Situated in the Historic Dockyard Chatham, Medway School of Arts is located in the Sail and Colour Loft. Built in 1723, this scheduled ancient monument will provide you with an inspirational setting to develop your creative skills.
You can find out more about the Historic Dockyard Chatham and the Sail & Colour Loft here.
Traveling to the Dockyard
The Dockyard is accessible by a variety of routes:
By car:
Please use the Dockyard's postcode of ME4 4TY and use the main visitor Pay & Display car park at the front of the Dockyard.
By train:
The nearest train station is Chatham, which is a 20-30 minute walk away. There are buses and taxis available at the station too if needed.
By bus:
We recommend checking out Arriva's website for all of the latest information on local buses. Please enter "Chatham Historic Dockyard" as your destination on their journey planner.
Directions to the Sail & Colour Loft
From the Visitors Attraction Car Park:
If you are driving and parking in the Visitor Attraction car park you will need to access the site by foot from the Security Entrance.
You then walk up East Road, you will see a sign saying "University of Kent Student Access route" follow this direction, and you will go past the residential car park on your left, The Joiners Shop on your right and the Craft and House Carpenters workshops on your left (A.P. Lapthorn / Kore Purchase / FNX, Georgian Brickwork / Anchor / Armour / Invicta Marine). As you get to the end of East Road (The Forge will be on your left) proceed straight ahead through Medway Gardens. At the end of Medway Gardens turn left up the steps, walk past the Cashiers Office (on right) and go up the second set of steps.
At the top of the steps turn right and the Sail & Colour Loft is on your left. Walk past the entrance to HandRail Designs and Medway School of Arts is the next entrance.
Please be aware that there is an ANPR system and you will be charged £3.50 for a stay of over 30 minutes.
Before you exit the car park you will need to pay at the parking kiosk. Which is situated outside the security entrance barriers (in front of visitor's attraction).
If you are coming from the visitor's attraction car park and require a route without steps:
Follow East Road round to the right (you will see the ships directly in front of you) and turn left up Main Gate Road. Continue walking past the Clock Tower building (on left), Wagon Stop Canteen (on right) and Commissioners House (on left),
You will then take a left onto College Road (opposite The Ropery). Walk up College Road (The Commissioners Gardens are on your left, and The Royal Dockyard Church is on your right). At the crossroads turn left. The Sail & Colour loft is on your right - walk past the entrance to Thinking Solutions and Medway School of Arts is the next entrance.
From MainGate Entrance:
Take the first left onto College Road. At the crossroads, proceed straight over. The Sail & Colour loft is on your right - walk past the entrance to Thinking Solutions and Medway School of Arts is the next entrance.
Blue Badge Holders:
Blue Badge holders only can park directly outside Medway School of Arts.
Please enter the Dockyard through the Main Gate Entrance and drive up College Road, go straight over at the crossroads and park in a bay opposite the School.