Landmark
Chatham Naval Memorial
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Chatham Naval Memorial stands on the Great Lines Heritage Park in Gillingham, overlooking the River Medway. It honors the memory of over 18,000 sailors from the Royal Navy who perished in the First and Second World Wars and whose bodies were never recovered. The memorial features a large obelisk flanked by colonnades bearing bronze panels inscribed with names. The site offers panoramic views of the Medway towns and the surrounding countryside. Visitors can walk among the panels, reflecting on the sacrifices of those lost at sea. The memorial is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and is a place of quiet contemplation. It also serves as a venue for annual Remembrance Sunday ceremonies. The surrounding parkland is ideal for a peaceful stroll, with benches and green spaces nearby.
Don't miss
- The central obelisk and surrounding colonnades with name panels
- Panoramic views over the Medway and Kent countryside
- The Roll of Honour panels listing thousands of sailors
- Annual Remembrance Sunday service held here
- Nearby Great Lines Heritage Park for a walk
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Chatham Naval Memorial
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Chatham Naval Memorial with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inFormer Navy HQ Headquarters Fees for visiting historical buildings for war and peace4.7★ · 35 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$4 per personSee dates →
Most bookedCall the Midwife Location Tour in Chatham4.5★ · 608 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$56 per personSee dates →
Top ratedSailing Charters in Wilmington5★ · 198 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$89 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- The memorial is outdoors and open 24/7; no facilities on site.
- Bring a list of names if you're researching a relative; the panels are arranged by conflict and rank.
- Check the weather; the site is exposed to wind and rain.
- Photography is welcome, but be respectful of the solemn atmosphere.
A bit of history
Chatham Naval Memorial was unveiled in 1924 to commemorate the fallen of World War I, with additional panels added after World War II. It was designed by Sir Robert Lorimer and sculptor Henry Poole, and is one of three principal naval memorials in the UK, alongside those in Portsmouth and Plymouth.
Common questions
Is there an entrance fee?
No, entry is free.
Can I find a specific name on the memorial?
Yes, the panels list names alphabetically by year of death. You can also search online via the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Are there guided tours?
Not regularly, but local history groups sometimes organize walks. Check with the Gillingham tourist office.
Is the memorial lit at night?
Yes, it is illuminated after dark.
Can I hold a private ceremony here?
Yes, but you must obtain permission from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
What else is nearby?
The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Rochester Castle, and the River Medway are all within a short drive.