Upnor Castle in Rochester is a fairly well-preserved and rare example of an Elizabethan artillery fortress. Set on the banks of the River Medway, it was built in 1559 to defend the navy of Queen Elizabeth I and the nearby Chatham Dockyard. However, it failed in its mission to protect the English fleet when, in 1667, the Dutch sailed past it and attacked the dockyard, where it destroyed and captured a large number of the Royal Navy ships anchored at Chatham.
Managed by Medway Council, there is a Battle of the Medway guide, as well as a children's activity sheet to download on the castle listing.

Opening Hours
2nd April to end of September
Wednesday to Sunday
10am-6pm
Last entry: 5.15pm
October
Wednesday to Friday
10am-4pm
Last entry: 3.15pm
Reopens 31st March 2026

Price
English Heritage Member: Free
Adult: £8.50
Child - 5-17 years: £4
Child - under 5 years: Free
Concession: £6.50
Family - 2 adults + up to 3 children: £21.

Accessibility
There is disabled access to the grounds only, with a ramp leading into the Lower Magazine. Limited access for wheelchair users, the ground floor of the South Tower is accessible. The rest of the castle is not readily accessible. Disabled visitors can be set down outside the Barrack Block; there are no disabled toilets.

Bus
The nearest stop is on Upchat Road, 0.3miles from the castle.

Advisory Notes
The Castle is managed by Medway Council.

Parking
There are 20 spaces in a car park 200 meters from the site, crossing a village road to a cobbled street.

Facilities
Picnic Area • Toilets • Baby Changing • Hearing Loop

Picture Credit: © English Heritage.