Fort Amherst
Fort Amherst
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Originally constructed during Napoleonic times in preparation for a possible invasion, Chatham's Fort Amherst was also used as a civil defence centre in both world wars. The Fort has been in a near constant state of restoration since the 1980's by the Fort Amherst Heritage Trust, a charity who works hard to manage and maintain the vast site whilst sympathetically returning its grounds and buildings to their original state to ensure Britain's largest Napoleonic Fortress can be enjoyed by all.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- Amanda U2 contributionsSaturday Steve - if carlsberg made tour guides.....Well what am amazing couple of hours in a local tourist attraction. Having bought our tour tickets we had 4 hours free parking - which was a nice bonus. We enjoyed the delights of the Pantry cafe before commencing our tour and cannot recommend the sausage rolls highly enough lol. SATURDAY STEVE - you are a legend. Your knowledge, passion and bad dad jokes made the tour seem about 30 mins long when in fact you entertained us for 5 times that amount of time. Thank you seems a paltry response - but THANK YOU. The family and I will be coming back in warmer weather to explore more and hopefully we will be lucky enough to encounter you again. This venue is definitely so much more than a cafe in a car park!!Ha ha! I love your title and totally agree. I am delighted that you enjoyed your tour with Saturday Steve (and the sausage rolls) I will ensure that your great comments are seen by him and the entire Trust. We hope to see you again soon. All the best, Victoria @ Fort AmherstWritten 15 January 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 13 January 2024
- Inspire192850681941 contributionGreat few hours out with the top guide tour Barney!Big thank you to Barney our tour guide, we had a great time on the tunnel tour. Barney was very friendly, told us lots of information, made us welcome and involved the kids the whole way round, made us laugh, told jokes an was just brilliant! Really enjoyed our tour and the kids want to go again 😀 would totally recommend visiting. Thanks again Barney!Hi there, Thank you so much for your amazing review, I am so glad that you enjoyed your tour with Barney :) I will make sure I pass on your brilliant comments and hopefully we can welcome you back in the Summer. All the best, Victoria @ Fort AmherstWritten 15 January 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 14 January 2024
- Paula CIsle of Sheppey, United Kingdom25 contributionsHidden gem of a place!What a hidden gem! Fantastic Tunnel Tour experience with Saturday Steve and his trusty assistant Dave. Steve was a fabulous tour guide, so informative and interesting to listen to. He managed to engage the attention of all age groups on the tour! He is a valuable asset to Fort Amherst and the team of volunteers there. The tunnels themselves were great, amazing to see how they were formed and to learn about each different stage in their historical use. Great use of lightning and great to hear about future plans for the preservation of the sight. We didn't realise how big the grounds were, more than just a tunnel visit. The view from the highest spot in Medway was stunning too. Well worth a visit and reasonably priced. Looking forward to returning in the future to one of the sites numerous events.Hi there, Thanks so much for your review or your tour and our site, I shall ensure that I pass your comments to Saturday Steve and Dave. I hope we can welcome you to the Fort again for our events in the future. All the best, Victoria @ Fort AmherstWritten 10 February 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 February 2024
- Andrew CRochester, United Kingdom30 contributionsSaturday Steve gave a great tunnels tourWe went on a war time tunnels tour with Saturday Steve. It was so good. He knew so much local history it was amazing how much there was to learn. The children asked questions and he was always ready woth answers ... and jokes. Highly recommended.Thank you for your great review :) I am glad that you enjoyed Saturday Steve's tour and jokes. I hope we can welcome you to one of our events in the future. All the best, Victoria @ Fort AmherstWritten 10 February 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 3 February 2024
- Brian CMarden, United Kingdom18 contributionsSpooky fun, great evening out!I was treated to a Ghost Tour at Fort Amherst for my Birthday, and to be quite honest it was one of the best events I have been too for a very long time. There were 13 people attending that night and we had three guides. The tour was very atmospheric and interesting, The guide (sorry I forgot his name) was one of, if not the best I have ever met. We all had a really good evening, visiting areas not usually accessible by the public, we learnt a lot about the fort, its history and of course its ghosts. I certainly would recommend a visit to the fort for people of all ages, especially the ghost tours for an entertaining, interesting and very enjoyable time.Hi there, Thank you for your comments regarding the Ghost Tours here at Fort Amherst, we are glad you had a great time. I shall pass your comments to the team who look after the Ghost Tours (make them blush a little bit). I hope that you will visit again soon. All the best, Victoria @ Fort AmherstWritten 18 February 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 18 February 2024
