Fort Amherst Chatham
Explore Britain's largest Napoleonic fortress, uncovering centuries of military history through its vast tunnels and grounds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Events and tours are frequent
Fort Amherst Chatham
Best Time
Events and tours are frequent
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Britain's largest Napoleonic fortress, uncovering centuries of military history through its vast tunnels and grounds.
"The tunnel tour is fantastic and well worth the modest charge for a deep dive into history."
🎟️ Book Tunnel Tours Ahead
Tunnel tours are a highlight but require advance booking. Don't miss out on this fascinating historical experience!
🚶 Explore Grounds for Free
Access to the exterior grounds is free, offering plenty to see and great views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Napoleonic Tunnels
Underground
Descend into the historic tunnels, uncovering secrets from Napoleonic times to WWII. A truly immersive historical journey.
Panoramic Medway Views
Highest point of the fort
Ascend to the fort's highest point for breathtaking, sweeping views of the Medway towns and the river.
Exterior Grounds Exploration
Above ground
Wander freely through the vast exterior grounds, dotted with informative signs detailing the fort's rich past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tunnel Tour in Advance
Explore the Grounds for Free
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tunnel Tours Ahead
Tunnel tours are a highlight but require advance booking. Don't miss out on this fascinating historical experience!
🚶 Explore Grounds for Free
Access to the exterior grounds is free, offering plenty to see and great views.
🅿️ Paid Parking Available
On-site parking is available but is a paid service. Consider public transport if possible.
🧸 Family-Friendly Play Area
There's a dedicated play area for children, making it a great stop for families.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tunnel Tours Ahead
Tunnel tours are a highlight but require advance booking. Don't miss out on this fascinating historical experience!
🚶 Explore Grounds for Free
Access to the exterior grounds is free, offering plenty to see and great views.
🅿️ Paid Parking Available
On-site parking is available but is a paid service. Consider public transport if possible.
🧸 Family-Friendly Play Area
There's a dedicated play area for children, making it a great stop for families.
👻 Ghostly Investigations
Fort Amherst hosts paranormal investigation events, adding a spooky dimension to your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Fort Amherst for its fascinating history, particularly the immersive tunnel tours led by knowledgeable guides. The free access to the extensive grounds and the panoramic views are also highly appreciated. Some visitors note that tunnel tours require advance booking and parking is paid.
"📍 Unexpected Visit
We stopped by for an impromptu visit while we were in the area. Unfortunately, we didn’t realize the tunnel tour requires advance booking. 😅
🕳️ Tunnel Tour
From what we’ve read in reviews, the tunnel experience is fantastic — we’ll definitely book it next time!
🏛️ Exterior Grounds
Although we didn’t join the guided tour, we explored the exterior site on our own. There was plenty to see, and lots of informational signs scattered around. We didn’t have to pay to access the outdoor areas.
🅿️ Facilities
Parking: Available on-site, but it’s paid.
Shop: There’s a small shop selling drinks and other items. 🥤🍪
Play Area: Great for families — includes a playground and swings. 🛝
👍 Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely! Even without the tunnel tour, it’s a worthwhile stop — and next time, we’re booking ahead!"
Abdul Omooba
"Had the tour of the tunnels this morning, Saturday Steve was our guide and we had a full on two hour experience but the time flew. Fascinating we see the various uses the Fort had over the years a very interesting insight and then of course after the tour ends still the full external spaces to explore and finishing with the best view in the Medway towns at the highest point of the fort. Well worth a visit and even if you don't fancy the tour you will have access to the rest of the site for free. If you are into history then tour is well worth it."
Trevor Jefferies
"Went on a tunnel tour this morning. Very enjoyable and informative, lots of interesting things to see and very knowledgeable guide (Tom). Had no idea there was so much hidden in the hillside, learnt a lot of history of the area too. Children on the tour enjoyed it too. Would definitely recommend."
Maggie Luscombe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fort Amherst is located in Chatham, Kent. You can reach it by car, with paid parking available on-site. Public transport options include local buses that stop nearby. For those arriving by train, Chatham station is the closest, and from there, you can take a short taxi ride or bus to the fort.
Yes, there is parking available at Fort Amherst, but it is a paid service. Visitors are advised to factor this into their trip planning.
Absolutely! Fort Amherst is accessible via public transport. Local buses serve the Chatham area, and the nearest train station is Chatham. From the station, a short taxi or bus ride will get you to the fort.
The closest train station to Fort Amherst is Chatham Station. From there, you can arrange onward travel to the fort.
While the exterior grounds are generally accessible, the underground tunnel tours may present challenges for those with mobility issues due to uneven surfaces and steps. It's advisable to contact the fort directly for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the exterior grounds of Fort Amherst is free. However, there is a modest charge for access to the wartime tunnels, which is highly recommended.
