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Visiting Upnor

Visiting Upnor Boot Fair | Largest Boot Fair in Medway

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Looking for one of the biggest boot fairs in Medway? You’ll need to add Mark Greenfield’s Boot Fair in Upnor to your list! Here’s everything you need to know for visitors and sellers alike.

What’s available at Upnor Boot Fair?

Visitors to Upnor’s Boot Fair can expect:

  • Classic food vans (including burgers, bacon rolls and hotdogs) and drink vans (for both hot and cold drinks)
  • Fruit and veg stalls
  • Plants and flower stalls
  • Ice cream van
  • Fresh seafood
  • Donuts
  • Bouncy Castle
  • Free car parking for shoppers
  • Boot fair items, clothing, furniture, etc

We would also recommend checking out Upnor Castle after your trip to the boot fair. There is a free public car park just one minute drive away in Upper Upnor and the castle is well-worth a visit! You could also tie-in one of Upnor’s pubs for a great lunch out.

Getting to Upnor’s Boot Fair

You might have driven past Mark Greenfield’s Boot Fair from the main road, but it can be a bit tricky to find the entrance.

The official address for the boot fair is:

Anthonys Way
Wainscott, Strood
Medway
ME2 4UX

However you’ll need to enter the field via Upnor Road. Make sure to follow the signs into Upnor Village and you’ll soon come across the entrance to the boot fair on your left. The entrance to the boot fair is before you see the Upnor Village sign so if you’ve passed that, you’ve gone too far.

Need extra help?

This particular boot fair has multiple marshals to help answer questions or point you in the right direction.

If you have any issues and are unable to find a marshal, you can actually contact Mark directly at: 07811 022987

Want to sell? Here are details for stall holders

The dates and times can change at short notice due to weather conditions, so always make sure to check the Mark Greenfield Upnor Boot Fair Facebook page before visiting.

Gates officially open at 5 am BST, but stall holders may arrive between 5-8 am BST.

Boot Fair prices for sellers:

Cars – £10 per car
Small Vans – £10.00
Large Vans – £15.00
Trailers – £5.00
Extra Large Pitches – £20.00

What to do in Upnor (as told by locals)

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Upnor is a beautiful village, hidden only moments away from bustling Rochester, Kent. Looking for an exciting or memorable day out? Here’s what to do in Upnor as told by us – locals!

1. Upnor Castle

The largest attraction in Upnor is the wonderful and historical Upnor Castle. Construction of the castle originally began in 1559 to protect warships moored at Chatham dockyards, just across the River Medway. Unfortunately for Upnor Castle, it completely failed to do so when the Dutch arrived in 1667.

While it is a relatively small castle, Upnor Castle is definitely worth a visit. For everything you need to know about the castle, make sure to check out our article: Your trip to Upnor Castle | Make it memorable

Extra details about Upnor Castle:

  • Not dog-friendly
  • Free entry for English Heritage members
  • Great for children, families and adults alike
  • No restaurant on-site but just a few steps away from two Upnor pubs

It can be difficult getting public transportation to Upnor, so we recommend either driving or hiring a local taxi.

2. Visit a historical Upnor pub

Even though it is a small village, Upnor is home to four historic pubs. Whether you want riverside views, a giant beer garden, local ales on tap or a great Sunday roast, Upnor’s pubs will not disappoint.

We recommend visiting a local pub after your time at Upnor Castle – it’s a wonderful way to spend the afternoon!

Extra details about Upnor pubs:

  • Four pubs in total in the village (two in Upper Upnor and two in Lower Upnor)
  • Parking is tricky but we recommend using the free car park in Upper Upnor
  • All Upnor pubs serve food, drinks and have outdoor seating
The Kings Arms Upnor
The Kings Arms found in Upper Upnor

3. Beautiful Upnor walks

Although Upnor is tucked away along the Medway River, there’s numerous great trails and walking paths to take advantage of, especially on a beautiful summers day.

Interesting in trying out an Upnor walking route (or running route, if you’re feeling brave)? You can follow along with our favourite walks at: 4 Upnor Walks & Scenic Routes. We’ve included easier loops for young children and more difficult hikes for those looking for a challenge.

4. Upnor Beach

Upnor Beach is quiet and greatly-unknown to those outside of the village. Forget the crowds and chaos of Margate or Broadsides, Upnor Beach is a lovely little spot to pull out a beach chair and enjoy the view.