- Amy O1 contributionTunnel tours are a must! Very intresting place.We visited today and were very impressed, Our tour guide Barney was absolutely FANTASTIC. He was kind patient and very knowledgeable. The tour itself is very intresting. There is a lot of information to take in but Barney made the entire experience fun, engaging with everyone on the tour. Barney happily answered lots of questions and is a real asset to the fort. My 9 year old twins found exploring the fort, very exciting. Would recommend to everyone, from those that love history to those with inquisitive children, I'm sure everyone will really enjoy this place. Thank you again.Thank you for your brilliant review, we are so glad that you and your twins enjoyed your visit to us. I will ensure that your comments are shared with Barney, we agree he is fantastic :) Hope we can see you again soon. Victoria @ Fort AmherstWritten 18 February 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 18 February 2024
- Claire H1 contributionGreat family outing.Excellent tour of the tunnels from 'Saturday Steve'. Went with our boys age 8 and 12 who managed to listen and learn! Steve was thoroughly knowledgeable, really engaging and got the kids involved. Great afternoon out.Hi there, Thank you for your great review :) I am glad that you and your family had a good day out and enjoyed Steve's tour. I hope that we can see you again soon. All the best, Victoria @ Fort AmherstWritten 25 February 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 24 February 2024
- Trudie B1 contributionSaturday Steve's Tunnel TourLovely tour guide, SATURDAY STEVE, he really made the tunnel tour enjoyable! He knew a lot and got the kids involved. It was a good Saturday morning, I would strongly recommend taking your family there.Thanks for your review, glad that you enjoyed your tour with Saturday Steve. I hope we can welcome you back in the future, All the best, Victoria @ Fort AmherstWritten 12 March 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 9 March 2024
- Caroline- MLondon, United Kingdom4 contributionsGood visit at Fort AmherstBrilliant place full of history, amazing sights and views. Ed the host was very informative and engaging. Worth a visit especially if you like history in Kent. Good value for money and lovely cafe too.Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review. I am glad that you enjoyed your tour with Ed, I will certainly pass your comments on to him. I hope we can welcome you again soon. All the best, Victoria @ Fort AmherstWritten 21 March 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 March 2024
- Alison S16 contributionsBrilliantGhost tour was a brilliant night, Stephen was a great guide, serious and funny at the same time. It's a long walk but definitely worth it. Most uphill and the end is steps, good stamina and shoes is essential. I'm a bit jumpy so scared the daylights out of me in parts lol. My friend I went with is the opposite!! Would definitely do again 😀Hi there, Thanks for taking the time to leave a great review :) I hope you weren't too scared. I hope we can welcome you to some of other events here at the Fort. All the best, Victoria @ Fort AmherstWritten 30 March 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 30 March 2024
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4.5
517 reviews
Excellent
355
Very good
85
Average
35
Poor
10
Terrible
32
jackson074
kent154 contributions
Dec 2021
Decided to try out the cafe and support the fort trust. Left the car in the car park went up to the counter and ordered a cup of tea. One month later got a penalty notice of £60 for not getting a £1 parking ticket from the (CAFE). There are no easy to see car park charge notice any where, and the person who took my order in the cafe did not bother to point it out to me. You would think the trust would want to look after there visitors and make certain there are big car park charge signs all around and in the cafe where the payment is made, and there staff make certain there customer knows the score and leave happy. Or does the trust get a share of the £60 paid out by many drivers who dont no, Wont return or any family or friends.
Written 31 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nazee A
2 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
I've wanted to do this for a while and the family reluctantly agreed to come along. The tour lasted about 2 hours and was hosted by Sunday Steve. He was extremely passionate and engaging and made the whole tour really interesting; even the teenager agreed. Fort Amherst is a real hidden gem and I would definitely urge all locals to give it a go. In fact, it's a lovely little day out even if you are not from the area. I would recommend going down to Riverside (Parking at Chatham library) either before or after the tour to get a real perspective of the tunnels. Although the tunnels are underground, you are actually at a higher altitude than you realise. It can be cold in the tunnels so take that into account. Also there were some uphill walks and stairs to tackle so not great for those with poor mobility. We will definitely visit again and will be trying the ghost tours next.
Written 1 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WhatAWookie
1 contribution
Mar 2022 • Family
We went one sunny Sunday afternoon to let the children run off some energy. They had a fantastic time running around the extensive grounds. There were lots of places to explore and run free which is exactly what my children enjoy. It was peppered with snapshots of historical information which was interesting for the adults too. On this occasion we missed out on the tunnel tour so we booked in advance for another time. The tour did not disappoint! Our tour guide was brilliant. It was fun and engaging. Lots of interaction, questions, jokes and loads and loads of interesting facts. It lasted about an hour and a half but whizzed by. We learnt so much about the history of the area and military history from Napoleon to present day and everything in between. The tour was completed with another wander around the grounds. Take a picnic and enjoy the views. Grab a coffee in the cafe and just take in the atmosphere, the grounds are free to explore but if you want to learn more about this fascinating place we'd definitely recommend booking on to the tour.
Written 23 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick T
2 contributions
Jul 2021
I have lived in Medway for almost 40 years and have driven past Fort Amhurst hundreds of times. Now retired I decided to visit for the day. Checked web site and booked my Tunnel tour for 11am. Advised it would take 60 to 90 mins. Arrived 9.30 and went in through the wrong entrance. No problem a couple of volunteers re directed me. Went to the cafe and booked my free all day parking no problem. Had a well priced coffee and was advised to come back to the cafe to meet Neil the Tunnel tour guide. Had a walk around the exhibits in and around the cafe area and met the other 9 tunnel explorers. The tour was excellent covered the full history and exhibits in the tunnels right up to the present day as being used for film sets and when we had completed the tour Neil took us out and showed us more areas to explore after the tour. Neil the guide was excellent very knowledgeable and delivered the information in a relaxed and humorous way. Spent the next 2 hours strolling around the rest of the site and taking in the fabulous views down over the river Medway and the Medway towns and then had some lunch in the cafe before leaving just after 3pm. Great day, highly recommended.
Written 22 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Twotoneskaman
Chatham, UK2,767 contributions
Aug 2022
We did the tunnel tour at 11:00am the first Saturday of August. Parking was free, just enter your car registration on the tablet in the cafe (situated near the toilets). The tour starts just outside the cafe on the right of the main entrance (as you enter) where there is a large round metal map on a raised black platform. Our tour guide "Saturday Steve" was animated, knowledgeable and good fun. This was something I had really wanted to do as I have lived in Medway for most of my life but had never visited before. We were told that the tour would take approximately 1 to 1 & half hours so pre booked a table for lunch in Upnor at 13:15. However the tour actually lasted close on 2 hours so we were left a bit tight for time, which was a shame as we would have liked to take Steve up on his offer of the extended walk around the grounds. We really enjoyed our visit although I was not a fan of the multi coloured "Disney" lights!
Written 7 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ronald Alley
1 contribution
Sept 2021
We revisited Fort Amherst today after several years and found the experience amazing .There is a spacious car perk and well stocked cafe offering a good selection of food plus plenty of outside dining including a picnic area.
The restrooms in the cafe were clean and adequate hand washing facilities..
We pre booked a tunnel tour and were given a 2 hour tour with our excellent and knowledgeable guide, Neil, who was a mine of information, giving time for questions and full explanations of the tunnels.
I would strongly recommend visiting Fort Amherst, as an interest to adults and children alike..
The restrooms in the cafe were clean and adequate hand washing facilities..
We pre booked a tunnel tour and were given a 2 hour tour with our excellent and knowledgeable guide, Neil, who was a mine of information, giving time for questions and full explanations of the tunnels.
I would strongly recommend visiting Fort Amherst, as an interest to adults and children alike..
Written 7 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda U
2 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Well what am amazing couple of hours in a local tourist attraction. Having bought our tour tickets we had 4 hours free parking - which was a nice bonus. We enjoyed the delights of the Pantry cafe before commencing our tour and cannot recommend the sausage rolls highly enough lol.
SATURDAY STEVE - you are a legend. Your knowledge, passion and bad dad jokes made the tour seem about 30 mins long when in fact you entertained us for 5 times that amount of time. Thank you seems a paltry response - but THANK YOU.
The family and I will be coming back in warmer weather to explore more and hopefully we will be lucky enough to encounter you again.
This venue is definitely so much more than a cafe in a car park!!
SATURDAY STEVE - you are a legend. Your knowledge, passion and bad dad jokes made the tour seem about 30 mins long when in fact you entertained us for 5 times that amount of time. Thank you seems a paltry response - but THANK YOU.
