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Recognised as one of Britain's most important waters for leisure
activities, the River Medway joins the Thames Estuary at Garrison Point,
Sheerness. Its lower reaches, bounded by numerous creeks, offer
extensive and safe sailing waters supported by boating clubs, marinas
and boatyards offering a warm welcome to visiting craft. The total river
extends upstream for nearly 25 nautical miles and, although most sailing
craft are unable to pass the fixed bridge at Rochester, motor craft can
access a further 19 nautical miles of non-tidal waters above Allington
Lock, through some of the Garden of England's most attractive
countryside, to Tonbridge.
It has fascinating heritage that goes back over 2,000 years from its
beginnings as a river crossing for the Romans. The Normans built a
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stronghold and a cathedral, and the Knights Templar began their crusades
here. In the 16th century Henry VIII founded the Royal Dockyard, where
later Nelson's flagship "Victory" was built and Upnor
Castle was constructed to defend against the Dutch. Charles Dickens
lived here - to walk through Medway is to walk through many of his
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