And I’m guarding the memories for you

“And I’m guarding the memories for you~” — these lyrics feel like they were written just for Rochester, this ancient English town. Walking along its cobblestone streets, it seems every corner holds a secret of time. Keep this half-day travel guide handy, and let’s journey back to the Middle Ages to feel the poetry and romance of this castle town together. ✨ 🗺️ Trip Highlights：All spots are within walking distance—travel through time in just 10 minutes! 1️⃣ Rochester Cathedral ⛪️ Built in AD 604, this cathedral is the second oldest bishop’s church in England, quietly witnessing over a thousand years of faith and history. Sunlight filters through stained glass, casting colorful shadows on ancient stone pillars, instantly inspiring awe.💫 ⏰ Opening Hours：Mon–Sat 10:00–16:00, Sun 13:00–15:00. 📌 Tips：Don’t forget to look up at the Norman vaulted ceiling—an architectural marvel from the 11th century. 2️⃣ Rochester Castle 🏰 Built in the 11th–12th centuries, this Norman castle stands like a silent giant beside the River Medway. The most impressive part is the 34-meter-high keep, which remains one of the best-preserved Norman castle towers in England. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the town—the wind carries the scent of history~ 🌬️ 🎫 Admission：Adults around £9.50, children & concessions £4.50–6.50, under 5s free. ⏰ Opening Hours：Apr–Sep Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00; Oct–Mar 10:00–16:00 (closed Mon). 3️⃣ Baggins Book Bazaar 📚 Tucked away on the historic High Street, this treasure trove known as “one of England’s largest secondhand bookshops” is a book lover’s paradise! 📖 With three floors of maze-like shelves, from rare antique books to yellowed comics, every bend could bring a surprise. The old wooden floors creak, the air smells of aged paper, and time seems to slow down here. 4️⃣ River Medway + Castle Hill 🌊 The gentle River Medway embraces the castle and cathedral, and the riverside path is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Recently, Castle Hill has been under construction for an amusement park, but you can still sit on a bench by the river, watch swans glide past the castle’s reflection, and feel the mood of “the castle guarding secrets for love.” 🦢 ✨ Bonus Trip：🐻 Pooh Corner — Winnie the Pooh’s Hometown Though not in Rochester, on our way back to Gatwick by car, we made a special detour to this fairytale spot! 📍 Address：High St, Hartfield TN7 4AE This is a 300-year-old timber-framed cottage that has been a tearoom + gift shop + memorial since 1978. Sip a “Pooh Honey Tea,” taste a “Tigger Cake,” and feel your inner child come alive! 🍯🍰 🌳 Nearby：Be sure to take a walk in the nearby Ashdown Forest—the real-life inspiration for the “Hundred Acre Wood” in Winnie the Pooh! Follow the signs to “Pooh Bridge” and step right into the storybook. 💡 Travel Tips： Rochester is small and best explored on foot—wear comfortable shoes. For a deeper experience, consider a combined ticket for Rochester Castle + Cathedral (if available). The Winnie the Pooh trip is more suitable by car or private hire—about 1.5 hours’ drive from Rochester. Walking through Rochester, every step touches history, every glance captures beauty. This castle guards not only secrets but also our gentlest imaginings of times gone by. ❤️ #Rochester#HistoricEngland#LondonTravel#UKTravel#WinnieThePooh#LondonLife#Castles#MedievalTown#CulturalTravel