Coalhouse Fort Park — Attraction in England

In Coalhouse Fort Park, there are lots of different trails you can take and explore wildlife, spectacular views of the Thames Estuary, an impressive historic fort, riverside, parkland, grassland, saltmarshes, WW2 radar tower and much more!

Coalhouse Fort was constructed between 1861 and 1874 to combat the threat of invasion from France.

The present fort is built on the site of earlier fortifications and was used and adapted in both the First and Second World Wars.

With lots of picnic areas to chose from, benches and even playground for kids, it is great place for whole family and your furry friends!

Well maintained grounds and very peaceful and also, very good place to come for running and cycling!

Lots of information boards around to read to get to know more about the history of this amazing place.

The fort was closed when we have visited and will be closed for the foreseeable future, but don't let you put it off as this place won't let you down with other things you can explore there.

Although you can't fly drones there, the pictures you will take there will be very nice because the place is very pic

There is 'The Engine Room Cafe there' which open every day between 10 am and 2 pm with cold or hot drinks, snacks and ice-cream.

Toilet facilities are just next door from the cafe.

The car park is reasonable size and free of charge.

The Coalhouse Fort park also host a variety of events, from family fun days and wildlife walks to military...

Nice place to spend an hour or two, especially if the weather is on your side. Ideal for walking your dog (poo bins a-plenty, but bizarrely no actual bins), a circular walk around the fort and pathways following the river provide a bit of variety. There's a small play area for younger kids, and quite a lot of picnic tables too. Public toilets available, a rarity nowadays, and a competitively-priced cafe with a wide selection of teas and coffees, cakes, sweets and ice creams. Check the local press or the web if you want a tour of the actual fort, they have occasional open days, and it's military history is interesting and varied. Come early though, because if there is an event, or the weather is particularly nice, the car parks fill quickly. No parking fees either (though maybe I shouldn't draw attention to that, just in case the local council hasn't realised yet...!). As of 2 September 2024, the bus route is being reinstated. This is great news - prevents the stress of having to grab one of the parking spaces, or the sometimes nail-biting drive through the narrow roads on...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Hidden Gem Full of History and Beauty

Coalhouse Fort is truly one of my special places. Every visit feels like stepping back in time — the fort is absolutely beautiful, steeped in rich history, and surrounded by peaceful parkland and riverside views. Built in the 1860s to defend the Thames from potential invasion, Coalhouse Fort stands as a proud reminder of our military past, and you can feel that powerful history everywhere you walk.

The fort and the surrounding park are immaculately kept, offering a perfect blend of history, nature, and tranquility. Whether you’re exploring the old fortifications, walking by the water, or just enjoying the open green spaces, there’s a real sense of connection to the past here that’s hard to find elsewhere.

I really hope the council continues to invest in this incredible site — it deserves to be preserved for future generations to enjoy and learn from. It’s a place that holds so many memories for me, and I know it could mean just as much to others. Coalhouse Fort is a true treasure, and I can’t recommend it...