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Upnor Castle

Staircase
Staircase (c) English Heritage Photo Library
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Staircase - Staircase (c) Upnor Castle - Gates at the entrance (c) View of the castle - View of the castle (c)

Set in tranquil grounds adjoining a riverside village, this rare example of an Elizabethan artillery fort was begun in 1559 and redeveloped in 1599-1601, to protect warships moored at Chatham dockyards. Despite a brave attempt, it entirely failed to do so in 1667, when the Dutch sailed past it to burn or capture the English fleet at anchor.

Opening Times:

April 2009 to March 2010Opening TimesOpening Days
1 Apr-30 Sep 10am-6pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-31 Oct 10am-4pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Nov - 31 Mar CLOSED
Last admission 45 mins before closing  
24-26 Dec and 1 Jan CLOSED
May close early on Fri and Sat for weddings. Please call in advance to check  

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£5.00
Children:
£3.50
Concession:
£3.50
English Heritage Members:
Other:
Family Ticket: £13.50

How do I get there?

Address:
Kent - ME2 4XG
Road Access:
At Upnor, on unclassified road off A228
Train Access:
Strood 2 miles
Bus Access:
ASD 197 from Chatham railway station; otherwise Arriva/Nu-Venture191-3 Chatham - Hoo, alight Wainscott, then 1 mile
Map Location:
Telephone:
01634 718742 or 01634 338110 when castle is closed

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Parking Suitable for people with disabilities Exhibition Audio tours (included in admission price) Hazardous Male Toilets Female Toilets
Facilities Details:
Toilets: Not suitable for wheelchair users; 4 steps.
Access:
Access to castle: Via ramp from road, cobbled drive, and 5 steep steps or 4 shallow steps into Barrack Block (ticket point); 90m hoggin drive to castle and 3 steps down to drawbridge. Ground floor level but stairs to first floor. Small threshold step to courtyard and short ramp into Magazine block.
Grounds: Accessible on impacted gravel and cobble paths; short grass with some slopes. Benches provided.
Parking:
100m from entrance; gravel surface. Disabled visitors may be set down at the gate; 2 spaces for disabled drivers in the drive.
Visually Impaired Visitors:
Cannon and powder barrels to touch in castle; river and boat sounds in grounds.
Hearing Impaired Visitors:
Audio tour with hearing loop included in admission price.

Further Info

Parking located at a slight distance from the castle, park before the village; Dogs on leads only in restricted areas
Managed by Medway Council
Audio guide (small charge). Disabled access (grounds only).
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