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Fort Amherst

Fort Amherst Europe's largest Napoleonic Fort We have many different locations on the site; just call us to discuss your requirements.

Fort Amherst, based in Chatham, Medway, Kent, is Britain’s largest Napoleonic Fortress and provides a great day out for all the family. If you are looking for days out in Kent or the Medway area, then come and discover how Chatham dockyard would have been defended along with:

🔺Over 300 years of military history with an amazing network of underground passageways, historic buildings and gun emplace

ments all set in 20 acres of beautiful parkland.

🔺Take a tour of the incredible tunnel defences, enjoy some light refreshments in our Café or take a stroll to the highest point of the Fort and enjoy the spectacular views over the River Medway and the towns of Chatham and Rochester beyond.

🔺Explore one of Kent’s most haunted locations on spine chilling Ghost Tours or stay until the early hours on one of our Paranormal Investigations.

🔺Hire the Fort for your special private event.

Operating as usual

In WWII, the communications room was to used to take emergency calls that would then be passed on so that the appropriat...
29/09/2022

In WWII, the communications room was to used to take emergency calls that would then be passed on so that the appropriate authorities were dispatched 📞🚨

Did you know that you can take a walk around the Fort Amherst grounds?During your walk, you will see many pieces of hist...
23/09/2022

Did you know that you can take a walk around the Fort Amherst grounds?

During your walk, you will see many pieces of history from WWII.

This is great day out for both adults and children ☀️

Fort Amherst will fire ‘gun shots’ to mark the two-minutes silence which will be held during the funeral service for Her...
15/09/2022

Fort Amherst will fire ‘gun shots’ to mark the two-minutes silence which will be held during the funeral service for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Monday 19 September. The gun shots will be fired from the heights of the Belvedere Battery, one of the highest points of the Medway Towns from where Royal Gun Salutes have been fired since 1756.

Bill Fowler, Chairman of the Fort Amherst Heritage Trust, said ‘It seems like only yesterday that we were firing a 21-gun salute in celebration of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, and now here we are making our final farewells. It has been a wonderful Elizabethan Reign which will be long remembered with warm affection. Although filled with sadness, we must welcome our new King and wish him a long and happy reign. God Save the King!'

15/09/2022

On the occasion of the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Fort Amherst will remain closed on Monday 19th September.

The fort will reopen at 8am on Tuesday 20th September.

When originally built, Fort Amherst had remote controlled gates located within the tunnels.The gates were there to preve...
15/09/2022

When originally built, Fort Amherst had remote controlled gates located within the tunnels.

The gates were there to prevent the enemy from entering the tunnels and so that the defenders were not exposed to enemy fire.

13/09/2022

Following the sad death of the Queen, as a mark of respect, the Kentish Players are postponing their production of Your Majesty! A Right Royal R***e to January 2023. More details to follow. All ticket holders will be contacted over the next week

09/09/2022

All at Fort Amherst are sad to hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Only recently we were celebrating her Platinum Jubilee with a 21-gun salute for which she had graciously given her Royal assent, and now we are mourning her demise.

As a sign of respect all Union Flags at Fort Amherst have been lowered to half-mast for the duration of the official period of mourning.

In line with Royal protocol the flags will return to full-mast for a 24-hour period from 1pm on Saturday 10 September to mark the first Public Proclamation of the new sovereign before returning to half-mast at 1pm on Sunday 11 September.

The Fort Amherst Heritage Trust wishes to send its heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family on this sad occasion.

Bill Fowler. Chairman.

08/09/2022

Everyone at Fort Amherst is incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family.

Who else enjoys taking part in an Escape Room?The Unsolved Mysteries Escape Rooms - Fort Amherst at Fort Amherst locks o...
03/09/2022

Who else enjoys taking part in an Escape Room?

The Unsolved Mysteries Escape Rooms - Fort Amherst at Fort Amherst locks our guests inside of a story they have to escape from!

They can only do this by discovering clues and unraveling secrets to solve their way to safety🔐

Book your tickets here: https://unsolvedmysteriesescaperooms.com

Want a night of fun, mystery and escapism? The Unsolved Mysteries Escape Rooms - Fort Amherst is perfect!Think you could...
26/08/2022

Want a night of fun, mystery and escapism?

The Unsolved Mysteries Escape Rooms - Fort Amherst is perfect!

