Fort Amherst

Built in 1756 to protect the naval dockyard from a landward attack, the fort houses a fascinating network of underground chambers and tunnels.

These were extended between 1802 and 1811, when convicts were used to create vast underground stores, shelters, magazines, barracks, gun batteries and guardrooms. A guided tour through over 700 metres of underground workings provides an impressive testament to the skills of the military engineers.

The fort provides a great family day out, with over seven acres of extensive outer fortifications which have been restored to give a country park atmosphere.

The battlements and earthworks provide a unique backdrop for picnic sites and nature trails, as well as providing a home for a variety of local wildlife.

Today, Fort Amherst offers a vivid insight into the lives of the soldiers and their families, through living and static displays in period costume, while the Home Front exhibition looks at how family life and living conditions would have been during World War II.

Regular events and military re-enactments recreate life in Britain’s most complete Georgian fortress and lantern-light ghost tours provide an eerie evening’s entertainment on the first Friday of each month.