Young visitors at the Historic Dockyard Chatham

The Kent-based Historic Dockyard Chatham has been awarded Coach Friendly status by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) UK, making it the only Kent attraction to hold this title.

CPT UK awards the status to attractions and locations across the country that ‘understand the needs of coach companies and their passengers and offer the best facilities, access and information for coach drivers’.

Susanna Hodder, PR and marketing assistant at the Dockyard, said: “We are delighted to be recognised and rewarded for our commitment to ensuring groups experience The Historic Dockyard and its rich history and culture.”

What can visitors do at the Historic Dockyard Chatham?

The Dockyard celebrates Britain’s maritime past and contribution to the Royal Navy’s shipbuilding. Groups visiting can access a number of ships, from a Victorian anti-slavery sailing ship, to a World War Two Destroyer and a Cold War submarine, and learn the stories of the people who made them.

There are also a number of historic buildings, from a Commissioner’s House and officers’ quarters to a Victorian ropery, where the rigging for HMS Victory was made. The Dockyard is a fully accredited museum, and visitors can view objects and materials connected with the history of the dockyard and its people.

2016 saw the opening of new visitor facilities that include a restaurant that can cater exclusively for group lunches, a new shopping experience, four  immersive galleries, and free coach parking, with dedicated drop-off and collection points close to the visitor entrance.

Exclusively for groups

Visits can be tailored to each group’s requirements, and itineraries can include guided visits of the site, either walking or on-board your own coach, with knowledgeable tour guides.

There are also Call the Midwife experiences that will see a costumed midwife take your group around areas that have been used as locations for many of the scenes in the Call the Midwife television series. This can be combined with afternoon tea in Commissioner’s House, which was used as a 1950s-style restaurant in an episode from series two.

For more information visit www.thedockyard.co.uk.