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The Historic Dockyard Chatham

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Up to 400
Moderate
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
The Historic Dockyard Chatham The Historic Dockyard Chatham
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About The Historic Dockyard Chatham

If you’re looking for a show-stopping venue in Kent with centuries of character and a choice of flexible event spaces, The Historic Dockyard at Chatham delivers. Set among 400 years of maritime history, this extraordinary 80-acre estate offers a stunning backdrop for weddings, corporate events, team-building days, exhibitions and private parties.

The venue can host up to 400 guests and boasts an impressive selection of spaces. Choose from the grand No.3 Slip Mezzanine, perfect for exhibitions and large-scale celebrations, or the Royal Dockyard Church, ideal for performances, staff training or lectures with tiered seating for up to 250. For a more modern feel, the Orientation Gallery hosts 150 for drinks and canapés with access to the latest exhibitions.

Smaller gatherings can take place in elegant Georgian-style rooms like the Ballroom or Sunne Room, both seating 40, or the more intimate Temeraire and Revenge Rooms. For something truly unique, enjoy private dining for 20 in the Captain’s Cabin aboard HMS Gannet or host up to 150 on the deck for a memorable drinks reception.

For meetings, the tech-ready Fitted Rigging House is ideal with two adjacent rooms and video conferencing capabilities. The Mess Deck offers flexible space for up to 240 and is particularly popular for winter events. Expect modern facilities, Wi-Fi, a dance floor, AV equipment and exclusive hire options throughout, perfect for those looking to host large events. Many spaces are fully accessible and the dedicated team is on hand to help plan your event whether it’s a summer garden party, awards ceremony or baby shower.

With a unique blend of heritage, flexibility and visual impact, The Historic Dockyard Chatham is one of Kent’s most unforgettable venue hire options.

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Venue Facilities
Dance floor
Disability access
Entertainment included
Exclusive Hire
Family friendly
Garden or courtyard
High speed wifi
Late license
Parking
Screening room
Shared parties
Team building facilities
Video conferencing

Good to know

Delegates/Guests
Up to 400
Venue Hire Cost
Moderate
Event Type
Anniversary party, Awards ceremony, Baby shower, Birthday party, Bridal shower, Conference, Corporate event, Corporate party, Drinks reception, Engagement party, Exhibition, Filming/photography location, Garden party, Hybrid event, Meeting rooms, Summer party, Team building
Venue Type
Bar, Boat, Hall, Museum, Restaurant, Warehouse
Venue Style
Blank canvas, Cool, Corporate, Creative, Fun, Historic, Industrial , Light and bright, Outdoor, Quirky and unique, Traditional, Waterside

Videos and 360 tours

Corporate Events at No.1 Smithery

The Historic Dockyard Chatham Events

FreeThe Dockyard Business Club
Event
The Dockyard Business Club

15 Jul 2026

Welcome to The Dockyard Business Club at The Historic Dockyard Chatham. Join us for a morning of connections, coffee, and great conversation
Join us for a morning of networking, coffee and conversation in one of Kent's most remarkable historic buildings.

This special Dockyard Business Club event offers a unique opportunity to experience the magnificent Commissioner's House, recently reopened following an extensive £3.8 million restoration project. Now established as Kent and Medway's newest corporate hospitality and wedding venue, the house seamlessly blends over 300 years of history with elegant spaces for meetings, celebrations, conferences and special events.

Built in 1703 on the orders of George St Lo, Commissioner's House is the oldest intact naval residence in the United Kingdom, standing as a testament to the rich maritime heritage of Chatham and the Medway.

Guests will enjoy an exclusive opportunity to explore the beautifully restored rooms and discover the wide range of corporate hospitality, private hire and event opportunities now available within this exceptional venue. Whether you're looking for a unique setting for client entertaining, team events, conferences, celebrations or networking, this is your chance to see firsthand what Commissioner's House can offer.

The Dockyard Business Club provides a relaxed and welcoming environment to make new connections, strengthen existing relationships and discover opportunities for collaboration with fellow businesses from across Kent and Medway.

Join us and be among the first to experience one of Kent's most exciting new event venues.

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More Details

The Historic Dockyard Chatham Rooms

Fitted Rigging House - Room 1

Fitted Rigging House - Room 1

24
Meeting
40
Standing
36
Banquet
40
Theatre

The Fitted Rigging House comprises of two adjacent meeting rooms, which can be hired individually or together if a breakout space is required. Kitted out with the latest technology, you can present easily with our moveable screens and even connect with those joining your meeting virtually using our video conferencing kit.

Enquire about this room

The Royal Dockyard Church

The Royal Dockyard Church

198
Meeting
250
Standing
120
Banquet
220
Theatre

The Royal Dockyard Church is a purpose built theatre space, seating up to 200 guests in tiered seating. Including a stage and presentation equipment, it’s an ideal venue to accommodate your next big staff training day, lecture, theatre performance or to host a multi-day conference.