While you won’t want to lay out on your towel (the beach is stoney) it’s a perfect spot for a comfortable beach chair and some good company. If you’re stopping by for the day, we recommend visiting an Upnor pub for lunch or dinner after your stay at the beach.

Extra details about Upnor Beach:

  • Dog-friendly area
  • Stoney beach so bring a chair instead of a towel
  • There are public toilets in Lower Upnor, before you reach the beach
  • Free parking is available at the car park in Lower Upnor, right before the beach entrance

5. Sail from Upnor

Looking for a new place to launch your boat into the Medway River? Make sure to check out Upnor’s Sailing Club! The club offers a great place to launch your boat, along with meeting locals who also share a love of boating.

what to do in upnor

6. Upnor Boot Fair

Upnor hosts one of the biggest boot fairs in Medway! When entering the village, you’ll pass the field’s entrance on your left. Gates open at 5 am BST for visitors, but those selling can set-up between 5-8 am.

Want to learn more? Check out our article for more details about Upnor’s Boot Fair here.

What to do near Upnor

Still looking for more things to do in Upnor? You’ll need to go a bit further afield. While Upnor feels secluded away from the rest of Kent, it’s actually extremely close to some great attractions in Strood, Chatham and Rochester.

Here’s what to do near Upnor that we’d recommend checking out:

Copper Rivet Distillery

Interested in trying out a new local gin? The Copper Rivet Distillery is a great place to visit. This distillery produces small batches of vodkas, whiskies and gins, all in a historical building along the Medway River. They also have a Pumproom Deli and Cafe next door where you can get drinks, snacks and great food.

As the only spirit maker in Kent, the Copper Rivet Distillery makes for a great afternoon outing. You can also book tours of their distillery in the historical Victorian Pump House No. 5 (with taste tests, of course).

In our opinion, the Copper Rivet Distillery is an often-overlooked attraction in Chatham and only a short drive from Upnor village. A great afternoon out with your partner, friends or family.

The Historic Chatham Dockyard

Explore Royal Navy warships and shipbuilding heritage in an 18th-century dockyard museum, just moments away from Upnor. The Historic Chatham Dockyard has seen an incredible transformation over the years and is a great day out in Chatham.

What’s great is that every general admission tickets is valid for a full year, allowing you access to the site as many times as you like. Tickets also include two guided tours that you will book on arrival to the museum: The Victorian Ropery and HM Submarine Ocelot.

Hysteria Escape Rooms

Escape Rooms have exploded in popularity in the last few years – and for good reason! Hysteria Escape Rooms in Chatham is a lot of fun and only a quick drive from Upnor village.

Currently they have two different rooms (one is zombie-themed and one is a murder-mystery) and are a great activity for the family, Date Night or even team-building for businesses.

Playopolis Board Game Cafe

Why not check out Rochester’s local board game cafe for something different? For an entrance fee, you can play numerous board games up to three hours, alongside some drinks and snacks!

For £4.50 per person, you’ll have up to three hours of gaming (and is payable on exit). If you choose not to eat or drink during your visit, the cover charge is £7.50. There are no other costs beyond any food and drink you choose to purchase which will be placed on your tab.

Playopolis also offers membership options if you’d like to visit them more frequently.

Odeon Cinema at Chatham Dockside

Want to catch a film? Odeon Cinema is conveniently located at Chatham Dockside, just a short drive from Upnor village. There’s also a few shops and restaurants at Dockside to make the most of your trip!

Rochester Castle & Cathedral

A wonderful trip out would be to visit Rochester Castle and Cathedral! Pick any of Rochesters public car parks and enjoy some incredible local history. You can also gain free entry into the castle with a English Heritage membership, just like Upnor Castle.

We recommend climbing to the top of Rochester Castle, visiting the cathedral across the street, then hit up Rochester High Street for some food and drinks. There’s numerous restaurants and pubs to try.

Diggerland

A great activity for the kids near Upnor is Diggerland! This construction-themed attraction allows kids (and adults) can drive and operate heavy machinery. The admission cost includes all of the available activities, as long as your child is tall enough.

Just a short drive from Upnor, Diggerland in Strood is a great option and something completely different for your kids. There’s also a lot of restaurants in the area in case you want to add to your day out.

4 Upnor Walks & Scenic Routes

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Upnor is a beautiful, small village with ample walking routes within the village and beyond.

