English Heritage

Please be aware that the castle is managed on our behalf by Medway Council. There is no pre-booking but there are currently limits on visitor numbers and other new steps in place to ensure everyone’s safety. For further details of these, please visit their website before you visit.

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.

This site and its events are managed by Medway Council - visit their website for the castle which includes information about volunteering opportunities. Overseas Visitor Passes and English Heritage membership cannot be purchased at this site. Before visiting Upnor Castle, you may wish to join English Heritage online or by contacting our Customer Services Team on 0370 333 1181.