If you’re a fan of the beloved BBC series Call the Midwife, this tour offers a chance to step behind the scenes of your favorite show while exploring a historic maritime site. Based in Kent, this experience combines film location sightseeing with a glimpse into the dockyard’s fascinating past. From the moment you arrive to your walk through the boat-filled grounds, there’s plenty to enjoy.
What really makes this tour special are the engaging guides—many of whom dress in period costumes—to help bring the show’s world to life. Coupled with the opportunity to see authentic props, costumes, and filming anecdotes, it’s a well-rounded package. On the downside, some visitors mention that the walk to the dockyard can be longer than expected, so comfortable shoes are a must.
If you’re a Call the Midwife enthusiast, a history buff, or just someone looking for a unique way to explore Kent, this tour could be just right. It’s also family-friendly and accessible, making it a flexible choice for many travelers. Now, let’s dig into what this experience really offers.
Key Points
- Authentic filming locations: Walk through sets that recreate 1950s London slums and warehouses.
- Insightful guides: Knowledgeable storytellers share behind-the-scenes stories and filming anecdotes.
- Historical backdrop: The dockyard’s own history adds depth to the experience.
- Self-exploration time: You can explore the dockyard on your own before or after the tour at no extra cost.
- Shows and props: Get up close with costumes and show memorabilia.
- Good value: For around $54, you get an engaging tour plus full access to the site.
What to Expect from the Tour
This 1.5-hour walking tour is a lively and informative exploration of both the film locations and the historic dockyard itself. Led by a guide dressed in period costume, the walk takes you through streets that represent the East End of London in the 1950s, specifically the slums and warehouses seen in Call the Midwife.
The guide shares personal stories, filming secrets, and insights into how the dockyard’s features were transformed into the show’s iconic settings. You’ll hear anecdotes about the actors, the filming process, and the show’s production, which fans always enjoy. Many visitors mention that guides like Irene and Heather are particularly engaging and knowledgeable, making the whole experience feel authentic and lively.
Beyond the TV focus, the dockyard’s own story is fascinating. You’ll have the chance to walk along historic streets, see ships and old boats, and explore a Victorian rope factory at your leisure—since full access is included throughout the day. This makes it easy to combine the show’s sights with a broader appreciation of maritime history.
Planning more time in Chatham? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Walkthrough of the Itinerary
Your meet-up point is at The Historic Dockyard on Church Lane, Chatham. Staff will give you a map and directions, and you should aim to arrive about 20 minutes early to ensure a smooth start. The tour begins with a guided walk, during which your guide narrates the story behind each scene, set, or prop, often referencing the filming of specific episodes or scenes.
You’ll visit locations used for filming, especially those representing the impoverished streets of Poplar Dock. If you’re a Call the Midwife fan, you’ll recognize many spots where Miranda Hart and Jenny Agutter’s characters walked or interacted. Some reviews highlight the way the guide shows photos or props, helping you visualize the scenes.
The tour ends back at the meeting point, but your access to the dockyard remains open for additional exploration. You might wander around the historic ships, peek inside the Victorian factory, or browse the gift shop.
The Highlight: Behind-the-Scenes Stories and Props
What keeps visitors engaged are the tales shared by guides like Heather, Irene, and Dawn. They reveal stories about the filming, the location choices, and even challenges faced during production. One reviewer appreciated how Irene made the experience fun and informative, noting, “Irene was very knowledgeable and informative,” which elevates the tour beyond a simple walk.
And for the show fans, the chance to see props and costumes adds a tangible element. You’ll get to see items used in the series, which often surprises visitors—these small details help bring the show’s period setting to life.
Exploring the Historic Dockyard
While the focus is on Call the Midwife, the dockyard itself offers plenty of interest. You’ll see historic warships, explore the Victorian Rope Factory, and enjoy views of the river. Many reviews mention the value of the site’s full access, which allows you to take your time wandering around after the guided tour.
The dockyard has a long maritime history, but it’s also been a popular filming location for many other shows and movies. Its authentic historic buildings and ships look captivating and lend a real sense of stepping back in time.
More Great Tours NearbyPricing and Value
For around $54 per person, this experience offers a lot. You get the guided walking tour, access to the entire dockyard, and the chance to see props and costumes. The reviews reflect high satisfaction, with many saying it’s “well worth the price,” especially for fans of the show.
Since you can arrive any time during the site’s opening hours (10:00 AM–6:00 PM), it provides flexibility to combine the tour with your own exploration. Plus, parking is free all day, which adds to the convenience.
Accessibility and Practicalities
Travelers with mobility concerns will be glad to hear that the tour is wheelchair friendly. The guide makes an effort to go slowly, and the site is accessible, making this experience suitable for most visitors. Children under 5 can join for free, and the site’s relaxed pace means small kids or older visitors should be comfortable.
For those coming from London or elsewhere, the site is accessible via public transport—many visitors find the train and bus route manageable, with some reviews noting the walk from the station is about 15–30 minutes.
The Overall Experience
Many reviewers describe this tour as engaging, fun, and full of insider info. Lovinia called it “the best tour ever,” praising her guide Heather, while others appreciated how Irene made the experience full of stories and fun facts. Several noted that guides seemed passionate and kept the group entertained.
However, a few mentioned that the walk can be a bit longer than expected, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The weather can also influence enjoyment—bright, sunny days make for a better experience, but rainy weather might dampen the mood.
Final Thoughts
This Call the Midwife tour at Chatham Historic Dockyard strikes a good balance between TV nostalgia and maritime history. It’s perfect for fans of the show who want to see the filming locations up close, as well as for travelers interested in history, ships, and period settings.
The guided tour is lively, informative, and adds personality to the experience, making the historic dockyard feel alive with stories. The full access to the site means you’ll have plenty of time to explore on your own afterward, which many visitors find rewarding.
If you appreciate authentic locations, enjoy learning behind-the-scenes tales, or simply want a different kind of sightseeing, this experience offers solid value. It’s especially suited for those who don’t mind a bit of walking and are eager to combine TV magic with maritime history.
Chatham Historic Dockyard: Call the Midwife Tour
“This was the best tour ever!!! It was delivered so well! The guide Heather was amazing. The tour itself told us so much about the program but also …”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children under 5 can join for free, and the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for families and visitors with mobility needs.
How long does the tour last?
The guided walking part of the tour is about 1.5 hours long, but you can stay on the site afterward for as long as it’s open (10:00 AM to 6:00 PM).
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot ahead of time to secure your preferred starting time, especially during busy periods.
Can I explore the entire dockyard after the tour?
Absolutely. Your ticket includes full access throughout the day, so you’re free to wander, see the ships, visit the factory, and enjoy other exhibits.
Are there any extra costs?
No, the tour fee covers the guided walk and entry to the dockyard. Additional purchases, like souvenirs or special exhibits, are at your discretion.
Is transportation difficult?
Most visitors find it manageable, with options including train and bus routes. Parking is free, but the walk from the station can take 15–30 minutes, so plan accordingly.
This Chatham Historic Dockyard: Call the Midwife Tour offers a well-rounded experience blending TV lore with historic sights, perfect for fans and curious travelers alike. It combines storytelling, scenery, and history into one engaging outing.
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