The official tourism page for Medway.
20/01/2025
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Why Medway Is Secretly Better Than London
London might have its shiny skyline and overpriced oat lattes, but letâs be real: itâs exhausting. Medway, on the other hand, has everything you need with half the stress and double the personality. Hereâs why the underdog of Kent is quietly putting London to shameâno Tube delays required.
Affordability: Medway Doesnât Mug You Blind
You know what you can buy in London for ÂŁ5? A limp croissant or a third of a pint. In Medway, ÂŁ5 gets you a proper cup of tea, a bacon sandwich, and maybe even change for a scratch card. Rent? You could probably afford a house here for what you'd pay for a broom closet in Zone 1.
Real People, Real Conversations
In London, no one makes eye contact. In Medway, people will chat to you at the bus stop, the pub, or even in the queue for Greggs. Sure, some conversations might involve conspiracy theories or unsolicited life advice, but at least theyâre not silently glaring at you through their sunglasses like in Soho.
The Chaos Is Authentic
Medwayâs chaos is charming. A night out in Rochester High Street is like stepping into an indie film where the cast forgot their lines, but itâs all part of the fun. Youâll see everything from impromptu karaoke to someone riding a mobility scooter through the kebab shop. Try finding that level of entertainment in Shoreditch.
History That Isnât Hidden Behind Glass
London has museums. Medway has living, breathing history. Rochester Castle looms over the town like it owns the place (it kind of does), and you can climb it, touch it, or even have a pint in its shadow. Dickens lived here, for crying out loud. Meanwhile, in London, youâll pay ÂŁ20 to stare at a rock in a museum.
No Tube, No Problems
Londonâs Tube system is a daily exercise in misery. Packed carriages, signal failures, and the occasional sweaty armpit in your face. Medway doesnât have a Tube, but it does have buses that turn up eventually and trains that donât require you to re-mortgage your house for a ticket. Walking around here is actually pleasant, too.
The River Medway > The Thames
The Thames is iconic, sure, but would you want to swim in it? No thanks. The River Medway, on the other hand, is full of kayakers, paddleboarders, and maybe a few crabs. Itâs not just a waterway; itâs a playground. And letâs face itâthereâs something poetic about sipping a pint by the river without getting trampled by tourists.
Community Over Clout
London is all about who you know and where youâve been. Medway? Itâs about showing up. The festivals here are packed with locals who actually care, not influencers looking for the perfect selfie. Sweeps Festival, Dickensian Christmas, and Castle Concerts have actual soul, not just hashtags.
Creative Rebellion Is Everywhere
Medwayâs art scene isnât curated by some elite gallery; itâs plastered on walls, played in pubs, and written in DIY zines. The street art in Chatham, the local bands in Gillingham, and the handmade crafts at farmersâ markets all scream, âWe do this because we love it, not because itâs trendy.â
Medway Nights Are Wilder (And Cheaper)
Want a wild night in London? Prepare to queue for hours, pay ÂŁ15 for a cocktail, and end the evening crying over your empty wallet. In Medway, you can hit five pubs in one night, dance in a random dive bar, and still afford cheesy chips on the way home. Plus, thereâs a solid chance youâll end up in a hilarious story.
Itâs Just⌠Real
Londonâs polished façade is great for Instagram, but Medway is raw, unfiltered, and unapologetically itself. It doesnât try to impress you with glitzâit lets its quirks, grit, and charm do the talking. From quirky antique shops to the guy who swears his goat is haunted, Medway is full of stories that actually matter.
So Why Choose Medway Over London?
Because Medway doesnât care about being cool, and thatâs what makes it so much cooler. Itâs not perfect, but itâs real, itâs messy, and itâs full of character. Medway isnât trying to be Londonâitâs better.
