Upnor Castle is an important fortification and strategic defence, built between 1559 and 1567 as part of England’s coastal defence system. Its primary purpose was to safeguard the royal fleet anchored in the River Medway and protect against potential naval invasions. The castle played a notable role in the defence against the Dutch raid in 1667, during the Second Anglo-Dutch War.
Today, Upnor Castle is a historic site managed by English Heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into its military past. Preserved elements of the original structure, including gun positions and bastions, reflect the architectural and strategic considerations of the time.
What to see at Upnor Castle
Visitors to Upnor Castle can explore the grounds, gaining an understanding of the castle’s role in protecting against potential naval invasions. Exhibits within the castle provide insights into its historical significance, detailing its role in maritime defence and the events it witnessed over the centuries.
![Upnor Castle is an important fortification built to protect the royal fleet anchored in the River Medway. (Photo: Phil Pead [CC BY-SA 4.0])](https://englandrover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/upnor-castle-aerial.jpg)
![View over Upnor Castle’s water bastion. (Photo: Prioryman [CC BY-SA 4.0])](https://englandrover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/upnor-castle-water-bastion.jpg)
![Display of gunpowder barrels and howitzers on the ground floor of the main block of Upnor Castle. (Photo: Prioryman [CC BY-SA 4.0])](https://englandrover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/upnor-castle-cannons.jpg)
Visiting Upnor Castle
Upnor Castle is on the western bank of the River Medway, facing St Mary’s Island and the Dockside Outlet Centre. You can get here by taking bus 197 from Rochester.
The castle is maintained and managed by English Heritage and English Heritage members can get free entry to the site; however, it is not covered by the English Heritage Overseas Visitors Pass.
There is no cafe on the site; however, there are a couple of pubs nearby (the Tudor Rose and the Kings Arms) and the on-site gift shop sells ice cream, drinks and snacks.
Allow 1–2 hours for your visit to Upnor Castle.
Free entry to Upnor Castle for English Heritage members
English Heritage members get free entry to Upnor Castle and over 400 other historic buildings and monuments in England.
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