Shoreham Fort
Historic coastal fort offering perimeter exploration, harbour views, and a nearby family-friendly beach.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for views & walks
Shoreham Fort
Best Time
Best for views & walks
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic coastal fort offering perimeter exploration, harbour views, and a nearby family-friendly beach.
"Interesting history and great views, though interior access is currently restricted."
⚠️ Watch Your Step
Be mindful of your surroundings, as some areas may have been used by animals.
🚶♀️ Perimeter Exploration
Focus on walking the perimeter and reading information boards if interior access is closed.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fort Perimeter Walk
Shoreham Fort
Explore the exterior of the historic fort, with information boards detailing its past.
Bunker Display
Shoreham Fort
Discover a recently added bunker display, offering a glimpse into wartime history.
Harbour Entrance Views
Shoreham Fort
Enjoy picturesque views of ships entering and leaving the harbour from the fort's strategic location.
Adjacent Beach & Walkway
Shoreham Beach
A family-friendly beach with a long, accessible walkway perfect for strolls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Current Status
Exploring the Surroundings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⚠️ Watch Your Step
Be mindful of your surroundings, as some areas may have been used by animals.
🚶♀️ Perimeter Exploration
Focus on walking the perimeter and reading information boards if interior access is closed.
🅿️ Parking Options
Pay and display parking is available nearby, or consider walking from cheaper off-road spots.
📸 Photogenic Setting
Despite fencing, the fort's location offers great photo opportunities of the harbour.
Tips
from all over the internet
⚠️ Watch Your Step
Be mindful of your surroundings, as some areas may have been used by animals.
🚶♀️ Perimeter Exploration
Focus on walking the perimeter and reading information boards if interior access is closed.
🅿️ Parking Options
Pay and display parking is available nearby, or consider walking from cheaper off-road spots.
📸 Photogenic Setting
Despite fencing, the fort's location offers great photo opportunities of the harbour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Shoreham Fort's location and exterior interesting, with good views of the harbour and a pleasant beach nearby. However, the current closure of the interior due to vandalism is a significant drawback for many, though the bunker display offers some compensation. The surrounding amenities like cafes and parking are generally well-regarded.
"Well...looking at some of the gorgeous pictures on Goolge maps, it looks like it has seen better days. I'm not sure what has happened but probably a funding issue?
No matter...We thoroughly enjoyed a walk around the perimeter. There are security fences all around with no access to 'inside' the walls- still lots of history to see, gorgeous cafe nearby, cheap parking if you need it (we walked to it) with beautiful views of south downs."
Sara Ratcliffe
"I was expecting the to be a big place but it was relatively small. The impact it had seemed substantial. The original barracks and soldiers living quarter's outlines are there. The parking lot is still under maintenance but there are plenty off road parking nearby. The beach is beautiful itself and has a nice walkway along the beach. Overall It was a nice experience."
S Shahriar
"Such a shame it's currently closed. Desperate to get inside. Not too photogenic with fencing to the front (but understandable)"
Matthew Moore
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shoreham Fort is located on the coast. It's accessible by car, with pay and display parking nearby. For those arriving by public transport, local bus routes serve the area, and it's a pleasant walk from Shoreham-by-Sea train station.
Yes, there is a pay and display car park adjacent to the fort. Some reviews mention plenty of off-road parking nearby as well, which can be cheaper.
Absolutely! It's a lovely walk along the beach or promenade from Shoreham-by-Sea. The beach itself has a nice walkway suitable for pushchairs and those with mobility issues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Currently, the interior of Shoreham Fort is closed to the public due to vandalism. However, you can still explore the perimeter and enjoy the surrounding area. +1
As the interior is closed, there are no tickets required for entry. Access to the exterior and surrounding beach area is free.
Since the interior is closed, there are no set opening hours for exploration inside. The surrounding beach and promenade are generally accessible during daylight hours.
Shoreham Fort's interior access has been restricted due to vandalism. The 'Friends of Shoreham Fort' group works to maintain and display aspects like the bunker.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
While the inside is closed, you can see the fort's exterior, original barracks outlines, and a bunker display. Information boards explain its history. The adjacent beach and harbour views are also highlights. +1
The exterior and beach are great for kids to explore. However, be aware of the advice to watch where you step due to potential animal activity in certain areas.
Dogs are generally welcome in the outdoor areas around Shoreham Fort and on the beach. Remember to keep them under control and be mindful of other visitors.
The beach has a long walkway that is easier for pushchair users and the infirm to enjoy. Access to the interior of the fort is restricted.
There are plenty of information boards around the fort that explain its usage over the years, detailing its historical significance.
📸 📸 Photography
The harbour entrance offers great views for capturing ships. The fort's exterior, even with fencing, can provide interesting historical shots. The beach and promenade are also scenic.
While some reviews note fencing at the front, the overall setting with the harbour and sea can be quite photogenic, especially during golden hour.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the interior is closed, the bunker display provides an interesting point of discovery. The nearby cafes offer convenient spots for snacks or lunch, and the accessible beach walkway ensures everyone can enjoy the coastal environment. It's a good option for a relaxed family outing focused on outdoor exploration and scenic views.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Pack a picnic to enjoy with the scenic harbour views, and take advantage of the free beach access and the long, accessible walkway for a pleasant and cost-effective day out. The historical information boards add an educational element without any extra charge.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Shoreham Fort's Past
The 'Friends of Shoreham Fort' have made efforts to preserve and enhance the site, notably by adding a bunker display. This initiative allows visitors to connect with a different facet of the fort's history, even with limited interior access. The fort's setting on the entrance to the harbour provides continuous visual interest with ships coming and going, alongside smaller pleasure boats, making it a dynamic backdrop.
Despite the challenges of vandalism leading to current closures, the fort's historical presence and its surrounding natural beauty continue to draw visitors. The adjacent beach and its accessible walkway further enhance the appeal, making it a place where history and recreation can coexist, albeit with some limitations.
Navigating Shoreham Fort's Surroundings
For those looking for a bite to eat or a place to relax, there are lovely cafes nearby. The fort's location at the harbour entrance provides constant activity, with ships of all sizes entering and leaving, as well as numerous small pleasure boats. This makes it a great spot for a picnic, offering both historical context and engaging views of maritime life.
Parking is also a consideration, with a pay and display car park conveniently located next to the fort. However, some visitors have noted that there are often cheaper off-road parking options available nearby, which can be a good alternative for budget-conscious travelers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit