
Upnor Woods Kent
Explore Upnor Castle, a historic fort on the River Medway, offering fascinating history, stunning views, and family fun in a charming village.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Upnor Woods Kent
Best Time
Beat the crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Upnor Castle, a historic fort on the River Medway, offering fascinating history, stunning views, and family fun in a charming village.
"A small castle but worth a visit with fascinating history and spectacular views over the river Medway."

🚗 Free Parking Available
Utilize the convenient free car park, just a short walk from the castle entrance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The castle has uneven steps and low ceilings; sturdy footwear is a must.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Upnor Castle Interior
Within the fort
Explore a small but fascinating fort with a rich history, complete with interactive elements for children.

River Medway Views
Castle ramparts and windows
Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the River Medway from various vantage points.

Village of Upnor
Adjoining the castle
Wander through the beautiful riverside village of Upnor, a charming complement to the castle visit.
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Planning Your Visit
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Navigating the Castle
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Insider Tips
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When we studied in Kent, we visited a village called Upper Upton. Does it still exist?
🚗 Free Parking Available
Utilize the convenient free car park, just a short walk from the castle entrance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The castle has uneven steps and low ceilings; sturdy footwear is a must.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Children love the dressing-up opportunities and miniature cannons.
🧺 Picnic Spots Galore
Plenty of lovely spots to sit and enjoy a picnic with scenic views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Free Parking Available
Utilize the convenient free car park, just a short walk from the castle entrance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The castle has uneven steps and low ceilings; sturdy footwear is a must.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Children love the dressing-up opportunities and miniature cannons.
🧺 Picnic Spots Galore
Plenty of lovely spots to sit and enjoy a picnic with scenic views.
🗺️ Navigate Wisely
Google Maps might lead you astray; follow signs from the village for direct castle access.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Upnor Castle for its fascinating history, spectacular river views, and family-friendly atmosphere. The free parking and charming village setting are also highlights. Some note that the castle is small and can have challenging internal navigation due to steps and low ceilings.
"Parked in the free car park nearby and was the first person there. Despite being a relatively small castle there is plenty to see with a fascinating history. Be aware that it can be a bit dark in places with old uneven steps and low headroom.
There are some great views over the river Medway.
There is a well stocked gift shop."
Feizal Mowlabocus
"Free car park near by. No more than 5 minutes walk to get there. Slight decline down to get there on cobbled road. The view at the bottom is spectacular. The staff at the pay / shop are very friendly and inviting. Informed us of where to go along with a paper map. Lots of interesting facts around the castle and the video with the barrel seats is good to watch. The views from all the different windows and towers make some lovely pictures. Several good places to have picnics. Nice little shop at the end of the walk. Be prepared for lots of steps, twisty steps and some deep steps. Lovely place to visit for a couple of hours. We went as a family of 2 adults and 2 children and a senior."
Nicky Cox
"google maps way does not lead to the castle it took us round to the houses along the edge of the medway, however we got to the castle just before closing but we still managed to see all of it it was good and comes with a cat!"
ehfos
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Upnor Woods is located in the village of Upnor, Kent. While Google Maps might sometimes direct you to the wrong area, the castle is easily accessible from the village center. There is a free car park nearby, about a 5-minute walk away. If arriving by train, it's a bit of a trek from the nearest station, with some visitors opting for a taxi back from Rochester after visiting its castle.
Yes, there is a free car park located near Upnor Woods, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
It is possible to walk from Rochester to Upnor Woods, but it's considered a bit of a trek. Some visitors have opted for a taxi back after their visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Upnor Woods, specifically Upnor Castle, has specific opening hours. It's advisable to check the official schedule before your visit, as arriving just before closing might limit your exploration time.
Entry to Upnor Castle is generally affordable. While specific pricing can vary, it's managed by the local authority. Visitors have noted that EH summer passports cannot be stamped here.
Booking tickets in advance is usually not required for Upnor Castle, as it's a smaller site. However, checking their official website for any special events or booking recommendations is always a good idea.
The castle itself has uneven steps, low headroom, and can be dark in places, which might pose challenges for those with mobility issues. However, the grounds and village are generally pleasant to explore.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Upnor Woods features Upnor Castle, a small but historically rich fort. You can explore its interior, enjoy spectacular views of the River Medway, and wander through the charming village of Upnor. There are also picnic spots and interactive elements for children, like dressing up and miniature cannons.
Absolutely! Children often love the dressing-up opportunities and playing with the miniature cannons. The castle's size makes it manageable for families, and the staff are welcoming.
Upnor Castle is a small fort with a fascinating history, built in the 16th century to defend the River Medway. It played a role in naval defense and offers insights into historical military architecture.
Yes, the views from the different windows and towers of the castle offer lovely picture opportunities. The riverside setting and the village itself also provide scenic backdrops.
A visit to Upnor Woods, including Upnor Castle, is generally a couple of hours. It's described as a small fort, so it won't take up a whole day.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there aren't specific dining facilities mentioned within the castle itself, the village of Upnor is beautiful and likely offers local pubs or cafes. Many visitors also choose to have picnics in the designated areas.
Yes, there are several good places to have picnics around Upnor Woods, making it a great option for a relaxed meal with a view.
📸 📸 Photography
The ramparts and various windows of Upnor Castle offer excellent vantage points for photography, providing stunning views over the River Medway. The charming village of Upnor itself also presents picturesque scenes.
Yes, visitors can take photos from the different windows and towers within Upnor Castle, capturing both the interior architecture and the exterior views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Upnor Castle's History
Inside the castle, you'll find exhibits and information detailing its past. Be aware that some areas can be dark, with uneven steps and low headroom, adding to the authentic historical experience. The video presentation with barrel seats is also recommended for a deeper understanding of the castle's significance.
While the castle itself is compact, its historical context and the surrounding village of Upnor add layers to the visit. It's a place where history comes alive, offering a tangible connection to England's maritime past.
Family Fun at Upnor Woods
Children often delight in the opportunity to dress up in historical costumes and play with miniature cannons, bringing the castle's past to life in a fun and interactive way. The staff are noted for being welcoming and informative, enhancing the family experience.
Beyond the castle, the beautiful village of Upnor and the scenic river views provide a pleasant backdrop for a family outing. With plenty of picnic spots, it's easy to spend a few enjoyable hours here, creating lasting memories for everyone.
The Charm of Upnor Village
The village itself is a lovely complement to the castle visit, providing a peaceful atmosphere and a glimpse into traditional Kentish life. Wandering through its streets offers a chance to appreciate the local architecture and the natural beauty of the Medway estuary.
Many visitors find the village to be a beautiful backdrop, and it's an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll before or after exploring the castle. The combination of historical significance and scenic beauty makes Upnor a worthwhile destination.




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