Here are some of our favourite Upnor walks, their distances and difficulty, along with walking route maps and extra details to make the most of your time out in Upnor.

1. Saxon Shore Way Walk – A small section of a big classic

At a glance

Directions

Start your walk just outside the doors to Upnor Castle (well worth a visit) and walk the length of the High Street in Upper Upnor. Turning right at Upchat Road, follow this all the way to Upnor Road and continue through the village.

You’ll pass The Pier (the final pub in Upnor) and the once thriving Aretheusa Venture Centre (now closed). Eventually you’ll join onto Upnor Beach and walk pass the clubhouse and launch points for the Upnor Sailing Club.

When on the beach, keep an eye out for Upnor jellyfish! While they aren’t typically dangerous, it’s helpful to avoid stepping on them when they wash up on the beach.

Continue on the beach and eventually you’ll follow the footpath through Hoo Ness Boat Yard, then the signs for the Saxon Shore Way.

This area is full of history but could be easy to miss! Once you arrive at the last of the warehouses, you’ll find a graveyard for Thames barges. If you look to the right across the water, you’ll see the ruins of Hoo Fort.

When you find that the path begins to split, head inland and you’ll reach the southern edge of Hoo St. Werburgh. Joining up the Saxon Shore Way again, you’ll walk through open fields before a steep descent through woodland. Eventually, you’ll return to Upnor Road in Lower Upnor. You can then retrace your steps back to Upper Upnor and finally finishing at Upnor Castle.

Special thanks to Countryfile for their inspiration on this walk!

2. Upnor Loop – A short stroll

At a glance

  • Distance: 2.6 km
  • Time: About 30 minutes
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Recommend parking at the free car park at the end of Lower Upnor

The Upnor Loop is great when you want to get out of the house but don’t want an extensive walk. This loop is ideal for those who live in Upnor as well, as it can be started from your home and looped back in the end.

If your visiting Upnor, it’s best to park at the free car par at the bottom of Lower Upnor, near the Upnor Sailing Club.

Directions

When leaving the car park in Lower Upnor, turn right and join up on Upnor Road. You’ll pass Upnor’s post box on your left, just across the street from The Pier. Follow this all the way through Lower Upnor, past both pubs.

As the road begins to curve, there is a secret pathway on your left with stairs. Following this shaded path gets you into Upper Upnor without having to walk on the road.

When this pathway ends cross the road back onto Upnor Road. You’ll walk past the free car park in Upper Upnor on your left. Keep right while you follow Upnor Road back into the village.

You’ll pass Upnor Church on your left and then retrace your steps back through Lower Upnor to the car park at the end of the village.

upnor walks 1
There’s beautiful scenery on Upnor walks!

3. The Kings Arms Circuit – Great views

At a glance

  • Distance: 4 km
  • Time: About 50 minutes
  • Difficulty: Moderate, steep ascent and descent but great views
  • Recommend parking at the free car park in Upper Upnor, right beside your starting point

Directions

Starting from the Kings Arms pub in Upper Upnor, walk away from the pub on Upchat Road. You’ll soon see a dirt footpath on your right that you’ll take through a wooded area.

Staying on this path will take you down some steps onto Upnor Road in Lower Upnor. Continue walking down Upnor Road until you reach a stone pillar. Turning left will take you past the Arethusa Venture Centre and when that turns to the left, take the tarmac footpath ahead which goes uphill.

You’ll then take the right hand path at the three-way fork and follow the path until you reach the road.

Next, go through the gateway on your lefthand side and into a parking area. Follow the top of the field and at the end you’ll want to turn right. You’ll find a gap in the hedge to get through and then walk past the play area. 

When you get to the main road, walk for about 200 yards before turning left for 100 yards onto a smaller road.

At the end of the road, go through the wooden gate on the right and follow the path as it goes down the hill.

At the T-junction with another path, turn left and follow this path for 400 yards parallel to the road. When it reaches the road turn left for 100 yards. Walking right, up the step at the footpath sign just past Normandie House on the right, follow the path back up to Upper Upnor.

You’ll end up back at the Kings Arms and perhaps grab a pint to celebrate such a great walk!

4. Frindsbury Extra Walk – A local circular

At a glance

  • Distance: 6.8 km
  • Time: About 2.5 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Recommend parking depends on where you wish to start this loop

This walk is circular and can be started and finished at any point, depending on where you live or park. For something different, try starting this walk in Frindsbury on Cooling Road at the junction with Hilltop Road.

