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.
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)
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...
Sunday, 29 September - 10am to 4pm
Get ready to curtsey! Queen Elizabeth I will be making a special visit to Upnor Castle on Sunday, 29 September. Find out why she ordered a castle to be build here and all about life in Elizabethan court. You might find her on her throne in the South Tower, or wandering the castle grounds, so be sure not to miss out.
Normal admission charges apply. English Heritage members £2.
Saturday, 5 October - 10am to 4pm
Come and meet one of the great diary writers in history! Samuel Pepys will be making a special visit to Upnor Castle on Saturday, 5 October, where he will tell you all about the significant events in 1667 which he wrote about when the Dutch raided the Medway. He might even let you have a go with his ink and quill. Don’t miss out!
Normal admission charges apply. English Heritage members £2.
Thursday, 24 October - 10am to 4pm
Come & meet Lt Palmer of the Royal Engineers Bomb disposal squad. Handle bombs and hear stories associated with them from actual accounts of the time. Have a go at defusing a bomb and being a child evacuee.
Normal admission charges apply. English Heritage members £2.
Thursday 31 October - 10am to 4pm
A super activity with local artist Xtina Lamb. With original stamp designs you can make your own badge or magnet to take home.
Normal admission charges apply. English Heritage members £2.
Saturday, 2 November
Ending the last weekend of the season with a bang! In amongst out gun powder barrels you will find Guy Fawkes on site today. Come and meet him to find out all about his big plot and his plans for 5 November!
Normal admission charges apply. English Heritage members £2.
Click here to download Upnor Castle's Accessibility Guide (pdf format).
For private hire and weddings please email us.
Last entry today (23 Oct) will be 1.15pm.
The Castle will be closing at 2pm.
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Address
Upnor Castle Upnor Castle Upper Upnor Rochester ME2 4XG
Links
Open Wednesday to Sundays from 17 April, from 10am-6pm (last admission 5.15pm) until 30 September. Winter hours start Wednesday 2 to Thursday 31 October, 10am-4pm (closed 3.15pm). Closed November to March.