The family and I will be coming back in warmer weather to explore more and hopefully we will be lucky enough to encounter you again.
This venue is definitely so much more than a cafe in a car park!!
Written 13 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ha ha! I love your title and totally agree.
I am delighted that you enjoyed your tour with Saturday Steve (and the sausage rolls) I will ensure that your great comments are seen by him and the entire Trust.
We hope to see you again soon.
All the best,
Victoria @ Fort Amherst
Written 15 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fiona B
4 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
We turned up not knowing if it would be open due to time of year,when arriving in the cafe the team were so lovely and asked if the guide was still on site but did explain during winter it's limited guides.
Moments later we met Saturday Steve who was prepared to take us round even tho we hadn't booked..and Wow what a tour guide! Steve is so knowledgeable and fun, shows a real passion for the site and surrounding areas , he took us through the different time periods.
We were a family of 4 with different abilities and he accommodated everyone.
The team do so much from reinactments, shows, escape rooms, ghost tours, tunnel tours . Fort Amhusrt is such and interesting place affordable for the whole family - you must take a visit when in Chatham.
Moments later we met Saturday Steve who was prepared to take us round even tho we hadn't booked..and Wow what a tour guide! Steve is so knowledgeable and fun, shows a real passion for the site and surrounding areas , he took us through the different time periods.
We were a family of 4 with different abilities and he accommodated everyone.
The team do so much from reinactments, shows, escape rooms, ghost tours, tunnel tours . Fort Amhusrt is such and interesting place affordable for the whole family - you must take a visit when in Chatham.
Written 14 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca T
Southampton, UK206 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
What a lovely find. A lovely place to walk around, you could spend hours wandering about, the great lines park with the beautiful war memorial is definitely worth a visit too. The fort is free to visit, there is a charge for the carpark but you get that free if you are eating in the cafe or book a tunnel tour. The tunnel tour is £11.00 for adults and is worth every penny, we had almost 2hrs of history delivered in an engaging, entertaining way by Dave. It was great.
The staff in the cafe are very friendly and welcoming.
The staff in the cafe are very friendly and welcoming.
Written 23 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for you brilliant comments, I will ensure that Dave and the team in the Cafe see your review.
I hope that we can welcome you to return soon.
All the best,
Victoria @ Fort Amherst
Written 1 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jonz
London, UK132 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
Had a great time exploring the grounds and views in this large fort. Great for a steady walk and look around and seeing out over Medway, great for taking in some history, and if you have time book up on their tunnel tours or the ghost tour. The volunteers really put their energy into the stories and showing you around which is commendable. We had an interesting time each visit over 3 different visits.
Written 26 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
what is the temperature inside the tunnels?
Written 15 August 2022
Hi, I am sure we were told they were about 7 - 10 degrees. I was in shorts and a t shirt and felt fine although it was very hot outside so it was a relief. We recently visited the Ramsgate tunnels and were told they were 11 degrees, I though Fort Amherst felt about the same.
Written 15 August 2022
I have tunnel tour tickets booked for this Friday. If its raining a lot will I be able to get a refund or transfer it to another date? Thank you
Written 19 July 2022
To be honest it wouldn't make much difference on the weather I'd say 95% of your tour will be indoors under ground they also have a brilliant cafe if you arrive early so you don't have to wait around outside
Written 20 July 2022
Our tunnel tour was 2 hours long. For the £7.50 entry charge it's well worth every penny. You can then spend as long as you want before/after looking at the grounds, allotments, old cannons etc. Great day out. Highly recommend the tunnel tour.
Written 20 July 2022
Hi, I am about to take part in an overnight stay/ghost hunt adventure at your beautiful Fort Amherst.
Is there anybody in particular I should 'talk to', anybody who might like a friendly hello whilst I am wondering about in the dark?
I would like to present myself in a friendly manner, rather than "here we are, dare you to scare me", kind of thing. It isn't their fault that they have not yet found rest... Any advice gratefully received :)
P.s. sounds like you all do a wonderful job! Can't wait to meet some of you. Serena x
Written 6 August 2015
Dear Serena,
Thank you for your question - we would advise that you speak with your supervisor on the night as he will be best placed to answer your query. We hope you have a great evening with us and a fascinating investigation.
Best wishes,
Fort Amherst
Written 10 August 2015
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