KENT 3). Gad’s Hill Place – Gad's Hill Place was the country home of Charles Dickens, where he lived until his death in 1870. Dickens first saw the estate when he was nine years old and his father told him if he worked hard enough, he might one day own such a place. After he rocketed to success, Dickens heard it was up for sale and turned Gad's Hill into his country home, entertaining many of his literary friends there such as Hans Christian Anderson and Wilkie Collins. Now Gad's Hill is a school, but it can still be viewed clearly from the road and tours can be arranged. 4). The Guildhall – Once the town hall the Guildhall appears in Great Expectations as the establishment where Pip is bound as an apprentice, with the town of Rochester itself the basis for many of Dickens’ stories. The building is now a museum and houses a must-see exhibition for all Dickens pilgrims. There are a number of rooms dedicated to him for visitors to sample, including a small recreation of his study containing items that once belonged to him. Immerse yourself in the Rochester of Dickens, watching a short film showcasing nearby literary sites and studying personal items from his past. A beautiful building with a beautiful past, this is an exciting, visual attraction that all ages will enjoy. 5). Dickens House Museum – Currently undergoing expansion work, this house was once the home of Miss Mary Pearson Strong, on whom Dickens based much of the character of Miss Betsey Trotwood in his novel David Copperfield. The refurbishment is set to re-display rooms at 48 Doughty Street as they once were. Containing original manuscripts, memorabilia prints, costumes and Victoriana, the museum often hosts exhibitions with changing displays and interests. Tours are available and many local areas of interest that will have undoubtedly inspired Dickens are close at hand. 6). Restoration House – This was Dickens' inspiration for the famous house of Miss Haversham in Great Expectations, where she sat dressed in her faded wedding gown before a cobwebbed feast of mouldy food. Approach it through Vines Park, just like Pip, and marvel at its superb structure and exquisite gardens. An amalgamation of two medieval buildings, it is situated in the heart of historic Rochester, a town entirely built into the heart of Dickens entirely. The house and gardens are open on certain days of the year.
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7). Dickens Countryside – Surrounding the River Medway in the area of Rochester is the marshlands that inspired those of Great Expectations. If you walk the Saxon Shore Way between Hoo and Upnor, you will get a great view of the creepy marshes and experience the same unease as Pip does on that fateful night. Head out on the new Turner and Dickens Walk; running between Broadstairs seafront and near-neighbour Margate’s Harbour, it links attractions such as the Dickens House Museum and St Peter’s village with the brand new Turner Contemporary, exploring their links with Dickens. You can bet that Dickens, a passionate walker, would certainly have stepped out along this route, alongside the many other beautiful countryside landscapes that fill Kent. 8). St James’ Church, Cooling – A great, inexpensive way to get a slice of Dickens culture, Cooling Church is the location of the famous opening scene from Great Expectations where Pip meets the convict Magwitch. The little lozenge-shaped graves which Pip stood beside can still be seen now. Visit this inspiring place with the marshland all around you and experience the desolateness of Pip's life. Inside, the church is light and spacious. There is a 500-year-old timber door that still swings on its ancient hinges - even though it now leads to a blocked north doorway! Another quirky feature is the 19th Century vestry - its walls are lined from top to bottom with thousands of cockle shells, the emblem of St James. 9). Eastgate House – Now a Grade I-listed building, in Dickens’ time, Eastgate House was a girl's boarding school. An excellent example of an Elizabethan town house, Dickens lovers will recognise it as both Miss Twinkerton's school for young ladies in The Mystery of Edwin Drood and the Westgate House Seminary for young ladies in The Pickwick Papers. The house is set in its own gardens and the site also encompasses an annexe building and cottage designed by Sir Guy Dawber in the 1920s. In addition, it is home to the Swiss chalet where Dickens used to write. This was moved to Eastgate in the 1960s and was previously sited at nearby Gad’s Hill, where Dickens lived from 1856 until his death in 1870. Eastgate House was once the home of the Dickens Centre and is now a venue for weddings.
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