Local Area

Blue Skies School is located in Chatham, a large suburb in the Medway Towns. Bordering with Rochester and Gillingham, Chatham is a fascinating maritime destination that holds an abundance of history.

Chatham itself is full of rich history that extends back more than 400 years. The historic Chatham Dockyard is one of Britain’s leading maritime heritage locations including a fantastic array of attractions and known as the world’s most complete dockyard from the Age of Sail.  

The town offers excellent transport links with Chatham train station, being just a 10-minute walk away. The station provides high speed links into London. Both Rochester and Gillingham train stations are also within proximity as well as a local bus station, with bus stops immediately outside of the school which service the local area. Additionally, the A2 main road and M2 motorway are not far and easily accessible, so whether you fancy a day out in London, or a trip to the coast, you’ll have no trouble traveling quickly and easily around the county. 

The majority of Chatham is overlooked by the famous Fort Amherst, a British Napoleonic Fortress known for its international and historical importance. With lots of tunnels to explore and spooky events at Halloween, Fort Amherst is a great day out for all the family.

Chatham is where the life of Charles Dickens’ began and ended; and the place where Dickens found inspiration for some of his work's greatest characters and settings with many of its local places popping up in his books with characterful streets, shops and ancient buildings.

There is plenty to discover in town and the surrounding areas, with Chatham being the largest town for shopping in the Medway Towns. With the Pentagon Shopping Centre within walking distance, you’ll find a fully pedestrianised high street with a variety of leading brands and named stores, cafes and restaurants. 

Both the Central Theatres and The Brook sit at the heart of Chatham and offer a wide array of national touring shows and amateur productions. The Brook Theatre is home to a thriving arts centre that offers a professional theatre experience, along with community led productions and performances.