The Ropery - the world's only working traditional rope walk to survive from the Age of Sail.

Experience life as a ropemaker in Victorian times with our brand new themed gallery and costumed guided tour. The year is 1875, the dockyard’s latest battleship HMS Alexandra has recently been launched by the Princess of Wales and the Ropery is in full production….

Our entertaining 40 minute tour gives visitors an insight into why rope was so important to the Navy in the Age of Sail and how it was made by the ropemakers of Chatham. Take the opportunity to make your own rope before entering the truly impressive ¼ mile long ropewalk – where rope is still made commercially today.

The Victorian Ropery Tour is included within the overall Historic Dockyard ticket price but it is only available on a timed ticket basis which must be booked on arrival at Visitor Admissions.  Numbers are limited by nature of the experience.

In addition to the Victorian Ropery Tour, there are opportunities each day for visitors to access the ¼ mile long Ropewalk.

The times of these Ropewalk Visits are  shown on the ‘Summer Fun’ guide for visitors issued on arrival.