Think you could escape? Book your tickets here: https://unsolvedmysteriesescaperooms.com

Photos from Electric Medway's post
25/08/2022

Photos from Electric Medway's post

There are a lot of hidden views and pieces of history that you can discover throughout Fort Amherst. Do you know the sto...
18/08/2022

There are a lot of hidden views and pieces of history that you can discover throughout Fort Amherst.

Do you know the story behind this part of the site?

We welcome you to explore our vast site then enjoy a fresh bake and a hot drink at our cafe to rest your feet ☕

Come along every Sunday from 2pm for an afternoon full of music ☀️This weekend is the 5 in the Bar Swing Band, who are g...
17/08/2022

Come along every Sunday from 2pm for an afternoon full of music ☀️

This weekend is the 5 in the Bar Swing Band, who are going to be performing classics from Buble to Sinatra 🎼

We can't wait for another weekend of fun.

Have you spotted the Anti Aircraft Search Light during your walk around Fort Amherst?This particular light is called 'Pr...
16/08/2022

Have you spotted the Anti Aircraft Search Light during your walk around Fort Amherst?

This particular light is called 'Projector AA 60cm Mark VI' and was manufactured in 1940.

This was used to illuminate the Enemy Aircrafts in WWII.

The light power was equivalent to 210,000,000 candles!

The Unsolved Mysteries Escape Rooms - Fort Amherst can really put you and your friends and family to the test! Constantl...
13/08/2022

The Unsolved Mysteries Escape Rooms - Fort Amherst can really put you and your friends and family to the test!

Constantly being put under pressure to escape the clasp of Serial Killer, the clock is really on ⏰

If you think you could escape, book your tickets here: https://unsolvedmysteriesescaperooms.com

Did you know these Anti Tank Blocks are referred to as Dragon Teeth? These blocks are located on the Fort Amherst ground...
09/08/2022

Did you know these Anti Tank Blocks are referred to as Dragon Teeth?

These blocks are located on the Fort Amherst grounds and were once a common sight throughout Kent and the South East.

They were hastily put in place from early summer of 1940 when the risk of German invasion was as its highest.

These Dragon Teeth were discovered during works on the Channel Rail Link which were near an existing railway line close to Ashford, Kent.

The Changeling Theatre's live production of the Shakespeare thriller Othello at the Fort Amherst Amphitheatre is tonight...
06/08/2022

The Changeling Theatre's live production of the Shakespeare thriller Othello at the Fort Amherst Amphitheatre is tonight 🎭

Performing this weekend at the Sunday Proms is the BAE Systems Brass Band!Starting from 2pm, we can't wait for another S...
05/08/2022

Performing this weekend at the Sunday Proms is the BAE Systems Brass Band!

Starting from 2pm, we can't wait for another Sunday of music 🎶

That was a good day. :)
03/08/2022

That was a good day. :)

After a long delay caused by the Covid epidemic, His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent was able to pay a long overdue visi...
03/08/2022

After a long delay caused by the Covid epidemic, His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent was able to pay a long overdue visit to Fort Amherst in Chatham on Tuesday 5th July.

The Duke, an avid military historian, had for some time been keen to visit the Chatham fortress. His trip to Fort Amherst gave him chance to meet and talk with the team of Trustees, staff and volunteers who care for the fort.

During his visit, the Duke viewed the Conservation Workshops to see work being carried out on gun carriages and mortar beds. He also toured the restored Chatham Barrier barracks and enjoyed a golf buggy tour of the extensive caves and tunnels.

His visit also took in the Belvedere Battery on the heights above Chatham where he saw the new mortar battery display.

He then looked out over the towns of Chatham and Rochester while Trust Chairman Bill Fowler explained the strategic purpose of the triple fortresses of Fort Amherst, Fort Pitt and Fort Clarence in defending the river crossing at Rochester.

He also took a great interest in the wider heritage of the Chatham Garrison which is often referred to as ‘the Forgotten Powerhouse of the British Army’.

Also present for the visit were the Lord Lieutenant of Kent Lady Colgrain, the High Sheriff of Kent Mr Russel Race DL, the Mayor of Medway Cllr Jan Aldous, and the Chairman of Kent County Council Mrs Lesley Game.

The Summer Proms is going down a treat! With different performers each week this FREE concert is the perfect Sunday day ...
25/07/2022

The Summer Proms is going down a treat!

