Chatham Historic Dockyard: Call the Midwife Tour

Discover the Call the Midwife Experience at Chatham Historic Dockyard

The Chatham Historic Dockyard: Call the Midwife Tour offers fans of the beloved BBC series a chance to step into the show’s world for just $53.88 per person. This 1.5-hour guided walking tour in Kent, United Kingdom, combines behind-the-scenes stories with visits to key filming locations. The tour is led by a costumed guide who brings the era and characters to life, making it an engaging experience whether you’re a dedicated fan or simply interested in historic dockyard sites.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the access to the historic dockyard itself, which you can explore freely before or after the guided portion. Visitors appreciate the informative guides, the chance to see props and costumes, and the opportunity to learn about the dockyard’s multifaceted history beyond the show. This tour suits fans of Call the Midwife and history buffs alike, offering a blend of entertainment and education.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Price: $53.88 per person for 1.5 hours of guided touring
• Location: Chatham Historic Dockyard, Kent, UK
• Duration: 1.5 hours; open access throughout the day from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Led by: a professional, costumed guide with extensive knowledge
• Highlights: filming locations from Call the Midwife, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, props, costumes, and dockyard exhibits
• Accessibility: wheelchair accessible and suitable for children under 5

How the Tour Brings Call the Midwife to Life

The guided walking tour is the centerpiece of this experience. Led by a costumed guide, it takes visitors along streets that portray the impoverished East End of London in the 1950s and 60s, recreating scenes from the award-winning TV series. The guide shares stories, filming anecdotes, and details about how the dockyard was transformed into the show’s setting.

The tour ensures that fans can relate to familiar scenes from the series, including key locations like Poplar Dock’s slums and warehouses. The guide also revisits memorable scenes from the series, which helps viewers connect the on-screen drama with the actual filming locations.

Exploring the Historic Dockyard Beyond the Show

While the focus is on Call the Midwife, the tour includes free access to the entire dockyard, allowing visitors to explore historic warships, a Victorian rope factory, and other exhibits at their own pace. This flexibility adds value, giving more time to appreciate the naval history and industrial heritage of the site. Many reviews praise the diverse attractions available before or after the tour, making it a well-rounded visit.

The dockyard’s facilities include a charming café and souvenir shops, so visitors can relax and purchase memorabilia. The ability to wander freely enhances the experience, especially for those interested in maritime history or wanting to see the props and costumes from the show up close.

The Guide’s Storytelling and Presentation Style

The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and engaging storytelling. One notable guide, Helen, is described as really lovely and knowledgeable, making the tour both informative and enjoyable. Others mention Irene and Heather as fantastic guides who keep the group interested with anecdotes about the filming process and show background.

Travelers note that guides explain historical details clearly, making the tour accessible even for those unfamiliar with the series. Many reviews highlight the lighthearted and friendly approach of the guides, which creates a welcoming atmosphere.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Details and Logistics

The meeting point is at The Historic Dockyard, Church Lane, Chatham ME4 4TE. Visitors are encouraged to arrive at least 20 minutes early, as staff provide maps and information on where to meet the guide. The tour starts at various times throughout the day, with open access available from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Parking is free all day, simplifying logistics for visitors arriving by car. The tour is wheelchair friendly and suitable for children under 5, making it accessible for most visitors.

What’s Included in the Tour

The ticket includes entry to Chatham Historic Dockyard, allowing visitors to explore the site at their leisure before or after the guided walk. The professional guide leads the 1.5-hour tour, sharing behind-the-scenes stories about the filming and the history of the dockyard. The props and costumes from the show are on display in designated areas, adding visual interest.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers. Payment can be made later, securing your spot while maintaining travel flexibility.

Highlights from Customer Reviews

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable, friendly guides such as Helen, Irene, and Heather, often describing their storytelling as informative and engaging. Many mention how the show filming anecdotes and props enhance the experience, especially for fans of Call the Midwife.

The accessibility and flexibility of the dockyard are frequently highlighted, with visitors enjoying the opportunity to explore old boats and other exhibits at their own pace. Several reviews note that the tour is well-paced and just the right length of 90 minutes, keeping the experience interesting without feeling rushed.

Some travelers mention the vibe of seeing filming in action—with some cast members filming during their visit—which adds a spontaneous element to the experience. Others appreciate the value for money, considering the detailed storytelling and access to the dockyard.

The Experience for Non-Fans and History Enthusiasts

Even those unfamiliar with the series find value in the historic setting and the explanation of the film sets. The guides do a good job of blending film history with dockyard heritage, making the tour appealing to both fans and history lovers. The props and costumes display also offers a visual treat for anyone interested in costume design or film production.

The free exploration of the dockyard itself adds an extra layer of interest, especially for those who wish to extend their visit. This flexibility makes the tour a great option for a half-day outing in Kent.

Final Brushstrokes: Is This Tour Worth It?

The Chatham Historic Dockyard: Call the Midwife Tour delivers a well-rounded experience, combining filming location insights with historic dockyard exploration. With highly praised guides, accessible facilities, and the chance to see props and costumes from the series, it offers good value for fans of the show and history enthusiasts alike.

The price of $53.88 is reasonable given the depth of stories and access included, and the 1.5-hour length makes it a manageable outing. Visitors should plan to arrive early and wear comfortable shoes since the tour involves walking, and the site has some uneven surfaces.

This tour is especially suitable for fans of Call the Midwife who want to gain behind-the-scenes insights and see the filming locations firsthand. It also appeals to those interested in maritime history or film sets, making it a versatile choice for a half-day adventure in Kent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children under 5 years old participate free of charge and the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking is recommended to reserve your spot, and you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Can I explore the dockyard after the guided tour?
Absolutely, you have free access to the dockyard facilities and exhibits throughout the day, before or after the guided walk.

How long is the tour?
The guided tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are advised, as the dockyard involves some walking on uneven surfaces.

Are there any additional costs?
No, the ticket includes entry to the dockyard and the guided tour. Extra purchases may be available at gift shops or cafes.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby