Stepping back into Newhaven Fort after its year-long closure felt a bit like visiting an old friend who had just won the lottery and had an extreme makeover.
We remember the fort from 20 years ago – charming, full of history, but a little, well… weathered. Back then, it had that “historical site that’s been standing for 150 years and knows it” kind of vibe. It was interesting for history enthusiasts, hosting historical re-enactments and ghost tours, but let’s be honest – it needed a bit of TLC. Now, thanks to a £7.5 million restoration, it has been transformed into a vibrant, interactive, and downright fun place to explore.
So, What’s New?
Let’s start with the children’s adventure playground – because let’s face it, this is probably what your kids will make a beeline for while you’re still trying to appreciate the 19th-century brickwork.
Inspired by Victorian engineering, the playground features a tubular slide attached to a dirigible (yes, really) and a steam crane-themed lookout tower. It’s a fantastic way to entertain the little ones while you brush up on your military history – or sneak a go on the slide yourself. We don’t judge here.
Then there’s the new café. Gone are the days of hoping for a half-decent coffee while dodging seagulls. The fort now boasts a modern café, perfect for refuelling after tackling the cliff walk. Sip your cappuccino while enjoying the spectacular views over the Sussex coastline.
We called in for a coffee, vegan sausage rolls, and a slice of Victoria sponge – very tasty, but don’t expect an extensive menu.
But We’re Getting Ahead of Ourselves, So Let’s Wind the Clock Back…
Since our last visit, the fort’s exhibitions have had a serious hi-tech upgrade, and after buying our tickets (which, by the way, last a year), we stopped off to watch the short film about its history.
Construction started in 1864, part of a network of 72 coastal defences in the south that later became known as ‘Palmerston’s Follies’. Seven years and six million bricks later, the fort was completed. It went through life and wars relatively unscathed – until 1940, when it was hit by a Luftwaffe bomb.
As we wandered through each room, we travelled through time – from Stone Age to Roman Sussex and up to the WW2 home front and D-Day displays. These now have immersive experiences, making history feel alive rather than just something you read on a plaque. For us, the Dieppe and D-Day room was by far the most interesting and didn’t shy away from the harsh realities.
There’s also the chance to explore the Battery Observation Post, which was previously off-limits. The views alone make it worth the climb (and the extra cake from the café to recover).
The Romney Hut has also been given a glow-up. Once a rather draughty, forgotten space, it’s now a versatile event venue, ready to host everything from school groups and historical lectures to weddings and corporate gatherings. If you’ve ever dreamed of saying “I do” in a Victorian military fortress, your moment has arrived.
Who’s It For?
The beauty of the new-and-improved Newhaven Fort is that it caters to everyone. History buffs can delve into military strategy, local heritage lovers can explore the fort’s Victorian origins, kids can run riot in the playground, escapologists will enjoy the Escape Room (a separate venue onsite), and even reluctant visitors might be tempted by the hands-on activities.
Whether you’re a seasoned historian or just here for the cake (another slice of Victoria sponge for me, please), there’s something to enjoy.
What’s Next?
Now that Newhaven Fort has had its much-needed facelift, what’s next? Future plans include more interactive displays and special events across the year, to bring the past to life in a whole new way. There’s also talk of using the underground tunnels for immersive storytelling (and maybe a few ghostly surprises).
Additionally, there are plans to feature more personal accounts, like the current ones, focusing on the role local women played on the Home Front – from munitions workers to those in the Women’s Voluntary Service and the Women’s Land Army.
As a historical monument, it still has that ‘not quite finished’ feel – while we were looking around, workmen with drills were still adding and fixing things. But let’s be honest, that’s part of the charm. It’s interesting, fun, and educational all at once, so it fits the bill as a great day out.
Now, did we mention cake?
Admission & Opening times
Newhaven Fort, located in Newhaven, East Sussex, is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last admission at 4:00 PM.
The fort’s 2025 season runs from 15 February to 2 November.
Ticket Prices for 2025:
Adult (16-59 years): £12.95
Child (4-15 years): £9.95
Under 4s: Free
Senior (60+ years): £10.95
Student: £10.95
Disabled Adult: £10.95
Disabled Child: £7.50
Disabled Senior: £8.50
i-go Guests: £4.00
Carer: Free
Family (2 adults and up to 2 children): £43.95
Guided Fort Tour: £7.00 (plus admission)
Booking tickets in advance is recommended.
All standard entry tickets are valid for 12 months during the seasonal opening hours, allowing multiple visits within that period.
All photographs copyright © John Heinrich
Where to next?
• Jane Austen’s House in 2025 – Pride and Pilgrimage
• The marvellous mechanical Dragon of Calais
• Hidden Hove, actually