow or Gatwick airports to London Victoria Station, and then take a train directly to Rochester. 

  • Take the London Underground from Heathrow Airport to London Victoria. You can take the Southeastern train or Gatwick Express train to London Victoria.
From London Victoria mainline station:
  • Buy a ticket to Rochester from a ticket machine or the ticket office. Alternatively, you can also buy the ticket online and collect it from a machine. The person in the ticket office can help if you have any questions.
  • There are currently 3 Southeastern trains every hour from London Victoria Station. They leave at 10, 40 and 42 minutes past the hour. The journey takes approximately 43 minutes to Rochester.
  • More information can be found from the National Rail website.

DRIVING: Follow the A2 until you reach the junction with the M2. Do NOT follow the M2, but take the left-hand fork into Rochester and Strood. After crossing the river, straight on at traffic lights at the end of the bridge and you will see signs for parking areas in Rochester.

Rochester is a very small place. If you are booked into lodgings either within or very near to town centre, your hotel will be within walking distance of the train station. You may contact your hotel and ask specifically how to get to their location from the train station.

WHAT TO PACK: One never knows what the weather will be like in Rochester during July. Generally, it will be sunny and hot. We suggest that you visit www.weather.com a few days before traveling to get an idea of what clothing to pack. It never hurts to be prepared, so you might want to tuck a foldable umbrella in your suitcase. It is England, you know! Please also be aware that Rochester is a “walk-around” city–with brick and cobblestone streets. Bring comfortable walking shoes!

TRAVEL LIGHT: We always like to dress nicely for our conference events. But we have nothing planned that is overly formal–so there’s no need for tuxedos or gowns unless we happen to advertise a gala event. The airline can’t lose your luggage if they don’t have it! There are a variety of websites and online videos that provide tips on how to maximize the potential of your carry-on luggage. Have a look — so you can travel light!

CONFIRM YOUR LODGINGS: Rochester is always crowded in the summer and during conference time —  lodges, inns, and hotels are solidly booked. Make sure to confirm your reservations just ahead of your trip. IF you are going to be arriving later than the usual check-in time at your hotel, remember to assure your hotel that you WILL be there. You don’t want your room(s) given away because your hotel didn’t think you would be there!

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Kent Arts Conference