Walk down Cooling Road to the junction with Hollywood Lane where you’ll turn left and immediately right onto Lower Rochester Road. Continue over the by-pass flyover and take footpath No. 118 on the right. When the footpath widens follow the paved path to Higham Road.

Cross the road and continue straight ahead to another road and turn right. After you come across the pond, turn left onto the military road. After about 50 yards cross the wooden footbridge on the right and go over the stile.

Follow the left hand side of the field until you reach another stile. Go over the stile and turn right then follow the edge of the field to Four Elms Hill. Carefully cross Four Elms Hill, turn left and shortly take the footpath on the right.

Follow the footpath across the field exiting onto Upchat Road which you’ll cross and follow the footpath through woods, running parallel with the road. On reaching the road, turn left.

Go up the steps and follow path into Upper Upnor passing Upper Castle House gates. Continue straight on then turn left at The Kings Arms and the beginning of the High St. Go down the cobbled street and at the bottom admire the views of the River Medway.

Turn right and take the path along the river edge, it then bears right and follows a high fence. Eventually, cross Anthony’s Way at the crossing and follow the footpath. At the next road turn left and take the footpath next to the Tithe Barn entrance. At the end turn right and follow the fence around two sides of the quarry.

When the quarry fence bears left by a way marker go straight ahead onto Frindsbury Hill. Cross the road and take the footpath opposite, cross another road and continue straight ahead into Hilltop Road. Turn left and follow the road back to Cooling Road to complete the loop.

Special thanks to Robert Taylor for this wonderful walk suggestion!

Upnor walks near Upnor Castle

Upnor is a small village, so nearly all Upnor walks are technically also walks near Upnor Castle.

Still not sure which walk to try? The best thing is head out to Upnor and start walking!

Still looking for more in Upnor?

Have you done some Upnor walks but want more? If you’re looking for something else to do in Upnor (or near Upnor) make sure to check out our article: What to do in Upnor (as told by locals)! We’ve compiled our favourite things to do in our village, plus some activities nearby that we would recommend.

Upnor Beach | Medway’s Secret Gem

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The village of Upnor lies on the banks of the river Medway and at low tide you’re able to walk along the shore all the way to Hoo Marina. While we suppose Upnor Beach technically is a beach we wouldn’t like to sunbathe there or try to build a sandcastle!

The views are pretty spectacular, but the river banks at Upnor are very muddy and stony which don’t make for a very fun time if you’re looking to do much else but enjoy the scenery.

Upnor beach at sunrise
Photograph by @rowesk

Read on to find our top tips for visiting the beach and what to do when you’re here!

The beach is accessible from Lower Upnor and is part of the Saxon Shore Way walking path that runs much of Kent’s coastline. Due to the tide times, however, the full path towards Hoo isn’t accessible for much of the day and requires good timing should you plan on walking to Hoo and back without getting some wet socks!

Upnor beach is 1.6km long before crossing its narrowest point at Cockham Wood Fort – a point which takes roughly 40 minutes to stroll to and back from the start of the path in Lower Upnor.

The only public toilets for miles have been shuttered with the recent closure of the Arethusa Adventure Centre, which owned the land and the toilets which were primarily used by those at the club who were kayaking on the water along Upnor Beach.

If you continue along the road in Lower Upnor, you’ll eventually come across the Upnor Sailing Club. These boats launch from Upnor Beach and sail along the River Medway and beyond.

There are several interesting spots along Upnor Beach which you should keep an eye out for should you walk along our little portion of Saxon Shore Way, including a military pillbox built in 1940 which sadly has slipped from it’s standing on the shoreline to the beach (but makes for an interesting photo). It’s a FW3/22 class box, built to protect the UK from a potential enemy invasion during World War II.

Pillbox at Upnor Beach, Saxon Shore Way
Photograph courtesy of Edenbridge Fragrances

Is Upnor Beach dog friendly?

Absolutely! The local pubs may not be (check our updated guide to Upnor’s pubs for the latest information there) but our dogs always have a great time dashing into the water and digging in the silt. We must warn you though that the beach is always muddy, so remember to bring towels for your four legged companions!

Is it recommended for families?

It’s a short walk from the car park, so while we would recommend it for families, it really is a walking beach rather than a pleasure beach. If you’re expecting to make sand castles and get the beach chairs out, you may be sorely disappointed.

