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Explore Chatham Dockyard: The Official Call the Midwife Tour Experience - Chatham

Explore Chatham Dockyard: The Official Call the Midwife Tour Experience

Chathameasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1.5 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels as the walking pace is gentle, but standing and walking on uneven ground is required.

Overview

Discover the authentic filming locations of BBC’s Call the Midwife in Chatham Dockyard. Join a costumed guide for a private walking tour through the show's historic East End settings and original props – a must for fans and history buffs alike.

London, England

Call the Midwife Tour • Private

For all ages! • 1.5 hours • Small group!

Walking Tour

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About This Adventure

Embark on the official Call the Midwife Tour for a unique behind-the-scenes experience of this beloved series. Guided by a costumed midwife, explore iconic filming locations at Chatham Dockyard, see original props and costumes, and hear captivating stories from the show’s production. A must for every fan!

The Official Call the Midwife Tour

Duration

1.5 hours

About

walking tour and experience that takes you behind the scenes of this much loved show. It includes original props and costumes from the show itself. Working in partnership with the creators of Call the Midwife, Neal Street Productions, the Call the Midwife Tour is overseen by the show’s producers and features material from the latest series, as well as props, costumes, set and of course a costumed Midwife!

Originally based on the series of books written by Jennifer Worth, the award winning TV adaptation of Call the Midwife has attracted fans worldwide since it first aired in 2012. Whilst the Nonnatus House scenes are filmed at a closed studio set in Surrey, many of the exterior scenes and other sites are filmed at Chatham Dockyard in Kent.

Watched by more than 10 million viewers and now approaching its eighth series, the Historic Dockyard Chatham in Kent has been used to represent the impoverished parts of the East End of London in the 1950’s and 1960’s.

As you walk around the dockyard, you will recognise the streets and buildings that have been used to portray the area around Poplar Dock (set in the East End area of London) where many memorable scenes involving its stars, such as Miranda Hart and Jenny Agutter, have taken place. See sites such as the Lisbon Buildings, the exterior of The London hospital, Thames dockside scenes, the entrance to Doctor Turner’s surgery and much more.

The Call the Midwife Tour of Locations is a gentle-paced walking tour led by your very own ‘midwife’. Your ‘midwife’ will share with you fascinating anecdotes about the filming of the show and behind-the-scenes facts. Your midwife will set the scene by providing a background to Chatham Dockyard itself.

A variety of other locations around The Dockyard have appeared in the BBC One production, as well as countless other movies and TV shows productions over the years.

More info

  • Experience the official Call the Midwife Tour brought to you by the makers of the show and see the filming locations, behind the scenes photos and stories and original props and costumes
  • Walk along the roads, pass slums and warehouses, where the midwives cycle to help the many mothers-to-be give birth
  • Hear anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories of the filming of the hit show
  • This is an outdoor walking tour and there are uneven surfaces on the tour so please ensure you are wearing comfortable shoes. Please advise us in advance if you have any mobility issues and we will accommodate you the best we can.

Adventure Tips

Wear sturdy walking shoes

Surfaces can be uneven along the Dockyard paths—opt for supportive footwear to keep comfortable throughout the tour.

Check weather before visiting

This is an outdoor tour; pack a rain jacket or sun protection depending on the forecast.

Book private groups in advance

Tours fill quickly; reserving your spot ahead ensures a personalized experience with a costumed midwife guide.

Arrive early to explore the Dockyard

Give yourself time before the tour to browse the historic naval exhibits and visitor amenities at Chatham Dockyard.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Mute swans floating on the Thames
  • Seasonal migratory birds in the dockyard’s waters

History

Chatham Dockyard dates back to the 16th century and was a key Royal Navy shipbuilding site until its closure in 1984.

Conservation

The site is a managed historic environment focusing on preservation of maritime heritage while maintaining accessibility for visitors.

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Adventure Hotspots in Chatham

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Supportive footwear is crucial for navigating uneven paths in the Dockyard.

Weather-appropriate outerwear

Essential

Rain jacket or sun hat depending on conditions to stay comfortable outdoors.

Camera or smartphone

Capture the unique historical settings and behind-the-scenes details.

Water bottle

Stay hydrated during the walking tour, especially in warmer weather.