Situated on the banks of the River Medway, this attractive turreted castle is set in a picturesque village area backed by rolling, wooded hills.
Upnor Castle was originally built on the orders of Queen Elizabeth I in 1559 as a gun fort to defend her warships at anchor in the reaches of the Medway and Chatham Dockyard.
Although the castle was an important link in the defence line, it was not well maintained and proved ineffective when the Dutch, under the command of Admiral de Ruyter, sailed up the Medway in June 1667 to attack the dockyard. The enemy fleet met very little resistance and when it left two days later, it had destroyed or captured a large number of the Royal Navy ships anchored at Chatham.
From Wed, 2 April 2025
Our new multi-media guide takes you on a fully narrated journey around the site, with expert sections by Military Historians and reenactors, interactives and quizzes, it is a great way to get inside the history of the castle.
The Dutch Raid
Watch this short film on the 1667 Dutch invasion on Chatham.
An audio-visual interpretation in English and Dutch tells the story of this raid in graphic manner, showing how the enemy ships breached the river defences, sailing on up the river to destroy much of the British fleet.
The gatehouse and main body of the castle are open for viewing and for a nominal charge.
Download our Battle of Medway Guide (pdf)
Download our Dutch Raid Children's Education Activity Booklet (pdf)
Download our Dutch Raid Children's Education Activity Booklet Answer Sheet (pdf)
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For many, marrying in a castle satisfies a childhood dream of being a princess for a day.
Upnor Castle offers a fabulous backdrop - both inside and out, to frame your perfect day.
Set in the picturesque village of Upper Upnor with cobbled, narrow streets on the banks of the River Medway.
Entering the castle via the studded oak doors, you find the perfect setting for your special day in a place fit for a princess!
Click here to discover more...
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Ships and their flags Trail
There were a lot of different wars in the 1600’s in England and there were many different ships sailing around Medway. Can you tell us which country they are from?
Wed, 23 Jul – Sun, 31 Aug, 10am-6pm
Admission charges apply. Trail Free.
Sat, 21 September 2025
Join Commander Blunt by the river to learn all about life as an Elizabethan Pirate.
Thur, 23 Oct 2025
Join the fun and interactive WW2 Bomb Squad at Upnor Castle this half term to find out more about life as a child in WW2, how to join the bomb Squad and what jobs you would do to keep everyone safe at a time of great danger.
Click here to download Upnor Castle's Accessibility Guide (pdf format).
For private hire and weddings please email us.
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The castle will be closed on the following dates for weddings:
There will be a small charge to English Heritage Visitors to the castle on events days:
Outdoor Theatre will be at Upnor Castle during evenings on 23 July (Twelfth Night) & 1 August (Jemima Puddleduck).
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Address
Upnor Castle Upnor Castle Upper Upnor Rochester ME2 4XG
Links
Open Wednesday to Sundays from 2 April, from 10am-6pm (last admission 5.15pm) until 30 September. Winter hours start Wednesday, 1 to Friday, 31 October, 10am-4pm (closed 3.15pm). Closed 1 November to 31 March.