Jellyfish in Upnor

You may spot a few jellyfish washed up on Upnor’s beach, especially if we have had a hot summer. These jellyfish are usually the size of a small plate with four rings inside their translucent body and sometimes can blend into the rocks on the beach.

If you want to learn more about Upnor’s jellyfish, make sure to read our article: Should I be worried about Jellyfish in Upnor?

Nearby Attractions

Close to the beach are two pubs, The Pier and The Ship — both serve food, along with Upnor Castle a further 10 minute walk away. The Elizabethan military castle is a fascinating piece of history and highly recommended to visit if you’re in the area. You can find more out about the castle and its history here.

Upnor Beach Parking

There is parking available at a public car park close to Medway Yacht Club, but it is only open for limited periods throughout the day and year for safety and to prevent anti-social behaviour. With the sale of the Arethusa Adventure Centre however, this may change in the future, we’ll keep this page updated with any changes.

Otherwise, there is a free car park in Upper Upnor with limited spaces. However, this means you’ll need to walk to Upnor Beach (about 15 minutes). In addition, there are occasionally spots on the street around Lower Upnor, especially during the day when most people have left the village for work.

When’s the best time to go?

That really depends on the tide, but with a little planning you can walk all the way to Hoo from Upnor with some great views of the Medway river and even the boat graveyard in Hoo.

Check the tide table below to learn more.

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Your trip to Upnor Castle | Make it memorable

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Upnor Castle is a secret treasure that should be discovered! While many people know about Rochester Castle, few know to visit Upnor Castle.

Here’s everything you need to know to have a great visit to Upnor Castle.

How to get to here

The castle is tucked away along the banks of the River Medway, so it can be difficult to see from the road. Many people drive by the area without realising the castle is nearby.

You’ll need to enter the village of Upnor, specifically Upper Upnor, to gain access to the castle.

The closet train station to the castle is Strood (with Rochester being the next closest), although they are not within walking distance to the castle.

Parking near Upnor Castle

Do not put ‘Upnor Castle’ into your phone or GPS and drive directly to it! There are several roads that are almost impossible to turn on or reverse out of.

The castle itself does not have a car park or a coach parking area.

Instead, the best place to park is a free car park in Upper Upnor at the start of the High Sreet. This is really the only place to park when visiting the castle and the local pubs. It can get quite busy on the weekend and during the summer months, so make sure to plan ahead.

The other option is to park in Lower Upnor and walk over to the castle. Typically the walk wouldn’t be more than 15 minutes so it’s a good back-up plan for parking.

Upnor Castle opening times

Run by English Heritage, Upnor Castle is open every April to October before closing for the winter. To get the most up-to-date opening times, make sure to check their website before your visit.

We would recommend visiting the castle in the morning, then getting some lunch at a local pub. This makes for a great day out!

Entry prices to Upnor Castle

Below are the available ticket types and their corresponding price without a donation.

Ticket TypeWithout Donation
Adult£7
Child (5-17 years)£3.50
Concession£5
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children)£17.50
English Heritage MemberFree

If you’re interested in visiting various English Heritage sites, the membership is well-worth the price. You’ll receive free entry to the castle as a Member, as well as local attractions like Rochester Castle, Dover Castle, Eynsford Castle and Temple Manor.

There are hundreds of English Heritage sites all over the country, as well. There’s no shortage of castles, stately homes and attractions to make the most of your membership.

If you do visit various English Heritage sites without a membership, the admission prices can really start to add up.

Pubs near Upnor Castle

There is no restaurant or cafe located at the castle, but you can buy small snacks, sandwiches and ice cream on the grounds. If you’re looking for something more to eat, either before your time at the castle or afterwards, there are four pubs near Upnor Castle, all of which serve food.

Make sure to check out our in-depth guide on all the pubs in Upnor for more details. They’re great to visit even if you’re not visiting the castle as well.

The closet pub to the castle is the extremely popular Tudor Rose, only steps from the castle’s entrance. The Tudor Rose is family-friendly and offers a variety of snacks, meals and drinks for reasonable prices.

All four pubs in Upnor also have garden seating which is a wonderful option in the summer months.

