The castle was built specifically to protect the warships of the Royal Navy stationed at Chatham Dockyard.
During the 1667 Raid on the Medway, the castle fired upon Dutch ships, though its firepower proved insufficient to repel the fleet.
The fort's design was heavily influenced by the transition from medieval castle architecture to gunpowder-era fortifications.
The castle was converted into a gunpowder magazine in the late 17th century, necessitating the removal of its original battlements.
It served as a munitions depot for the Royal Navy for over 200 years until the early 20th century.
The site includes a unique 'water gate' that allowed supplies to be landed directly from the river.
Unlike many contemporary fortifications, Upnor was never significantly updated to keep pace with later advancements in military technology.
Upnor Castle is a rare example of an Elizabethan artillery fort situated on the west bank of the River Medway. Constructed in 1567, it was designed specifically to protect the royal dockyards of Chatham from Dutch and French naval attacks. The structure retains its original gatehouse, main keep, and a hexagonal tower. It was famously tested during the 1667 Raid on the Medway, where the Dutch fleet bypassed its defenses to attack the British navy. The fort features expansive grass banks that were once used as part of its defensive earthwork fortifications. Today, the site is managed by English Heritage and maintains its historical footprint without modern interior alterations. It remains one of the few surviving artillery forts from Elizabeth I's reign still accessible to the public.
From the riverfront path looking back toward the main gatehouse and keep.
Bring a picnic to enjoy on the grass banks overlooking the River Medway.
Wear comfortable, flat footwear as the site includes uneven surfaces and grassy slopes.
Check the English Heritage website for seasonal opening dates, as the site typically operates on a summer-season schedule.
Do not attempt to walk along the river bank beyond the managed site boundaries, as the terrain can be unstable.
The site is typically closed during the winter months and often operates with limited days during the shoulder season.
Stay within designated walking paths and keep off the primary structure's delicate stonework.
