Guide to Rainham, Kent

Welcome to Rainham!

Those who enjoy an active lifestyle will find themselves right at home in Rainham. Situated on the river Medway, Rainham is a town that offers the very best of the Kentish countryside, offering opportunities for hikers, dog walkers and joggers to stretch their legs and soak in the vistas. Rainham offers historical sites, excellent shopping opportunities and sprawling parks, ensuring those of all backgrounds will find something to enjoy.

On this page you will find links to some of the most popular and fun activities the town offers, whether you are new in town, you’re here for work or on a family holiday. Read on for our pick of the best things to do in Rainham!

Osteopaths in Rainham - Neck Pain Back Pain

Osteopathy in Rainham

During your excursion or physical activity, you may find yourself dealing with a new ache or pain, or perhaps an old one has resurfaced after pushing yourself. Tim Wood is an osteopathic and sports injury clinic located in Rainham, specialising in managing pain, bringing comfort and getting you back to enjoying the activities you love.

Rainham & Medway Activities Map

Continue down the page for information about the activities listed

Cycling in Rainham and Medway

If you’re an avid cyclist, then the countryside of Kent has a number of unique and beautiful trails to discover, taking advantage of the landscape and beautiful woodland. For the newer riders, there is the Horrid Hill bike trail. An “easy” trail taking you along the coast and through Riverside Country Park. For the more experienced cyclists, you can tackle the Hartlip Village trail. Labelled as “intermediate”, this challenging trail takes you from Rainham, through Hartlip Village and passed the Bredgar Farm Shop and it’s attached cafe.

Cycling in Rainham Kent
Rainham and the Medway are popular destinations for cyclists

Eateries and Pubs in Rainham

There are a wealth of options near Rainham when it comes to choosing a place for a bite to eat or a drink. The Parkwood Cafe is there to provide you with breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Chiltern Hundreds has you covered for some local fish and chips, Sundar Rachana if curry is more your thing, or Cafe Nucleus if you’d prefer a snazzy fine dining experience. There is no shortage of amazing, sociable, local pubs to enjoy with your family or friends. Pubs like The Cricketers, The Rainham Arms and the Greedy Banker.

Water Sports in Rainham

If water sports like boating or canoeing are more your preference, Rainham has you covered. Medway Canoes offers paddle sport and motor boat fun for the whole family. Perhaps you’d like to step it up and try your hand at sailing. Medway Watersports Centre offers multiple courses and activities whether you’re a seasoned veteran, or a brand new aspiring sailor. Always wanted to try scuba diving? Then head on down to Leybourne Lake Watersports, where you can take part in scuba diving, swimming activities and even water based triathlon training.

Scuba diving in Rainham
Learn scuba diving in Leybourne Lake

Relaxing Local Activities

Do you prefer activities and pastimes that move at a more leisurely pace? There is still plenty to explore and discover in Rainham and the surrounding areas. Enjoy exploring the Tyland Barn Nature Park, an excellent way to experience the wildlife trust maintained park and stunning countryside. The Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway is a charming light railway that’s open for the public to enjoy, featuring a terrific range of steam locomotives of varying gauges, freight and carriage stock, and other intriguing railway artefacts that will keep you entertained for hours. Or you could make a splash at the Splashes Leisure Centre, offering indoor pools, a wave machine and a variety of children’s pools.

Activities for Kids in and Around Rainham

Keeping the little ones entertained is always a priority on a family trip, luckily Rainham and the surrounding areas feature numerous great days out for the kids and the whole family. Toddler Town is a wonderful place offering activities aimed specifically at toddlers, focusing on developing their social and problem-solving skills. Diggerland is an adventure park letting children live out their dreams of being in control of diggers, loaders, dumpers and all manner of construction vehicles! Or take the family to Hollywood Bowl in Rochester. Boasting 24 state of the art lanes, an arcade full of video games and a pool table, ensuring you will always find something to suit you.