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No.1 Smithery Oritentation Gallery

No.1 Smithery Oritentation Gallery

150
Standing
150
Banquet

The expansive No.1 Smithery was begun in 1801 to help meet the Dockyard’s growing need for ironwork. After a major redevelopment, the building now offers modern museum galleries, temporary exhibition galleries and flexible event spaces. If you are looking for something more modern, the Orientation Gallery can accommodate up to 150 guests standing for drinks and canape receptions, presentations and includes access to our latest temporary exhibition.

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The Ballroom

70
Meeting
70
Standing
40
Banquet

Flooded with natural daylight, the Commissioner’s House Ballroom is an ideal training room for corporate away days, training sessions and product launches. Located on the ground floor, it provides easy access for all delegates and gives you the change to enjoy the patio and gardens also.

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The Sunne Room

The Sunne Room

30
Meeting
70
Standing
40
Banquet
70
Theatre

With views overlooking Commissioner’s House Gardens, and the River Medway, the Sunne Room provides a warm and welcoming space. This traditional Georgian style room is ideal for board meetings, breakfast meetings, team building and private dining events and gives easy access to additional breakout spaces on the same floor.

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Revenge Room

Revenge Room

12
Standing
12
Banquet

The Revenge Room is located at the front of Commissioner's House and overlooks the River Medway. It offers natural daylight and is the ideal spot for a small meeting, breakout room or private dining space.

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No.3 Slip Mezzanine

No.3 Slip Mezzanine

400
Standing
240
Banquet
400
Theatre

During the Napoleonic Wars, the Royal Navy began building covers over its slipways and docks used for shipbuilding to protect the ships’ timber hulls. The oldest of the surviving slips, 3 Slip offers a unique spaces that can be hired for large events such as fairs, exhibitions and award ceremonies. No. 3 Slip is your event space with a difference; located on a mezzanine floor above a museum gallery space, your guests will be mesmerised by the buildings unique structure.

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The Mess Deck

The Mess Deck

200
Meeting
240
Standing
160
Banquet
200
Theatre

Meals on the Mess Deck are a regular occurrence for the Royal Navy. Our Mess Deck might not be at sea but it’s function is no different and it provides a modern, flexible function space. Available January and early February, this stunning venue is one of a kind and can accommodate up to 240 guests seated for dining. It’s perfect for a winter wedding reception, birthday party or a private dining experience to reward your clients or staff.

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HMS Gannet

HMS Gannet

150
Standing
20
Banquet
70
Theatre

If you want to wow your guests, this is the perfect event space for you. HMS GANNET was built on the River Medway at Sheerness in 1878. Designed to patrol the world’s oceans, she ‘flew the flag’ protecting British interests around the world, including the South Pacific, the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. Seating up to 20 in the Captain’s Cabin for a private dining experience or up to 150 on the main deck for drinks and canapes, this venue is ideal for drinks receptions, product launches, private dining and evenings with entertainment.

Enquire about this room

Fitted Rigging House - Room 2

24
Meeting
40
Standing
36
Banquet
40
Theatre

The Fitted Rigging House comprises of two adjacent meeting rooms, which can be hired individually or together if a breakout space is required. Kitted out with the latest technology, you can present easily with our moveable screens and even connect with those joining your meeting virtually using our video conferencing kit.

Enquire about this room

The Orangery

The Orangery

120
Standing
120
Banquet
70
Theatre
Room size: 175m²

Featuring floor to ceiling glass walls that bring in both sunshine and views of our landscaped gardens, The Orangery provides a refined space for private dining experiences, starlit business receptions and summer parties.

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Ramillies

Ramillies

12
Meeting
Room size: 38m²

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Bellona

Bellona

10
Meeting
Room size: 25m²

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Victory

Victory

Room size: 28m²

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Leviathan

Leviathan

10
Meeting
Room size: 25m²

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The Joiners Shop Meeting Room

10
Meeting

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The Wardroom
The Commissioner

The Commissioner's House

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Location

Main Gate Road, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4TZ

01634 823800

Website

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Testimonials for The Historic Dockyard Chatham

EventAPRIL, 2026

Thank you so much for all that you did to make sure that our event last evening was really enjoyable and that it went without a hitch. Please could you thank your wonderful staff for their care and attention to detail, making sure that everything ran smoothly, they are so very professional. Once again, a huge thank you.

Ann

ExhibitionJUNE, 2025

I just wanted to say thank you to you and the team who oversaw the event on Tuesday.  The venue looked great, the acoustics were just right, and lunch was lovely too.  I know some of the stall holders were impressed by the size and versatility of the building and were considering future events there, and we look forward to our October event with you. Thanks again to all the team.

Michelle

FAQs

Does The Historic Dockyard Chatham have AV equipment available for events?

Yes AV equipment is available.

Helpful? 0

Does The Historic Dockyard Chatham have accommodation on site?

Although there is no onsite accommodation, we have great relationships with local hotels (some within walking distance), and we would be happy to help you arrange rooms.

Helpful? 0

How late can events at The Historic Dockyard Chatham go on to?

12am (Midnight)

Helpful? 0

Can external caterers be used at The Historic Dockyard Chatham?

We have great in-house catering options available, and therefore do not allow external catering for events.

Helpful? 0
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The Historic Dockyard Chatham
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The Historic Dockyard Chatham
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Contact this venue
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Enquire Now

By submitting this request you are agreeing to our privacy policy.