Restaurants near Upnor Castle

Need a restaurant near Upnor Castle? Unfortunately, you won’t have many to choose from. Aside from Upnor’s pubs, the village only has one restaurant:Coelho’s Picados & Skewer House. You’ll find Coelho’s in Lower Upnor, in the building that once housed Powder and Magazine. From Upnor Castle in Upper Upnor, it’s about a 10 minute walk to the restaurant in Lower Upnor.

This restaurant in Upnor has only recently opened, so time will tell if it remains in the village.

Want to learn more about restaurants in Upnor? Make sure to check out our post: Powder and Magazine – what happened?

If you’re not interested in Coelho’s, you’ll need to leave Upnor to find more restaurants. Thankfully, Rochester High St. is a short drive away and has numerous high-rated restaurants. Personally, we recommend trying The Cheese Room Botanicals on the High Street (60 High Street, Rochester ME1 1JY). Formally known as Smoke & Liquor, this restaurant always has interesting food and drink to try. Plus, the building itself is really interesting and cozy.

Rochester High Street also has various car parks you can use, should you drive over from Upnor Castle or anywhere else.

How long should you visit Upnor Castle

Currently, Upnor Castle Medway has a TripAdvisor score of 4 out of 5. Most visitors recommend spending about 1-2 hours at the castle. If you bring a packed lunch, you could easily spend more time among the castle grounds and wandering around the local footpaths among the scenic fields and river shores.

While it may not be as exciting as other Kent castles such as Rochester Castle or Dover Castle, Upnor Castle is still well worth a visit for its integral part of Medway history and incredible views.

It’s also worth spending some time discovering Upnor Village and the historical cobblestone streets near the castle.

Is Upnor Castle dog friendly?

Unfortunately, Upnor Castle is not dog friendly. While assistance dogs are allowed within the castle walls, all other dogs are not.

If you’re looking for a dog-friendly day out in the area, there are some lovely walking trails around Upnor village. Dogs are also allowed on Upnor Beach, in Lower Upnor, that would better suit your needs.

Who owns Upnor Castle?

During its history, Upnor Castle was very much an active military site.

However, at the end of the war in 1945, the Admiralty gave approval for Upnor Castle to be used as a Departmental Museum. It was at this point, finally opened to the public.

Upnor Castle underwent a various levels of restoration and the castle was scheduled as an Ancient Monument in January 1960. Currently, Upnor Castle is managed by English Heritage and remains part of the Crown Estate.

The history at Upnor Castle

This beautifully preserved castle is set along the Medway River and the village of Upnor. The castle boasts a rare example of an Elizabethan artillery fort. The castle construction begun in 1559 and redeveloped in 1599-1601, to protect warships moored at Chatham dockyards.

However, the castle failed its duty in 1667 when the Dutch sailed past it to burn or capture the English fleet at anchor.

The historic importance of Upnor Castle

Upnor Castle Weddings

The castle can be hired for wedding ceremonies lasting about 30 minutes in the Upper Magazine. However, the castle is still open to the public during this time (3.5 hours for the hire). English Heritage will also hand out free audios to visitors an hour before the ceremony starts.

Important details about weddings at Upnor Castle:

Accommodates: 80 people seated and 20 standing. Upnor Castle is a ceremony only venue.

Features: The venue has a river view and beautiful gardens.

Parking: Local pay and display car parks a short walk away.

Gardens: Yes

Accessibility: The castle has lots of steps throughout and is not wheelchair friendly.

Upnor Castle Halloween

Each year, various local groups hold events during Halloween at the castle. These may include a heritage trail for young children, or making your own Halloween crafts at the castle.

Explore Kent is a great resource to check each Halloween for local activities, both at the castle and in the community.

Upnor Castle House, Kent

Behind the historical castle seats and beautiful Georgian fronted country house, commonly called Upnor Castle House.

Not only is it within the castle grounds and overlooking the Medway River, but it also comes with a swimming pool, grass tennis court and 5-acre walled garden.

Originally built in mid-17th century, Upnor Castle House was accommodation for the Storekeeper, the officer in charge of the magazine. Expanded in the 18th century, it is now a private residence.

Looking for a place to stay in Upnor? While the Upnor Castle House is a private home, they do offer a rental property in the castle grounds.

Currently called “The Stables,” this small holiday home is available for rentals within the Upnor Castle House grounds. This historical building has two bedrooms and can house up to 4 people looking for a beautiful getaway.

Upnor Castle Open Air Theatre

For those looking for something exciting to do in the area, Upnor Castle hosts a unique open air theatre produced by Changeling Theatre.

