Upnor Castle

About the museum

Upnor Castle is an Elizabethan artillery fort on the bank of the River Medway. It was begun in 1559 on the orders of Queen Elizabeth I to protect the warships anchored off the Chatham dockyards, and was redeveloped in 1599–1601. A water bastion forms part of the site beside the river.

The fort is best known for its failure in 1667. During the Dutch Raid on the Medway, a Dutch fleet sailed past the castle, in spite of a brave defence, and burned or captured English warships lying at anchor.

For many years the castle was open to visitors under a local management agreement between English Heritage and Medway Council. From 19 May 2026 English Heritage took the management back, and public access changed to guided tours held on the last Sunday of each month until October, with two tours on each date. The castle stands in grounds beside the village of Upper Upnor, and its grass banks, water bastion and Lower Magazine are part of the site.

Highlights

• Elizabethan artillery fort begun in 1559
• Water bastion and riverside batteries
• Lower Magazine
• The Dutch raid on the Medway of 1667
• Grounds with grass banks beside the River Medway

Founded

1567

Operated by

English Heritage

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: not available
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: not available
• Sign language tours: not available
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

There is disabled access to the grounds only, with a ramp leading into the Lower Magazine. The surfaces are mainly gravel and paving or flagstones, and there are uneven surfaces, a few steep slopes and no lift. There is no disabled parking on site, but disabled visitors can be set down outside the Barrack Block. Seating is available in the picnic area. The eyes may need time to adjust in the Lower Magazine on a bright day. Permanent induction loops are available in the shop. Transcripts of the audio tours are available. Assistance dogs are welcome. Children should be supervised near the River Medway.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area: not available

Family activities listed by English Heritage include dressing up, coin rubbing and cannon firing, and a guide for children is available. There is no adventure playground, but plenty of space to run around; kites and ball games are not permitted. Pushchairs are allowed. Children should be supervised close to the riverbank.

Getting there & parking

Upnor Castle is off an unclassified road from the A228. Sat nav postcode ME2 4XG. The castle is within walking distance of the village of Upper Upnor.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

There is a shop and a picnic area. Toilets with baby changing facilities are available. Smoking, vaping, barbecues and naked flames are not permitted.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit