Yesterday’s PA Life Club FAM Trip to The Historic Dockyard Chatham culminated at the launch event of this former naval site’s flagship building – the Commissioner’s House, which dates back to 1704. The occasion felt even more special after we had watched and read the BBC South East coverage of the reopening earlier that day…
The Historic Dockyard Chatham – a historic gem, less than an hour from London
A group of PA Life Club members arrived at Chatham station after a 40 minute train journey from London St Pancras. There are also faster high speed connections if you need to cut the journey time. We were met by the transport partner of the Commissioner’s House who drove us to the the former naval site in less than 10 minutes. We were truly transported back in time, to 400 years of naval history on this impressive scale site by River Medway, all less than an hour away from London.
Discovering the diverse event spaces at The Historic Dockyard Chatham?
We met our guides for the day – Kate and Chloe from the event team – at the No.1 Smithery built in 1801. It’s a building of contrasts as it houses a modern museum and gallery space as well as a large industrial hall, known as the Court Yard, used for events during the warmer months. We even had time to pop into the Ocean Photographer of the Year photography exhibition, well worth the brief deviation of the amazing 400 years of history we were discovering on our fantastic tour of the event spaces.
After a few minute walk across the vast courtyard to the river where the ships, and a submarine even, are docked, we arrived at the beautiful HMS Gannet with all it’s masts intact. We climbed onboard to its timber deck which is a lovely space for drinks receptions, especially in the evening sun. They also organise pirate session for children there, and why not for adults too should your team enjoy that as a team-building activity.
Next to the HMS Gannet you can see the HM Submarine Ocelot and a Second World War HMS Cavalier. Both can be included in your itineraries so it’s worth asking how to utilise these rare options. In front of the vessels we spotted a familiar sight from the popular TV series Call the Midwife – the car used in filming the series at the dockyard, its official filming location. The Call the Midwife tours are also very popular with visitors.
Next on our tour was a visit to The Royal Dockyard Church, which nor serves as a beautifully restored theatre space with tiered seating for 200. Remnants of its life as a church are still visible still, including the impressive organ.
Take a look at more event spaces available for corporate hire, including the lovely Museum Square for outdoor events.
The flagship space – The Commissionaire’s House
Our tour of the event venues finished at the newly renovated Commissionaire’s House. The stunning building dating back to 1704 is opening for event hire this summer, after a total renovation that has brought this rare Georgian mansion to its former glory. The house had fallen in disrepair but thanks to large donations, including the 2.3 million central government and a large sum from the Lottery Fund, the £3.5 million restoration project has now been completed. The results are fantastic and none of the original charm and style, including heritage colours, have been lost in this masterpiece. Even the early 1800th century fresco, brought to the house from a naval ship is completely intact and beautifying the impressive staircase ceiling on the top floor.
The Commissionaire’s House and its stunning gardens is a perfect space for celebrations, and meetings and dinners when you need an elegant venue with plenty of historical reference to impress your guests. There is also a bridal suite as this is expected to be a much sought after wedding venue too.
Our FAM Trip ended at the launch event. It was great to hear from CEO Richard Morsley who welcomed local businesses and guests who had made the restoration possible, as well as PA Life Club members to The Commissionaire’s House and gardens.
Accommodation near The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Attendees to the FAM Trip had an option to stay overnight at the Bridgewood Manor Hotel & Spa – a 100 bedroom, four-star hotel near Rochester, just 5 miles away from the dockyard. They are the preferred accommodation partner for The Historic Dockyard Chatham corporate events and weddings.
Plenty of unique team-building options
There are plenty of team-building options to combine light-hearted fun with meaningful outcomes. Choose from strengthening teamwork, problem-solving and engagement, while encouraging teams to see their colleagues (and The Dockyard) from a fresh perspective. You could also introduce your team to the secrets of rope making and games at the Master Ropemakers – a thriving business with 400 year history.
Ask the event team for recommendations of activities. The activities on offer are flexible, inclusive and fully facilitated, and can be tailored to suit your objectives, group size and schedule.
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