Upnor Castle from the River Medway
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Upnor Woods Kent

4.3
·1k reviews·Upper Upnor, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mornings

Beat the crowds

CrowdLow
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Upnor Castle from the River Medway

Upnor Woods Kent

Best Time

Mornings

Beat the crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.3
(1k reviews)

"A small castle but worth a visit with fascinating history and spectacular views over the river Medway."

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TIP

🚗 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Upnor Castle Interior

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

River Medway Views

Castle ramparts and windows

Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the River Medway from various vantage points.

Village of Upnor

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

Timing Your Visit

Upnor Castle is a small fort, best enjoyed for a couple of hours. Arrive early to beat crowds and enjoy the free nearby parking. Check closing times, as late arrivals might miss out on seeing everything.

Navigating the Castle

Be prepared for uneven steps, low ceilings, and narrow passages within the castle. Comfortable footwear is recommended. While the Google Maps route might be misleading, the castle is easily accessible from the village.

Best Times

When
Mornings
Why
Beat the crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer visitors
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon (before closing)
Why
Catch the last views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

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. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The castle has uneven steps and low ceilings; sturdy footwear is a must. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Fun

Children love the dressing-up opportunities and miniature cannons. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Spots Galore

Plenty of lovely spots to sit and enjoy a picnic with scenic views. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Free Parking Available

Utilize the convenient free car park, just a short walk from the castle entrance. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The castle has uneven steps and low ceilings; sturdy footwear is a must. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Fun

Children love the dressing-up opportunities and miniature cannons. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Spots Galore

Plenty of lovely spots to sit and enjoy a picnic with scenic views. Reddit

🗺️ Navigate Wisely

Google Maps might lead you astray; follow signs from the village for direct castle access. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(1k reviews)

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

Fascinating history
Spectacular river views
Welcoming staff

What People Dislike

Small castle size
Uneven steps/low headroom

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. Reddit

Yes, there is a free car park located near Upnor Woods, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

Yes, there are several good places to have picnics around Upnor Woods, making it a great option for a relaxed meal with a view. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

Yes, visitors can take photos from the different windows and towers within Upnor Castle, capturing both the interior architecture and the exterior views. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Upnor Castle is a hit with families! Its manageable size means kids can explore without getting too tired, and the interactive elements like dressing up and miniature cannons are a huge draw. Reddit The staff are friendly and helpful, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. Remember to wear comfortable shoes as there are steps, but the views and the fun activities make it a great day out. Plenty of picnic spots are available, making it easy to enjoy a full afternoon.

🚶 Budget Travelers

Upnor Woods offers excellent value, especially with its free car park and the generally affordable entry to Upnor Castle. Reddit It's a perfect destination for a short, engaging visit without breaking the bank. Pack a picnic to save on food costs and enjoy the scenic spots. The historical insights and beautiful views provide a rich experience for minimal expense.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Upnor Castle and its surroundings offer a variety of scenic opportunities. Capture the historic architecture of the fort from various angles, or focus on the expansive views of the River Medway from the ramparts and windows. Reddit The charming village of Upnor also provides picturesque scenes, especially along the riverside. Consider visiting during the 'golden hour' for softer light and more dramatic shots.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Upnor Castle's History

Upnor Castle is a 16th-century artillery fort built to defend the River Medway and the Chatham dockyards. Its strategic location made it a crucial part of England's coastal defenses. Visitors can explore the well-preserved structure, imagining its past as a military stronghold. The castle's history is fascinating, offering a glimpse into Tudor-era defenses. Reddit

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. Reddit

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

Upnor Woods is a fantastic destination for families, offering a blend of historical exploration and engaging activities for children. The castle, though small, is perfectly sized for younger visitors, making it less overwhelming than larger historical sites. Reddit

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. Reddit

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

Adjoining the historic Upnor Castle is the picturesque village of Upnor, a delightful place to explore. Its riverside setting adds to its charm, offering tranquil walks and scenic vistas. Reddit

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. Reddit

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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