Why Medway is Secretly Better than London

London might have its shiny skyline and overpriced oat lattes, but let’s be real: it’s exhausting. Medway, on the other hand, has everything you need with half the stress and double the personality. Here’s why the underdog of Kent is quietly putting London to shame—no Tube delays required.

Affordability: Medway Doesn’t Mug You Blind

You know what you can buy in London for £5? A limp croissant or a third of a pint. In Medway, £5 gets you a proper cup of tea, a bacon sandwich, and maybe even change for a scratch card. Rent? You could probably afford a house here for what you’d pay for a broom closet in Zone 1.

Real People, Real Conversations

In London, no one makes eye contact. In Medway, people will chat to you at the bus stop, the pub, or even in the queue for Greggs. Sure, some conversations might involve conspiracy theories or unsolicited life advice, but at least they’re not silently glaring at you through their sunglasses like in Soho.

The Chaos Is Authentic

Medway’s chaos is charming. A night out in Rochester High Street is like stepping into an indie film where the cast forgot their lines, but it’s all part of the fun. You’ll see everything from impromptu karaoke to someone riding a mobility scooter through the kebab shop. Try finding that level of entertainment in Shoreditch.

History That Isn’t Hidden Behind Glass

London has museums. Medway has living, breathing history. Rochester Castle looms over the town like it owns the place (it kind of does), and you can climb it, touch it, or even have a pint in its shadow. Dickens lived here, for crying out loud. Meanwhile, in London, you’ll pay £20 to stare at a rock in the British Museum.

No Tube, No Problems

London’s Tube system is a daily exercise in misery. Packed carriages, signal failures, and the occasional sweaty armpit in your face. Medway doesn’t have a Tube, but it does have buses that turn up eventually and trains that don’t require you to re-mortgage your house for a ticket. Walking around here is actually pleasant, too.

The River Medway > The Thames

The Thames is iconic, sure, but would you want to swim in it? No thanks. The River Medway, on the other hand, is full of kayakers, paddleboarders, and maybe a few crabs. It’s not just a waterway; it’s a playground. And let’s face it—there’s something poetic about sipping a pint by the river without getting trampled by tourists.

Community Over Clout

London is all about who you know and where you’ve been. Medway? It’s about showing up. The festivals here are packed with locals who actually care, not influencers looking for the perfect selfie. Sweeps Festival, Dickensian Christmas, and Castle Concerts have actual soul, not just hashtags.

Creative Rebellion Is Everywhere

Medway’s art scene isn’t curated by some elite gallery; it’s plastered on walls, played in pubs, and written in DIY zines. The street art in Chatham, the local bands in Gillingham, and the handmade crafts at farmers’ markets all scream, “We do this because we love it, not because it’s trendy.”

Medway Nights Are Wilder (And Cheaper)

Want a wild night in London? Prepare to queue for hours, pay £15 for a cocktail, and end the evening crying over your empty wallet. In Medway, you can hit five pubs in one night, dance in a random dive bar, and still afford cheesy chips on the way home. Plus, there’s a solid chance you’ll end up in a hilarious story.

It’s Just… Real

London’s polished façade is great for Instagram, but Medway is raw, unfiltered, and unapologetically itself. It doesn’t try to impress you with glitz—it lets its quirks, grit, and charm do the talking. From quirky antique shops to the guy who swears his goat is haunted, Medway is full of stories that actually matter.

So Why Choose Medway Over London?

Because Medway doesn’t care about being cool, and that’s what makes it so much cooler. It’s not perfect, but it’s real, it’s messy, and it’s full of character. Medway isn’t trying to be London—it’s better.