Yes, it is strongly recommended to book your tunnel tour tickets in advance, as they can sell out. This ensures you don't miss out on this popular experience.
Opening hours can vary, especially for the tunnel tours. It's best to check the official Fort Amherst website for the most up-to-date information on opening times and tour availability.
Yes, you can explore the extensive exterior grounds of Fort Amherst freely without booking a tour. Informative signs are scattered throughout the site.
Information on discounts is not widely publicized, but it's always worth checking the official Fort Amherst website or contacting them directly for any potential concessions or group rates.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Fort Amherst offers a rich historical experience. You can explore the Napoleonic-era tunnels (with a tour), wander the expansive exterior grounds with informational signage, enjoy panoramic views of the Medway towns, and visit the small on-site shop.
A visit can vary depending on your interests. Exploring the grounds might take an hour or two, while the tunnel tour itself lasts around two hours. Many visitors combine both for a comprehensive experience.
Yes, guided tours are available, most notably the highly recommended tunnel tours led by knowledgeable guides who share fascinating insights into the fort's history.
Fort Amherst is generally suitable for families. There's a dedicated play area with a playground and swings, and children often enjoy the historical aspects and the tunnel tours, especially when guided by engaging storytellers like Tom.
Drone flying at Fort Amherst requires permission from Rochester Airfield. It's essential to obtain authorization before flying to comply with regulations.
📸 📸 Photography
The highest point of the fort offers stunning panoramic views of the Medway towns, perfect for landscape shots. The historic tunnels provide dramatic, atmospheric opportunities, and the exterior architecture itself is very photogenic.
Photography is generally allowed inside the tunnels, but it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and the historical context. Flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to preserve artifacts.
Beyond the general etiquette of not disturbing others, the main restriction mentioned is regarding drone photography, which requires prior permission from Rochester Airfield.
Visitors often capture historical architecture, panoramic landscapes, and atmospheric shots within the tunnels. The fort also hosts events like ghost hunts and historical reenactments, which offer unique photographic opportunities.
While not explicitly stated, using a tripod should be fine as long as it doesn't obstruct pathways or other visitors, especially during busy periods. Always be considerate of others.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more structured family activity, look out for special events like the 'Bee Happy Trail' or historical reenactments that can make the fort's past come alive. Booking the tunnel tour in advance is recommended, and it's worth checking if there are any family ticket options or concessions available.
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
These events often involve guided explorations of the tunnels and other areas of the fort, with participants using specialized equipment to detect paranormal activity. It's an exciting way to experience the fort from a different perspective, combining historical intrigue with a thrill of the supernatural. Booking these special events in advance is essential.
🏛️ History Buffs
Beyond the tunnels, the exterior grounds are dotted with informative signage that details the fort's evolution and key historical events. You can spend hours wandering the ramparts and exploring the various structures, imagining the fort in its active military days. The panoramic views from the highest point also offer a geographical context to its strategic placement.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Fort Amherst
Today, Fort Amherst stands as Britain's largest Napoleonic fortress, offering visitors a tangible connection to these historical periods. The extensive underground tunnel network is a testament to its defensive capabilities, while the expansive grounds provide a sense of its former scale. The site has been preserved and opened to the public, allowing for exploration and education about its vital contributions to national defense.
Events held at the fort, such as historical reenactments, ghost hunts, and themed festivals, further bring its history to life. These activities not only entertain but also educate visitors about the diverse roles Fort Amherst has played throughout history, from military stronghold to a venue for community gatherings.
Exploring the Underground Tunnels
The tours typically last around two hours and cover the tunnels' use during the Napoleonic Era, World War I, and World War II. You'll learn about their function as defensive structures, air-raid shelters, and command centers. The experience is described as immersive and informative, providing a deep understanding of the fort's strategic importance and the lives of those who served there.
It's crucial to book these tunnel tours in advance, as they are very popular and can sell out. While the exterior grounds are free to explore, the tunnel tour offers a unique and in-depth perspective that is well worth the modest fee. Visitors consistently praise the tour for its educational value and engaging presentation.
Family Fun and Activities
The 'Bee Happy Trail' mentioned by one visitor offers a specific family-friendly activity, though its orderliness was noted as a bit chaotic. The historical context of the fort, especially when explained by engaging guides, can also captivate children, making the tunnel tours an educational adventure for the whole family.
With free access to the extensive grounds and the option of an engaging tunnel tour, Fort Amherst provides a mix of historical learning and outdoor recreation that appeals to visitors of all ages. The on-site shop also offers drinks and snacks, adding to the convenience for families.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit