Photo diary: a day in Rochester

Rochester in Kent is a small town on the Medway, punching way above its weight with a castle, cathedral and plenty of Dickensian links. I've already shared some of the quirks and unusual sights of Rochester (as well as a cheeky hack for getting there), so here are a few more snaps from the few hours we spent there on a chilly Sunday in January:

The bridge over the Medway between Rochester and Strood is very elaborate and well-decorated - check out the crown above the lamp. Yet it's also a very industrial design, with huge steel spans. Quite the juxtaposition.

You didn't think you'd get away without a shot of the castle, did you? It's extremely square style may look familiar - it was designed by the same monk responsible for the White Tower at the Tower of London. No time to go inside on our visit though...

A view of Rochester Cathedral through the walls of the lawn at Rochester Castle.

Plenty of cafes and restaurants to please tourists

One of the remaining town gates, along with one of the town's many wonky buildings.

Inside Baggins Book Bazaar, which claims to be England's largest second hand bookshop

The town is a real architectural mishmash, with buildings from a variety of time periods. 

Looking south down Rochester High Street, with many different architectural styles. It reminds me of the lower half of Lewes High Street in East Sussex.

I can never resist a quirky sweet shop, there's something charming about them. Managed to bag myself a treat while we were there

The Deaf Cat Cafe on Rochester High Street, apparently named after a... deaf cat, which used to sit with Charles Dickens as he wrote.

Inside the Deaf Cat Cafe, because we were in need of refreshment. The hot chocolate was indeed yummy, the cookies somewhat less enthralling.

More Dickensian references on the High Street. You don't often see old-fashioned greengrocer shops anymore - Rochester has a lovely olde worlde charm to it.

No idea what the decor of this distance marker is, but I'm guessing it's nothing to do with Dickens.

As you get towards the bottom end of the High Street, look up and you''ll see plenty of ghostsigns...

...including this one, which is topped off by a more modern mural of Dickens.

The High Street is home to the former French Hospital, now used as mews housing, but a few hints at its past can still be seen

I was charmed by this door. Serious case of door envy and door goals going on.

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