Description
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
1st April to end of September
Tuesday to Sunday
10am-6pm
October
Tuesday to Sunday
10am-4pm
Closed on 15th July, 5th, 12th and 19th August 2023.
Price
English Heritage Member: Free
Adult: £7.70
Child - 5-17 years: £3.40
Child - under 5 years: Free
Concession: £5.60
Family - 2 adults + up to 3 children: £19.95.
Accessibility
There is disabled access to the grounds only, with a ramp leading into the Lower Magazine. Disabled visitors can be set down outside the Barrack Block, there are no disabled toilets.
Advisory Notes
The Castle is managed by Medway Council and pre-booking is not necessary but there are limits on visitor numbers at present.
Parking
20 spaces 200 meters’ from the site, crossing a village road to a cobbled street.
Facilities
Picnic Area • Toilets • Baby Changing
Picture Credit: © English Heritage.
