Fort Amherst Heritage Trust
Fort Amherst Heritage Trust things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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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 approach it!
Nick GazardNick Gazard
40
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 great experience.
Stuart MillerStuart Miller
10
Spare a Fort for the bees experience - our original booking in April had to be postponed understandably due to inclement weather, but today made up for it. Beautiful sun, a chance to cool ourselves in the old powder store while getting a short intro on bees from their friendly enthusiastic volunteer, and seeing the setup of an uninhabited hive by the bee keeper. Time to don keeper suits to go up close to see the bees near the Victorian allotment site. It's a relaxed hands-on buzz with the bees, getting a chance to see a hive inspected, handle full combs, spot the queen, identify drones, workers and larvae, take lots of photos and ask as many questions as you like. Ending the experience with a little spread of sandwiches, scones and beverage in the Pantry cafe after plus you own jar of honey and certificate to take home. You will need to be able to walk up from the pantry cafe to the site. So sensible footwear and mobility is needed. Parking is included. A nicely presented experience.
Michelle BrownleeMichelle Brownlee
00
At last a decent cafe!! And of course the fort itself which is so full of history and so much to see..views across medway are fantastic. Its free but book ahead for the tunnels. Definitely worth doing the tunnel tour, we had Eddie as our guide. What a charming gentleman and so knowledgeable. Thank you Eddie. Play space for kids and you can download the quest app to follow a trail. Back to the cafe though. Lovely friendly staff and we had an excellent lunch - tuna mayo cucumber sandwich on brown and a bacon brie toastie for my daughter (which she said was one of the best she's tasted). Thanks to the ladies in the cafe too. Would be nice if they had some postcards in the cafe/shop.
Marion McHardyMarion McHardy
10
This was one of the highlights of my visit to the local area. I would highly recommend booking the guided tour of the tunnels. The guide shared lots of knowledge and interesting stories, and I believe a guided tour is the only way to gain access. If you don’t have time for a tour, it’s still free to wonder around the external grounds, which also have some military exhibits available. The guide said they tend to get overlooked by a lot of visitors, who usually just go to the dockyard. If you have time, you should definitely include a visit here – you won’t regret it. There is a small cafe with toilet facilities at the entrance, plenty of parking and it is accessible by bus as well.
PhilPhil
00
Fort Amherst in Chatham is an absolutely brilliant part of Medway History. Our visit was made truly unforgettable by the incredible tour guide, Dave. His passion for history and knowledge about the fort's significance brought every corner to life. The historical significance of Fort Amherst was magnified by Dave's expert guidance, making us feel connected to the past in a profound and meaningful way. We left feeling enlightened, inspired, and grateful for the opportunity to experience such a remarkable and vital piece of history with such an exceptional guide. If I could give it 6 Stars I would.
oliver hendersonoliver henderson
00
Nearby Attractions Of Fort Amherst Heritage Trust
Central Theatre
HMS Cavalier
Chatham Naval Memorial
Hysteria Escape Rooms
UNSOLVED MYSTERIES ESCAPE ROOMS
LV21
The Victorian Ropery
Old Brook Pumping Station
Gillingham Street Angels Furniture Warehouse

Central Theatre
4.5
(690)Click for details

HMS Cavalier
4.7
(301)Click for details

Chatham Naval Memorial
4.7
(156)Click for details

Hysteria Escape Rooms
4.9
(157)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Fort Amherst Heritage Trust
Spoon World Buffet & Bar
The Thomas Waghorn
Taze Restaurant
Command House
Nucleus Arts Centre & Cafe Nucleus
The Dead Pigeon
Prince Of Wales Chatham
Coffee Republic Chatham
The Sultan Restaurant
Gurkha Fire

Spoon World Buffet & Bar
4.0
(1.4K)Click for details

The Thomas Waghorn
4.1
(1.2K)Click for details

Taze Restaurant
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Command House
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(617)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
Dock Rd, Chatham ME4 4UB, United Kingdom
Map
Phone
+44 1634 847747
Call
Website
fortamherst.com
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.6
(511 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family friendly
Description
Fort Amherst, in Medway, South East England, was constructed in 1756 at the southern end of the Brompton lines of defence to protect the southeastern approaches to Chatham Dockyard and the River Medway against a French invasion.
attractions: Central Theatre, HMS Cavalier, Chatham Naval Memorial, Hysteria Escape Rooms, UNSOLVED MYSTERIES ESCAPE ROOMS, LV21, The Victorian Ropery, Old Brook Pumping Station, Gillingham Street Angels Furniture Warehouse, restaurants: Spoon World Buffet & Bar, The Thomas Waghorn, Taze Restaurant, Command House, Nucleus Arts Centre & Cafe Nucleus, The Dead Pigeon, Prince Of Wales Chatham, Coffee Republic Chatham, The Sultan Restaurant, Gurkha Fire

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