Esplanade Gardens is one of Rochester’s most picturesque riverside spaces — a long, leafy stretch beside the Medway with beautiful views, fascinating heritage, and places to play, rest, and explore. Whether you're visiting for the first time or rediscovering an old favourite, here’s everything you need to know.
Getting Here
Location: Esplanade, Rochester ME1 1QN
- On Foot: A very short stroll from Rochester High Street, Castle, and Cathedral.
- By Bike: Bike parking is available on-site, by Rochester Pier
- By Train:
- Rochester Station (5-minute walk)
- Strood Station (10–12-minute walk)
- By Bus:
- 156 stops at Hathaway Court or Castle Hill
- 700, 141, 191, 633, 653 stop at Rochester Guildhall Museum (A)
- 149, 151, 172, 173, 197 stop at Rochester Guildhall Museum (P)
- By Car:
- On-street parking along The Esplanade
- Car parks located at
- Boley Hill (ME1 1SN)
- Rochester Riverside (ME1 1PZ)
- Rochester Station (ME1 1NH)
Things to See and Do
Suffrage Sensory Garden
An accessible, volunteer-created space offering sensory planting honouring local suffragist Vera Conway-Gordon, this thriving garden - which FoRCE restored and now maintains - is loved for its scent, colour, texture and pollinator-friendly planting
Rochester Pier
The Victorian pier is currently closed. Plans are underway to reopen and restore it, and it and remains an iconic landmark on the riverside. Read more about how we are working with Medway Council to reopen and restore the pier.
Wildlife
The Gardens are home to bees, bats and birds, and we're encouraging more wildlife to make their homes here with our Hedgerows project. On the river, look out for ducks, swans and waders; we’ve even seen the occasional seal and dolphin!
The Cannon
Located between the northern entrance to the gardens and Rochester Pier, this Georgian long gun is mounted on a carriage for shipboard use, and is a small reminder of the area’s rich maritime and military heritage.
Rochester Trail
The Rochester Trail is an exciting way to explore the green spaces, heritage, and breathtaking views that make Rochester so special. Part of the riverside section of the trail runs through the Esplanade Gardens. Read more on our Rochester Trail project page.
Facilities
- Playground: A popular riverside playground – currently a little tired, but a full refurbishment is planned
- Outdoor gym: Free to use, suitable for a range of ages
- Seating: Benches and picnic tables positioned throughout the gardens
- Paths: Most paths are accessible and step-free, though there are some uneven and stepped sections in places
- Toilets:
- Rochester Castle Gardens (2-minute walk)
- Northgate (5-minute walk)
- Rochester Community Hub (15-minute walk)
- Pets: Your furry friends are most welcome. All bins are suitable for pet waste