Newhaven Fort

Interesting fortification over the last 3000 years. The current fort was rebuilt in 1980s based on what was here during WW2. £7 gets you in to see exhibits that cover how people lived here, what condition were like during the war, as well as information about the guns themselves. The bombshelter exhibit in the Homefront room was most eerie to me.
There is a store on site along with a café and even a playground for the kiddies. You can explore deep into the tunnels and ammunition storage chambers. Also nice views of the surrounding areas so worth a stop.

Offering the perfect family day out, there is so much to explore at Newhaven Fort, including the vast, echoing tunnels built into the chalk cliffs. Experience a sense of freedom in this 10-​acre site as you stroll along the ramparts and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the South Downs and Sussex Coast. The cliff-​top gun emplacements are sure to fire any imagination!
This scheduled ancient monument tells the story of life in a Victorian Fortress and the on-​site military museum demonstrates Newhaven Fort’s role through two World Wars. Sit in our recreated Blitz street shelter simulation and experience how it would have felt being caught in a real air-​raid (although the comforting narration reminds everyone that fortunately, on this occasion, it’s completely safe!) .
I love going there I’ve been going since it opened in 1988 and my niece has been going there since she was 5 and she’s 21 now lol they have lots of events like vintage jazz evenings open air theatre and classic car shows etc etc I love the place excellent you can spend hours there it’s amazing oh and the café good too nice cheese toasty’s good coffee. The hot chocolate is to die for love the fort can’t wait to go back ¹⁰⁄₁₀

What a fantastic place — amazing views all around, spooky tunnels which are worth an explore, and some interesting museum displays. The café is very good too. They often have events, including special days to celebrate the Battle of Britain with fly overs and vintage vehicle events. Very good for a family day out.

This is a fantastic place to head for a day of history. Its so well organised and has that magic ability to keep kids and adults equally interested.
There’s the enjoyment of strolling around the Victorian Fortress and the on-​site military museum and also, 10 acres of beautiful landscape and views over the South Downs and Sussex Coast. They have an air raid simulator to experience what it was like as the planes buzzed over head and bombs whistled down.
My favourite part of the trip though is exploring the huge caves which are dug into the chalk cliffs. Amazing!
Please note, they are open all year round for school groups but not until March 1^st for the public.

A must visit on a summers day, as its closed during the winter! Seriously, once there the views are spellbinding! ONsite military museum partially suitable for wheelchair bound people. Festivals take place throughtout the year, which are also interesting such as Battle of Britain. Reasonably priced and worth a visit.

Newhaven Fort is a good day out for the family or those interested in military history.
There is plenty to do for a day out and there is an outdoor play area for the kids.
Plenty of walking and stairs so is not so friendly for the elderly or disabled.
Free parking on-​site as well as a gift shop and café and toilets.
Prices are reasonable, not only for entrance but in the gift shop and café.
Views of the local area are stunning from on top of the fort.

I visited Newhaven Fort on a glorious sunny day in October. Although it is tucked out of the way it is well signed from the outskirts of the town so easy to find. It is reasonably priced and our entry allowed us to visit again within the opening times (Mar — Oct).
It is a 10 acre complex of Victorian buildings with many displaying a plethora of war memorabilia. The history of the fort is well presented with a short video and plenty of exhibits. Some of the war exhibits were quite simple and could do with a little more detail.
The setting really makes this place. It offers fantastic views over Newhaven, the river Ouse and the sea. The actual complex is toddler friendly although the exhibits are more suited to older children. However, there is a play area within the parade ground for toddlers and older children. There is a café which offers a range of light bites, tea/​coffee, etc and is well priced — even has lots of Fairtrade items.
We’ll definitely be back in the future to explore more of the fort as it covers a large area. They also have a range of events on throughout the season so check their comprehensive website.