Restoration House
A handsome townhouse with interiors "of rare poetry and historical resonance."
Crow Lane, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1RF
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Cafe / restaurant
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Easily accessible without car
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No parking
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
Restoration House is the amalgamation of two medieval buildings which were combined in the late 16th or early 17th-century to create a mansion house just outside the city wall of Rochester.
Over the past ten years the present owners have uncovered various parts of the decorative scheme which were the “run up” for King Charles II’s visit on the eve of his Restoration to the throne. These provide fascinating examples of fashionable mid-17th century Continental taste seen through provincial eyes at a time when such innovations had been quashed by Cromwell.
Within these “interiors of rare poetry and historical resonance” (Jeremy Musson, Country Life) is a collection of beautiful English pictures and furniture, with nine Gainsboroughs.
The walled gardens enclose a stunning parterre, topiary and other formal features, along with herbaceous borders, greenhouses, and a cutting garden. An amazing early 17th-century Italian garden, with wide terraces on three levels, statues, ponds and beautiful brickwork is now nearing completion.
Private tours Thursday and Friday in April.
£15 per head
Min 12 per group
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Opening Times and Visitor Information for Restoration House in 2026
Restoration House, located in Rochester, England, is a historic city mansion with a rich history. It will be open to visitors during the 2026 season with the following schedule:
- Thursdays and Fridays: From 11th June to 25th September, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM).
- Saturday: On 11th July only, from 12:00 noon to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM).
Tickets can be purchased on arrival. Pre-booking is not required for individual visitors. Members of Historic Houses, Gardeners' World 2-for-1, and CPRE are welcome and should present their membership cards upon arrival.
Admission Prices
- House and Garden:
- Adults: £14
- Seniors (65+): £11
- Art Pass: £11
- Students (under 25): £6
- Children (5-16): £6
- Children under 5: Free
- Historic Houses members: Free
- CPRE members: Free
- Garden only:
- Adults: £7
- Children (5-16): £3
- Children under 5: Free
- Special Tickets:
- Family day ticket (2 adults + 2 children): £32
- Season ticket (per person, valid for the 2026 season): £32
- Family season ticket (2 adults + 2 children, valid for the 2026 season): £50
Photography
Photography is permitted in the garden. In the house, photography is allowed only on Fridays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM during the open season. Flash photography is not allowed.
Accessibility
Unfortunately, the house and garden are not currently suitable for wheelchair users. Visitors are required to place their bags in the lockers provided free of charge while touring the house.
Group Tours
- Pre-booked, Self-Guided Groups: Groups of eight or more can visit during the main season at £11 per person, which includes a 40-page color guidebook.
- Pre-booked, Guided Group Tours in April: Available for groups of 12 to 25 people (or up to 50 people with two guides). The cost is £17.50 per person, including a 40-page color guidebook. Limited availability on Thursdays and Fridays in April.
Refreshments
The tea shop is open from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, offering sandwiches, cakes, teas, coffee, soft drinks, and gluten-free options. These can be enjoyed indoors or in the garden.
Contact Information
For inquiries or to book group tours, contact:
- Phone: 01634 848520
- Email: [email protected]
Additional Information
Restoration House also offers a rental property in Tuscany, Italy, for those interested in a unique vacation experience. Details about this property, including pricing and contact information, are available upon request.
Normal ticket prices:
House and Garden: £11, Concessions: £9
Garden only: £6
Students and under 16: half price
Pre booked guided tour: £11
Groups are welcome, please contact for more information.
We offer tailored school visits for primary and secondary schools based on how people lived in houses before electricity.
Please contact us for more information on 01634 848520 or by email on [email protected].
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
Getting here
Crow Lane, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1RF
Located just off Rochester High St, in Crow Lane, opposite The Vines park.
We are a 5 min walk from Rochester station with services from Victoria, Charing Cross and HI Speed from St. Pancras (30 min).
Margaret Cumberland - Australia.
What would we do without such generous and forsightful owners preserving this beauty for us and the furture.
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