Dickens World - don't go!

[Freckle]

We visited the new Dickens World Centre in Chatham yesterday. The website and the television advertisements make it sound like a really exciting day out.

They were supposed to open in April but weren't ready, so missed all the Easter visitors. They've obviously decided that they can't miss another opportunity so opened last Saturday to catch all the bank and half-term holiday traffic - even though the centre clearly isn't ready.

The queue was interminable because they had no machines to process credit/debit cards - the cashier had to telephone each bank individually for authorisation - crazy. Same applied in the gift shop, so they were only accepting cash.

Some of the advertised attractions were not ready and the constant sound of electric drills and hammers really spoiled the atmosphere. The Haunted House wasn't - haunted in any way shape or form, that is.

I felt well and truly conned by the publicity, which advertises the venue as it may well be when they've finished, but, as they haven't, it was clearly misleading.

Don't go.

Glad you told me Freckle, I was considering going on Monday (kids have an extra day off school for a teacher training day).

Why don't you demand your money back? You purchased a ticket on the strength of their advertisements, which were wrong. They ought to be reported to Trading Standards!

Actually if you do write to them and complain, they may well send you tickets for later on in the year when the stuff will actually be ready. Worth a try?

I have my letter of complaint already typed and printed . I haven't asked for any compensation, but have told them that I feel conned and that the experience was not value for money.

I've also emailed BBC South East Today. There was a brief report on there yesterday saying that members of the public had been contacting them and someone from Dickens World appeared and said there were no problems.

Cheeky sods!

Do you think it'll be worth going to when it's finished?

It's quite a long way for us to go but we thought we could combine it with the dockyard for a day out.

Obviously don't want to go if it's rubbish.

there is a Dickens World in Chatham??? I used to live there, where on earth is it? Thought it would have been more appropriate in rochester somewhere.

Thanks for that - I was all set to go tomorrow. Will have to think of something elese to do instead.

they are aparently opening the Gads hill school in Rochester Kezza. They are supposed to be building a new school and opening his home as a museum.

Just had a look at Dickens World on line, I forgot all about that new marina area (and I used to work there!)

I really like dickens as an author so will definately go to the Rochester museum when it is open. thanks.

I think that, once they get their act together re payment facilities and the whole exhibit is finished, it will be worth the money. They need to give some more thought to it though. Children these days are used to video games, etc., and aren't terribly impressed with what are in effect statues.