For Heritage Open Days 2025 the Rochester Bridge Trust is pleased to be offering a series of Hard Hat Tours, enabling the public to explore the hidden areas of its bridges over the River Medway.
This year, a new step-free version is also being trialled, as part of the Trust’s commitment to improving accessibility.
The tours are led by one of the civil engineers responsible for the bridges. The standard tours last for approximately one hour, while the step-free activity will take 30 minutes.
Bridge Programme Manager Kate Castle, who acts as the guide, said: “Since we launched these tours in 2023, they have proved incredibly popular as members of the community look to find out more about the bridges that are a part of their everyday lives.
“This year we are pleased to be able to also trial this step-free version, which takes in the areas that are accessible for those who are less mobile, including wheelchair users.”
The full tour involves walking across parts of the three structures that comprise Rochester Bridge: the 1914 Old Bridge which incorporates parts of the previous Victorian crossing; the 1970 New Bridge; and the Service Bridge, a closed structure carrying pipes and cabling across the river.
The full tours will take place on Wednesday, 17 September, at 11am and 1.30pm. The step-free tour will take place on Saturday, 13 September, at 11.30am.
These events are free but places are limited and must be booked, and participants of the full tour must be physically able to climb ladders. This tour is not suitable for anyone suffering from claustrophobia, fear of heights, back problems or other mobility restrictions.
Participants will be required to sign a safety declaration before being allowed to take part. The tours are not suitable for under sevens, and each child must be accompanied by an adult who will take responsibility for their safety.
Suitable footwear must be worn, along with all the personal protective equipment supplied by the Trust.
Those who are interested in taking part in the step-free tour are asked to email enquiries@rbt.org.uk to obtain an accessibility guide.