With different performers each week this FREE concert is the perfect Sunday day out ☀️

Running every Sunday until Sunday 4th September 2022!

See you this Sunday for Katy Carr and The Aviators 👋

Want to do something fun and interactive?The Unsolved Mysteries Escape Rooms - Fort Amherst is an interactive experience...
22/07/2022

Want to do something fun and interactive?

The Unsolved Mysteries Escape Rooms - Fort Amherst is an interactive experience that allows you to test your skills and try and escape the cabins!

Book your tickets here: https://unsolvedmysteriesescaperooms.com

Come and join the volunteers at Fort Amherst.We are also looking for tour guides to run the tunnel tours during the week...
21/07/2022

Come and join the volunteers at Fort Amherst.

We are also looking for tour guides to run the tunnel tours during the week. Full training given. 😊

We're looking forward to hosting our second Sunday Proms Picnic Concert at our Amphitheatre this Sunday ☀️Don't miss the...
21/07/2022

We're looking forward to hosting our second Sunday Proms Picnic Concert at our Amphitheatre this Sunday ☀️

Don't miss the wartime swing duo, Swingtime Sweethearts, who will be taking the mainstage from 2:00pm.

Bring your blanket and picnic basket and enjoy a relaxing and entertaining experience at Fort Amherst.

Swing Time Sweethearts performing in our free Sunday Proms this Sunday 24th July (no pre-booking required). 2pm til 4pm....
21/07/2022

Swing Time Sweethearts performing in our free Sunday Proms this Sunday 24th July (no pre-booking required).

2pm til 4pm. Refreshments available to purchase, or bring a picnic.

Sunday Proms begins this weekend 17th July, in the amphitheatre with the return of Pretending People.Refreshments and ic...
15/07/2022

Sunday Proms begins this weekend 17th July, in the amphitheatre with the return of Pretending People.

Refreshments and icecreams available to buy.

Don't forget your sun cream and hats...

Looking forward to it 👏
14/07/2022

Looking forward to it 👏

Come on down and see us at this Amazing venue!

Fort Amherst in partnership with Medway Council - Service updates and information is happy to present the Summer Proms ☀...
07/07/2022
Discover Fort Amherst | Defending Medway with Pride | Chatham, Kent

Fort Amherst in partnership with Medway Council - Service updates and information is happy to present the Summer Proms ☀️

This is a set of FREE concerts starting on Sunday 17th July 2022 - Sunday 4th September 2022!

The Proms Concerts will start at 2pm and run for about two hours with a short break, the concerts will consist from an eclectic collection of music 🎼

The season opens with the well-known local group Pretending People Theatre Company playing a mix of feel good singalong songs from the 50s right up to present day as well as some well-known folk and pub tunes.

The season will then continue with proms by the BAE Systems Brass Band, Katy Carr i Lotnicy [Katy Carr and the Aviators], Kent Youth Jazz Orchestra, Swingtime Sweethearts, and Bettesteiner Footstompers. The season will be brought to an end by local star Jamie Johnson and his band.

The Fort Amherst Sunday Proms is the perfect opportunity to sit down with a picnic and a cold drink and immerse in the fantastic music!

*Full details will be available on the website soon.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Explore tunnels, nature trails, cannons, soldier’s quarters and fortifications at Fort Amherst - Napoleonic fort overlooking Chatham’s Historic Dockyard.

Changeling’s creative director Rob Forknall,“I’ve been wanting to direct this show for a long time and now the time is r...
01/07/2022

Changeling’s creative director Rob Forknall,

“I’ve been wanting to direct this show for a long time and now the time is right. Our audiences clearly agree as this is their choice and we couldn’t be more delighted. Betrayal, jealousy, power, corruption – it’s all there in this intense and brilliant play. Fans of House of Cards and Line of Duty will absolutely love it.”

Coming to Fort Amherst's Amphitheatre, we can't wait for the production to begin!

Buy your tickets here:https://www.medwayticketslive.co.uk/event/changeling-theatre-presents-othello-at-fort-amherst

Have you viewed the horizon from the top of Fort Amherst?🚶Whether it is the cannons or the WWII Bofor Anti Aircraft Gun,...
30/06/2022

Have you viewed the horizon from the top of Fort Amherst?🚶

Whether it is the cannons or the WWII Bofor Anti Aircraft Gun, there is always something to see during a walk around the site.

