Where is Upnor Castle located?

Upnor Castle is located in the village of Upnor near Rochester in Kent, overlooking the River Medway.

When was Upnor Castle built?

Upnor Castle was built between 1559 and 1567 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I as a Tudor artillery fort.

What was Upnor Castle used for?

Upnor Castle was built to defend the River Medway and protect the naval dockyards at Chatham from enemy attack.

Who manages Upnor Castle?

Upnor Castle is managed by English Heritage and is open to the public during seasonal opening periods.

Is Upnor Castle suitable for families?

Yes. Upnor Castle is suitable for families, offering open spaces, riverside views, and interactive displays, though some areas have uneven surfaces and steps.

Do you need tickets to visit Upnor Castle?

English Heritage members can enter Upnor Castle for free. Non-members can purchase tickets online or on arrival.

Upnor Castle Guide

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17 Jan

Written By The Kent Tourist

Upnor Castle is a striking Tudor artillery fort overlooking the River Medway near Rochester. Built during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, the castle played a key role in defending England’s naval dockyards at Chatham and protecting the Medway from enemy attack.

Unlike many medieval castles, Upnor Castle was designed specifically for gunpowder warfare rather than as a residence. Today, managed by English Heritage, it offers visitors a fascinating insight into Tudor military engineering, river defence, and England’s naval history.

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The History of Upnor Castle

Upnor Castle was constructed between 1559 and 1567 as part of a new generation of artillery forts designed to defend strategic waterways. Its position on the River Medway allowed heavy guns to protect the approach to Chatham Dockyard, one of the most important naval bases in England.

Despite its formidable design, the castle famously failed during the Dutch Raid on the Medway in 1667, when Dutch forces sailed upriver and inflicted one of the Royal Navy’s greatest defeats. Following this event, the castle’s military importance declined, though it continued to be used as a magazine and storage site for naval supplies.

Today, Upnor Castle remains an exceptionally well-preserved example of a Tudor gun fort and offers a unique riverside setting that sets it apart from other castles in Kent.

Aerial view of Deal Castle - photography by Robert Carman.

What to See at Deal Castle

Visitors can explore both the interior and exterior of the fortress, uncovering its stories through engaging exhibits and preserved architecture:

The Gun Batteries and Bastions
Explore the riverside gun platforms and defensive walls designed to house heavy artillery overlooking the Medway.
The Great Room and Interior Spaces
Discover atmospheric interior rooms that tell the story of the castle’s construction, use, and eventual decline as a frontline defence.
River Medway Views
Enjoy peaceful views across the river towards Chatham, offering excellent photo opportunities and a clear sense of why this location was chosen.
Exhibitions and Displays
Learn about Tudor artillery, naval defence, and the events of the Dutch Raid through informative displays and interpretation panels.

  
  Visitor Information

      Location
      
        Upnor Castle, 
        Upnor, 
        Kent, 
        ME2 4XG
      
      Managed by
      English Heritage
    
      Opening Hours
      
        Summer (April - September): 10:00 - 17:00

        Winter (October - March): Limited opening days

        Closed 24-26 December & 1 January
      
      Facilities
      Toilets, picnic benches, small shop
    
      Accessibility
      Uneven surfaces and steps in places. Not fully wheelchair accessible.
    
      Tickets
      Free for English Heritage members. Tickets available online or on site.
    
      Nearby Attractions
      Rochester Castle, Chatham Historic Dockyard, River Medway walks

Location	Upnor Castle, Upnor, Kent, ME2 4XG
Managed by	English Heritage
Opening Hours	Summer (April - September): 10:00 - 17:00 Winter (October - March): Limited opening days Closed 24-26 December & 1 January
Facilities	Toilets, picnic benches, small shop
Accessibility	Uneven surfaces and steps in places. Not fully wheelchair accessible.
Tickets	Free for English Heritage members. Tickets available online or on site.
Nearby Attractions	Rochester Castle, Chatham Historic Dockyard, River Medway walks