Founded in 1997, Changeling Theatre works to to produce high quality, entertaining theatre in non-traditional locations across South East England. Upnor Castle is one of their many locations.

They also create site-specific performances in locations such as Chatham Dockyard, Dover Castle and Maidstone Football Ground.

Walks near Upnor Castle

There are numerous hikes and walks near Upnor Castle that make for a wonderful afternoon out. After visiting the castle, you can easily walk up the High Street in Upper Upnor, down into Lower Upper and along the stoney beach.

One circular route is nearly 5 miles but includes wonderful views along the shoreline and nearby woodland.

Upnor Walk
5 mile route from Upper Upnor, along Upnor Beach, through Hoo and back to Upnor.

While there are some inclines around Upnor, most of the paths and walkways are fairly flat, making it perfect for easy walks, runs or cycling.

Should I visit Upnor Castle?

If you have any interest in castles, history or architecture, Upnor Castle is a must-see. It’s a hidden gem tucked away in Upnor that many people don’t even realise it’s there. While it’s not as big as other castles around Kent, it certainly has it’s own charm and history.

Visiting the castle, surrounding village and a local pub is a great day out in Kent.

Covid-19 update

Currently, Upnor Castle is closed to visitors during Covid-19. Once English Heritage has deemed it safe to the public to re-open, they will issue a notice across their social media and website.

The Best 4 Upnor Pubs | Where to get a pint

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Upnor is a beautiful and secluded village tucked away just minutes from bustling Rochester. Upnor’s many pubs are wonderful to visit for afternoon lunch, a pint after a nearby walk or a hearty dinner.

Here are the best Upnor pubs plus everything you need to know about each one.

The Tudor Rose, Upnor

The Tudor Rose is one of our favourites and is located just steps from Upnor Castle. The building itself is beautiful with a cosy fireplace and historic wooden beams along the ceiling.

The Tudor Rose always has friendly staff and great home-cooked pub food – our personal favourite is their battered fish and chips. As a Shepherd Neame pub, this historic pub has numerous ales, ciders and a variety of other drinks on-hand. It always has a welcoming atmosphere and a pint ready for you.

While The Tudor Rose does not have its own car park, there is a free village car park about a 1-minute walk away. Since the car park is used for the castle and Upper Upnor, it can easily fill up quickly.

Important Features at the Tudor Rose:

  • Family friendly
  • Serves lunch & dinner
  • Large pub garden in the back
  • Steps away from Upnor Castle
  • Beautiful fireplace & historic building
  • Shepherd Neame pub

The Tudor Rose has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor with nearly 600 reviews. Incredibly, this pub is listed as #1 of 85 restaurants in Rochester. These reviews truly speak for themselves!

It’s no surprise that The Tudor Rose is worth a visit. We would definitely recommend trying out the pub before or after your visit to Upnor Castle. We love the Tudor Rose (and Upnor’s other pubs) so much that we’ve included it in our list: What to do in Upnor (as told by locals)!

Opening times

  • Monday – Saturday: 12:00 – 23:00
  • Sunday: 12:00 – 20:00

Food serving times

  • Monday – Saturday: 12:00 – 15:00, 18:00 – 21:00
  • Sunday: 12:00 – 16:00

To keep in touch, make sure to check out Tudor Rose across social media:

The Kings Arms, Upnor

Just up the street from The Tudor Rose in Upper Upnor is The Kings Arms. If you’re looking for unique pints, this is the place to go in Upnor. You’ll find real ale here and there’s no shortage of new beers to try. Out of all the pubs in Upnor, The Kings Arms is the best for beer.

The Kings Arms Upnor Pubs
The Kings Arms, Upper Upnor

Just like the Tudor Rose, The Kings Arms does not have a dedicated car park. However, the pub is only steps away from a free car park used for Upper Upnor. The car park can fill up quite quickly, so make sure to plan ahead on busier days.

Important Features:

  • Real ale available
  • Serves lunch & dinner
  • Large pub garden in the back
  • Holds frequent events, live music & parties

The Kings Arms has a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Trip Advisor with about 270 reviews and is listed as the 10th restaurant in Rochester. It’s certainly a crowd favourite, especially for their ales and live events.