Kids in Rainham
Rainham and the surrounding areas have some unique experiences for children

Adventure Activities in Rainham

If you prefer more adrenaline-focused activities, there is plenty to keep you entertained in the local area. Have you ever wanted to get in touch with your inner ninja warrior? Well now you can! Based on the hit television show, Ninja Warrior, Ninja Warrior Adventure Park Chatham is an adventure park where you can take part in activities and assault courses based on the show. Can you become the next ninja warrior? Maybe you prefer classic physical activities like climbing and abseiling. Rainham offers multiple facilities to cater to your needs. Arethusa Climbing Centre and The Climbing Experience in Maidstone both offer a variety of climbing exercises, whether you’re a climbing expert or you’re looking to take your first climb.

Museums and Historic Sites to Visit

Perhaps taking in the local culture and history is more your speed. Rainham and the surrounding areas offer multiple historic sites and museums for the public to enjoy. If you like exploring forts, make sure to visit Fort Amherst. You will be taken on a lantern-lit tour by one of the expert guides, ensuring you make the most of the rich history of the site. Housed in an Elizabethan manor house, the Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Gallery houses fine art, human history and a variety of historical artefacts, including a 2,500 year old Egyptian mummy! Other amazing museums in the local area include the Royal Engineers Museum, The RNLI Historic Lifeboat Collection or for something more unique, visit the Light Vessel 21, a re-purposed vessel now serving as a cultural centre and maritime heritage site. If classic castles are what interests you, you cannot afford to miss the world-renowned Leeds Castle.

Parks and Nature in and Around Rainham

The county of Kent is famous for its countryside and parks, so you’re guaranteed to find something that suits your needs. Parks like The Capstone Farm Country Park, Broomhill Park and Wigmore Park offer traditional vistas and trails to enjoy the outdoors. If you prefer to do some bird watching or you enjoy wildlife, then the Berengrave Nature Reserve or the Motney Hill Reserve may be just what you’re looking for.

Bird next to a pond
There is a wealth of wildlife close to Rainham

FAQ for Rainham and the Surrounding Areas

Rainham is a town in the Medway unitary authority in Kent, South East England. It is situated between Gillingham and Sittingbourne.

As of the last census, Rainham has a population of approximately 30,000 residents.

Rainham has a long history dating back to Roman times. It was originally a small farming village but grew significantly after the railway station opened in 1858.

Notable attractions include Riverside Country Park, which offers walking trails and wildlife spotting, and the nearby Upchurch River Valley Golf Course. The historic St. Margaret’s Church is also a point of interest.

Rainham is accessible by train, with Rainham railway station serving as a stop on the Chatham Main Line, offering services to London and the Kent coast. It is also reachable by car via the A2 and M2 motorways.

Rainham Shopping Centre provides a range of shops, including supermarkets, high street stores, and independent retailers. The nearby Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre offers additional retail options.

Rainham hosts various community events throughout the year, including a Christmas market, local fairs, and events at the Riverside Country Park. Medway’s wider area also features numerous festivals and cultural events.

Recreational activities include sports clubs, such as football and cricket, and outdoor activities like walking and cycling in local parks. The Strand Leisure Park in nearby Gillingham offers swimming and other sports facilities.

Rainham has several GP practices and dental surgeries. The nearest major hospital is Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham, which provides a wide range of healthcare services.

Rainham is part of the Medway unitary authority, which handles local government functions. It is also represented in the UK Parliament as part of the Gillingham and Rainham constituency.

Housing in Rainham ranges from historic cottages and period homes to modern developments and new builds, catering to a variety of preferences and budgets.

Rainham experiences a temperate maritime climate, with mild summers and cool winters. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year.

Rainham has a strong sense of community with numerous local groups and clubs, including sports teams, gardening clubs, and community centres that host various activities and events.

Rainham offers a variety of dining options, from traditional pubs and cafes to international cuisine. Notable places include local favourites such as The Railway Inn.

Our Rainham Osteopathic Clinic

We offer professional and friendly osteopathy services in Rainham.

Tim wood healthcare: Osteopathy
Being pain-free is just a few clicks away

We’re proud to say that we have been trusted by many thousands of people in Rainham and beyond over many years, and we’re here to help care for you right now. Get in touch so you can see how we can help you.