Pictures of Upnor Castle
About Upnor Castle
The romantic ruins of this fabled centuries old fortress occupies one of the most delightful sites in England. The castle was originally built at the side of the River Medway on the orders of Queen Elizabeth I, in the year 1559. It was intended as a gun castle to defend the war ships anchored in the Medway and at Chatham Dockyard. Just over a hundred years later the Dutch sailed up the Medway and unfortunately the castle was not strong enough to mount a successful challenge. When the Dutch left they had destroyed a large number of ships and caused a great deal of destruction to England's defences.
This attractive turreted castle is made more picturesque by its beautiful setting. It is backed by breathtaking wooded hills and fronted by the silvery waters of an ancient river which centuries ago witnessed gunfire, yet today is perfectly tranquil and alive with pretty river-craft and wildlife species. The castle is open for viewing from March until the end of October when you can explore the massive gatehouse and the main body of the building whilst listening to a guided tour provided by back-ground sound.
To complete your visit take a peep at the village, it is a warm, pretty place with a relaxed atmosphere.
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Please see below for other recommended attractions and towns to visit near Upnor Castle.
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Distances and directions shown below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner
Recommended attractions near Upnor Castle
| Historic Dockyard, Chatham | (1.1 miles, 1.8 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Restoration House | (1.9 miles, 3.1 km, direction SW) | Pictures |
| Rochester Castle | (1.9 miles, 3.1 km, direction SW) | Pictures |
| Charles Dickens Chalet | (2.0 miles, 3.2 km, direction SW) | Pictures |
| Rochester Cathedral | (2.1 miles, 3.4 km, direction SW) | Pictures |
| Owletts | (5.7 miles, 9.2 km, direction W) | Pictures |
| New Tavern Fort | (6.9 miles, 11.2 km, direction W) | Pictures |
| Camer Country Park | (7.3 miles, 11.7 km, direction SW) | Pictures |
| Tilbury Fort | (7.4 miles, 11.9 km, direction W) | Pictures |
| Allington Castle | (8.2 miles, 13.2 km, direction S) | Pictures |
All attractions in KentComplete A to Z of attractions in EnglandRecommended towns near Upnor Castle
Higham, in the county of Kent (3.1 miles, 5.0 km, direction W)
An interesting village situated between Gravesend and Rochester in Kent, with links to the author Charles Dickens, the notorious highwayman Dick Turpin, and auctioneer and...
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Upchurch, in the county of Kent (5.7 miles, 9.2 km, direction SE)
This is an historic, interesting village which was once home to Edmund Drake, father of Sir Francis, who became vicar of the local church in 1560.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Gravesend, in the county of Kent (7.1 miles, 11.5 km, direction W)
Attractive old town overlooking the Thames estuary with walkways and picnic sites ideal for watching the busy water traffic, for this stretch of the river is said to be one of the busiest in the world.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Canvey Island, in the county of Essex (7.7 miles, 12.3 km, direction N)
With a pleasant coast, intriguing creeks to explore and views across the Thames estuary to Allhallows and beyond, it is not surprising that Canvey Island is a popular tourist destination.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Meopham Green, in the county of Kent (8.3 miles, 13.4 km, direction SW)
This is an attractive Kentish village lying to the south of Gravesend. It is picked out by its Windmill of 1801, which has been lovingly restored back to its original working order and is now one of the best preserved in Kent.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Sheerness, in the county of Kent (10.4 miles, 16.7 km, direction E)
This is the port to which Nelson's body was brought home following his untimely death after his glorious victory at the Battle of Trafalgar.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Leigh-on-Sea, in the county of Essex (10.6 miles, 17.0 km, direction NE)
At Leigh, visitors will find a small sandy beach and a narrow High Street containing lovely old fishermen's cottages. The resort is situated close to Leigh Marsh Nature Reserve and Two Tree Island, a lonely expanse of windswept grass and saltings.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Greenhithe, in the county of Kent (11.0 miles, 17.7 km, direction W)
Greenhithe is an area of Kent found sandwiched between the River Thames and Watling.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Westcliff-on-Sea, in the county of Essex (11.3 miles, 18.2 km, direction NE)
The coast along this stretch of Essex beaches may be somewhat urbanised, but it remains full of surprises with reminders of the times when smugglers would stealthily enter the creeks between the mudflats to distribute their illicit cargoes at local inns.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Leeds, in the county of Kent (11.9 miles, 19.1 km, direction S)
For a romantic day out and a trip into England's rich historic past you can do no better than visit the pastoral village of Leeds.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
All towns in KentComplete A to Z of towns in EnglandNearby travel help
| Strood Station | (1.3 miles, 2.2 km, direction SW) |
| Rochester Station | (1.8 miles, 2.8 km, direction SW) |
| M2 Junction 2 | (3.3 miles, 5.3 km, direction SW) |
| M2 Junction 1 | (3.8 miles, 6.1 km, direction W) |
| London City Airport | (21.2 miles, 34.2 km, direction W) |
| Upnor Castle to London | (29.1 miles, 46.8 km, direction W) |
| London Stansted Airport | (34.9 miles, 56.2 km, direction NW) |
Accommodation & Hotels near Upnor Castle
| Hotel Name |
| The Ship & Trades | (0.6 miles, 1.0 km) |
| King Charles Hotel | (1.4 miles, 2.3 km, direction S) |
| Holiday Inn Rochester-Chatham | (4.4 miles, 7.0 km, direction S) |
| Bridgewood Manor - A QHotel | (4.8 miles, 7.7 km, direction S) |
| Inn On The Lake | (5.3 miles, 8.5 km, direction W) |
| Best Western Manor Hotel | (6.6 miles, 10.5 km, direction W) |
| Detling Coach House | (7.8 miles, 12.6 km, direction S) |
| Village Hotel & Leisure Club Maidstone | (7.8 miles, 12.6 km, direction S) |
| The Black Horse Inn | (8.6 miles, 13.9 km, direction S) |
| Larkfield Priory Hotel | (8.7 miles, 13.9 km, direction SW) |
| All of our hotels are available to book online & with special discounts |