Address

Dock Road
Chatham
ME44UB

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm
Saturday 8am - 4pm
Sunday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

441634847747

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Our Story

Fort Amherst, based in Chatham, Medway, Kent, is Britain’s largest Napoleonic Fortress and provides a great day out for all the family. If you are looking for days out in Kent or the Medway area, then come and discover how Chatham dockyard would have been defended along with: - Over 300 years of military history with an amazing network of underground passageways, historic buildings and gun emplacements all set in 20 acres of beautiful parkland. - Take a tour of the incredible tunnel defences, enjoy some light refreshments in our Café or take a stroll to the highest point of the Fort and enjoy the spectacular views over the River Medway and the towns of Chatham and Rochester beyond. - Explore one of Kent’s most haunted locations on spine chilling Ghost Tours or stay until the early hours on one of our Paranormal Investigations. - Hire the Fort for your special private event, including weddings. We have many different locations on the site; just call us to discuss your requirements.


Comments

Halloween Horrors is back 👻 🪓

Are you ready for the scare of your life?

Book your tickets now: https://halloweenhorrors.digitickets.co.uk/tickets
In WWII, the communications room was to used to take emergency calls that would then be passed on so that the appropriate authorities were dispatched 📞🚨
Did you know that during in World War Two, this map was used to pin point any attacks from the enemy?

You can find out more fascinating facts by joining us on a Tunnel Tours: https://www.fortamherst.com/tunnel-tours/?utm_campaign=September-2022&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook
Halloween Horrors is back this October with 3 new mazes 🎃

We can't wait for you to take a step into our horror experience!

Book your tickets now: https://halloweenhorrors.digitickets.co.uk/tickets
In WWII, this room would be used for emergency service distribution.

In an emergency, such as an air raid, the workers would have to decide which services would be best to help and how many they would need at the scene.

Want to know more? Book a tour: https://www.fortamherst.com/tunnel-tours/?utm_campaign=September-2022&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook
Did you know that you can take a walk around the Fort Amherst grounds?

During your walk, you will see many pieces of history from WWII.

This is great day out for both adults and children ☀️
We have some news that is sure to give you a scare...

Not only is Halloween Horrors back but it now has 3 new mazes to take on 👻 🪓

Tickets are now available to book: https://halloweenhorrors.digitickets.co.uk/tickets
Fort Amherst will fire ‘gun shots’ to mark the two-minutes silence which will be held during the funeral service for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Monday 19 September. The gun shots will be fired from the heights of the Belvedere Battery, one of the highest points of the Medway Towns from where Royal Gun Salutes have been fired since 1756.

Bill Fowler, Chairman of the Fort Amherst Heritage Trust, said ‘It seems like only yesterday that we were firing a 21-gun salute in celebration of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, and now here we are making our final farewells. It has been a wonderful Elizabethan Reign which will be long remembered with warm affection. Although filled with sadness, we must welcome our new King and wish him a long and happy reign. God Save the King!'
On the occasion of the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Fort Amherst will remain closed on Monday 19th September.

The fort will reopen at 8am on Tuesday 20th September.
When originally built, Fort Amherst had remote controlled gates located within the tunnels.

The gates were there to prevent the enemy from entering the tunnels and so that the defenders were not exposed to enemy fire.
Following the sad death of the Queen, as a mark of respect, the Kentish Players are postponing their production of Your Majesty! A Right Royal R***e to January 2023. More details to follow. All ticket holders will be contacted over the next week
All at Fort Amherst are sad to hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Only recently we were celebrating her Platinum Jubilee with a 21-gun salute for which she had graciously given her Royal assent, and now we are mourning her demise.

As a sign of respect all Union Flags at Fort Amherst have been lowered to half-mast for the duration of the official period of mourning.

In line with Royal protocol the flags will return to full-mast for a 24-hour period from 1pm on Saturday 10 September to mark the first Public Proclamation of the new sovereign before returning to half-mast at 1pm on Sunday 11 September.

The Fort Amherst Heritage Trust wishes to send its heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family on this sad occasion.

Bill Fowler. Chairman.
Everyone at Fort Amherst is incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family.
Here is a behind the scenes look at our Tunnel Tours 🎬

This experience is a fantastic day out for everyone!

Book your space here: https://www.fortamherst.com/tunnel-tours/?utm_campaign=September-2022&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook
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