Fort Amherst Heritage Trust — Attraction in England

You could almost miss it driving through Medway, an old wall with a gun turret overgrown. It’s hard to tell if the plan is to preserve it or let it go to ruin.

The entrance isn’t the big gates flanked by the National lottery sign but the cafe. And when you park there (much better than the riverside carpark, though slightly more) it’s unclear what to do next.

The cafe is where you book tunnel tours (but they are booked out a couple weeks) and can find a leaflet on the shelf with a map. Though it is about the worst map possible without a legend, nothing to scale but it does clarify that you need to leave the carpark by the entrance, turn right and walk up. And keep walking up, past the bit that looks like private residences / shacks and you’ll find just how big this fort is.

The place has so many cannons, though most of the views of where they would shoot is obscured by plants. The views at the top are good though and worth the trek.

Kids are sort of accommodated with an owl, mouse and fox having a story that doesn’t quite make sense but looks cute. They’re hidden behind gates.

Our kids loved it and it feels like there is more to discover - just make your own plan about how to...

I don’t know why we haven’t been here before, what a brilliant place to visit! We’re local and have been to Chatham Dockyard many times but not here, we have also previously enjoyed Dover Castle tunnels - Fort Amherst is easily on a par with both of them. It is a really engaging place to visit for a few hours and is suitable for all ages (I would say from 5 years old ish to any age!). We booked ahead and did the 80 minute tunnel tour which I thought was reasonably priced. Tom the tour guide was welcoming, funny and incredibly knowledgeable - you could tell he is very passionate about sharing this special place with others. Amazing to think this is all run by volunteers too. Please pass on our thanks. Other points to mention - you can explore the grounds for free so you don’t necessarily need to do the tunnels tours to experience it. There is a small play area and of course canons for small people to discover! Special mention too to the team in the cafe - so friendly and helpful, all freshly cooked food and reasonably priced. I would go there just for the cafe if in the area. If you’re thinking of going I would say it is...

We did a tour tunnel today with Barney as our guide. I'd be happy to give him and the place 6 stars if I could.

From arriving at the car park, Barney was a presence, letting us know the timings and arrangements. The cafe was very well priced, with plentiful choices.

Onto the tour, and we were immediately made to feel welcome with some warm, friendly humour and an outline of what to expect. The tour itself was outstanding, but be sure to wrap up as it is very cold inside. Barney was a master at delivering an informative experience, really bringing it all to life. He used the kids in the group to excellent effect, ensuring they were as involved as possible. In fact, our nephews, who are 10 and 7 years old, were both fully engaged and enthused at all times, the sign of a great guide.

Once the official tour had been completed, Barney took those who were interested for an additional tour of the site. In total, we'd been engaged for about 2.5 hours, which despite the cold had flown by.

I would recommend a visit or tour to this fantastic place and thank you to all involved for making it such a...