There is plenty to see and do with the whole family at Newhaven Fort this summer. Here are our top picks, how many will you tick off?

  1. Travel through more than a thousand years of defensive history within minutes with our fascinating fort film.
  1. Experience a WWII air raid warning from inside our recreated air-raid shelter. Experiences run hourly between 12-4pm.
  1. Walk through bomb-blitzed streets and hear stories from local people who managed to ‘Keep Calm and Carry on’ despite evacuations, rationing, and restrictions on civilian life, in our Home Front exhibition.
  1. Find out how the Royal Observer Corps (ROC) played a key role in plotting and reporting aircraft movements during the Second World War, in the first of two dedicated exhibitions at Newhaven. The second display outlines how the ROC would have been involved, had the Cold War resulted in a nuclear conflict.
  1. Get your hands on with history at the Newhaven Fort Handling Table, open every day between 12-2pm, where you can get to grips with loads of fascinating artefacts; including a genuine WWII helmet.
  1. Discover what life in the fort was really like for a Victorian soldier; learn about the regiments based at Newhaven, and discover the meaning of ‘barrack rats.’ Just watch out for the Sergeant Major – who might have a few strong words if you’re not careful!
  1. Don’t miss our dressing up box, where you can try on historic clothing and uniforms from World War II. Take a picture to share with your friends!
  1. Explore all the vital elements which helped make the Fort function – what is behind each casemate door? How did the soldiers get fresh water, when they were surrounded by the sea? Why not have your picture taken beside the huge guns, and discover the name of each one?
  1. Enjoy breath-taking panoramic, coastal views of the South Downs and Seaford Bay as you stroll along the ramparts, with a well-behaved dog on a lead if you wish.
  1. Indulge in the biggest, naughtiest cake you can eat, or enjoy the English institution that is afternoon tea, in the Fort Teas Tea Room.
  1. Choose from a range of themed goodies in the Newhaven Fort Gift Shop, located in the Guard Room. From pocket-money-priced souvenirs to do-it-yourself replica models, and memorabilia from both World Wars, as well as wartime poetry and recipe books.

Do you know any other great things you would like to do at Newhaven Fort? Let us know on Facebook on our wall.