Newhaven Fort — Attraction in Lewes

Visited with my children for the first time since the refurbishment, and I have to say I was a bit disappointed.

There's lots of new screens showing different people speaking about various things, but very little printed info to go along with them, for example in the "boardroom " which is about D Day, but unless you sit and listen to the whole thing you won't really get much info.

Thr air raid shelter wasn't working, however there was no sign to tell you this. We went in 3 times over the day incase it had been fixed but no. Mentioned it to the lady on reception and she she said they knew it wasn't working and they "were still finding thier feet after the refurbishment ". Why not have a sign? Also the air raid experience has always been there so I find it hard to believe they were "finding thier feet" on that one.

Everything looks great and very modern, but there's much less information available which is disappointing. In one room it tells kids to play with the games from the period but there were none.

There used to be some really good info on the home front, most of which has gone and what is there isn't always accurate, for example there's a cupboard which on the outside says it contains the rations for a family of 4. Open the cupboard and it's a single person ration.

The new playground is amazing though, extremely well done and great fun. And the tunnels are fun to explore.

I personally feel they have gone too much for tech and it's lost it's charm.

The cafe is awful. The staff don't seem to know what they are doing, there's nowhere to put dirty cutlery, no trays to carry food. The cake was dry, as was the sausage roll and the cheese toasties were dreadful! Very greasy and tasteless. Spent £30 and it was quite frankly disgusting.

I was so looking forward to visiting but left disappointed. I think if you've never been before and you don't know anything about the history of war you might enjoy it, but for those who are more knowledgeable it's a bit...

Such a lot to see here and friendly, knowledgeable staff on hand to help. It is worth visiting just for the views (and we were there in terrible weather!)

We came here spontaneously because the rain ruined our planned walk in the country. It is dog friendly and partially indoors, so it seemed like a good alternative.

It cost us around £10 each and we can now visit free for a year!

I like history but I'm not keen on the glorification of war and this isn't somewhere I'd usually be excited to see but it's all very well done. It's informative, the language and tone appropriate, and there's enough interactive stuff to be sort of fun, too.

I enjoyed the little light display that shows the planning of the fort and it's defenses, as well as climbing down to the magazines and exploring the dark old corridors.

They take pictures of dogs and put them up everywhere, which is an awesome touch and I'm looking forward to seeing my little guy up on the wall!

Unfortunately, the cafe isn't dog friendly. Hopefully a different owner will get the contract one day, as that's a poor move.

The only other downside was being unable to time the theatre right. There's no indication of when it starts and we didn't want to wait in the rain. But we'll catch it next time!

I'm looking forward to visiting in better weather and enjoying a picnic at the top. Even if you're not interested in the history, it has some spectacular views and beautiful places to sit.

Don't forget to visit...

A good, affordable family day out. Based on Military obviously, focusing on the 2 world wars. Full disabled access to most areas.

Star attraction for myself and my grandson was a simulated Blitz bombing experience in a mock up air raid shelter, that is very life-like and ok for kids even with all the loud noise! ( Fort staff- what happened to the bulb in the Warden's torch? ). Simulations take place on the hour.

Dressing up in military uniform for all the family id fun, and has it's own area in the arches.

Lots of tunnels and stairways to explore. Loads of information about life during both wars, which is very interesting and detailed.

The cafe is reasonably priced, and has a great choice of tea on offer, served in everything from gold rimmed china teacup and saucer, to tin enamel mugs! The staff in the cafe are really friendly and great with kids.

The views over Seaford Bay, Newhaven Harbour, and the English Channel are second to none, and star of the show when we were there was the Newhaven Ferry coming in to port!

You can walk for ages round the fort- it is large and hilly, and if the sun is out, take sun cream, as it is really easy to burn in the breeze.

There is free car parking just a minutes's walk from the main entrance, and if you require disabled parking, call the fort in advance and they will arrange for you to park right near...