Opening times

Monday – Saturday: 11:30 – 24:00
Sunday: 12.00 – 24:00

It’s also worth noting that The Kings Arms stays open the latest out of all the pubs in Upnor. All weekend, the pub shuts at midnight, while others close around 11:00 pm. If you want a late night out, The Kings Arms is your best (and only) option.

Food serving times

Monday to Saturday

Lunch – 12:00 – 14:30
Dinner – 18:00 – 21:00
Sunday – 12:00 – 17:00

To stay up-to-date with The Kings Arms, you can follow them on social media:

The Ship, Upnor

The first pub you’ll spot in Lower Upnor is The Ship. The Ship Tavern is a beautiful historic building just across the road from the River Medway. The Ship also has an extremely long back garden with picnic tables, plus a few seats outside the front of the pub alongside the river. It makes for a wonderful afternoon out to have a pint overlooking the river in the summer.

If you want to enjoy the river views along with your pint or meal, The Ship is the best option.

The Ship Pub in Upnor
The Ship, Lower Upnor

The Ship is famous for a traditional Sunday roast and other great food. With a new chef, The Ship is easily full for Sunday lunch so make sure to call ahead!

The Ship does have a few parking spaces available for customers in front of the pub. However, if those are full, you’ll need to either park at a free car park at the end of the village, or find a space in the nearby neighbourhood.

Important Features:

  • Real ale
  • Family friendly
  • Serves lunch & dinner
  • Large pub garden in the back
  • River-side seating in front of the pub
  • Very small dedicated car park
  • Live music events

As like the other two pubs, The Ship has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 on Trip Advisor with about 270 reviews. It’s also listed as the #3 of 17 bars in Rochester and #16 of 85 restaurants in Rochester.

The Ship is definitely a local-favourite with very loyal customers.

Opening times

Monday to Sunday: 12:00 to 11pm

If you want to keep in touch with The Ship, make sure to check them out on Facebook.

The Pier, Upnor

Just past The Ship in Lower Upnor, you’ll come across The Pier, the final pub in Upnor.

While it doesn’t have a back beer garden, The Pier does have some tables out front that overlook the Medway River. However, it does feel like you’re eating in a car park.

The Pier in Upnor
The Pier, Lower Upnor

Important Features:

  • Outdoor seating in front of the pub
  • Serves lunch & dinner
  • Pool table
  • River-side view
  • Real ale
  • Family-friendly
  • Live music & events

Out of all the Upnor pubs, The Pier has the lowest Trip Advisor score of 3.5 out of 5 with only 173 reviews. It’s also listed as #13 of 17 bars in Rochester and #43 of 85 restaurants in Rochester. It’s not the top of the lists, but it’s worth a visit if you find yourself in the area – or after a nice walk along Upnor’s beach.

Of the two pubs in Lower Upnor, The Pier has the widest selection of beer as well as a pool table and darts board.

Opening times

Monday to Sunday: 12:00 – 23:30

Want to stay in touch with the pub? Make sure to follow The Pier on Facebook

As mentioned before, The Kings Arms in Upper Upnor is the only pub in the village that is open until midnight during the weekend. Both pubs in Lower Upnor are closed by 11:30 pm.

Restaurants in Upnor

Upnor used to be home to the restaurant Powder and Magazine which recently closed down. In its place we now have Coelho’s Picados & Skewer House instead! This Portuguese restaurant only just opened in Upnor so it will take some time before we better understand its popularity in the village.

For more details, check out Coelho’s Picados & Skewer House on Facebook.

If you don’t want to visit Coelho’s, you’ll need to leave Upnor village for more restaurant options. Thankfully, Rochester is just a short drive away and has lots of great restaurants (and car parks). If you’re not sure which to pick, we recommend walking up the High Street and trying any one of the options available. Or there are a few takeaway options that deliver to Upnor.

However, if you really want to stay in Upnor, you’ll need to chose between Upnor’s 4 pubs or its one restaurant.

Covid-19 Update for Upnor Pubs

Legally, pubs could not operate as normal during Covid-19. However, all pubs in Upnor (minus The Pier) did their best to provide some level of takeaway service during that time. The Kings Arms has even opened its own little shop for some groceries and household items.

Currently, Upnor pubs are open for business although certain practices have changed. Customers are encouraged to social distance as best they can when visiting the pubs and to sanitise their hands often.

If you’re interested in takeaway from a pub in Upnor or want to visit, make sure to contact the pub directly. They will be able to give you the most up-to-date details on the services they are providing.