Friends of Shoreham Fort - Shoreham-by-Sea

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Friends of Shoreham Fort: A Detailed Overview

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Friends of Shoreham Fort is a dedicated charity and heritage preservation organization committed to safeguarding and showcasing the rich history of Shoreham Fort. Located at 7787994815, with an address of Forthaven, Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 5HY, United Kingdom, and accessible via shorehamfort.co.uk, the group plays a vital role in transforming what was once a largely neglected site into a vibrant and engaging tourist attraction and visitor center.

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Historical Significance and Current Status

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Shoreham Fort, a formidable earthwork fortification dating back to the Napoleonic era, boasts a captivating past. Originally constructed in the early 19th century to defend against potential French invasion, it served as a crucial part of Britain’s coastal defenses. Over time, the fort fell into disrepair, becoming a largely forgotten landmark. The Friends of Shoreham Fort have worked tirelessly to revive the site, ensuring its historical integrity is maintained and made accessible to the public. Currently, the fort is undergoing significant restoration and is periodically closed for maintenance, creating a sense of anticipation amongst visitors eager to explore its secrets. The closure, while potentially disappointing, highlights the dedication of the organization to ensuring a high standard of preservation and a truly rewarding experience upon reopening.

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Key Features and Amenities

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The Fort offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors of all ages. It functions as an important education center, providing insights into the fort’s history, military architecture, and the broader context of coastal defense. Visitors can explore the ramparts, delve into the underground tunnels, and learn about the lives of the soldiers who once manned the fort. The onsite services include a delightful cafe offering refreshments, and convenient paid parking is available. Accessibility is a priority, with a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible parking lot, and wheelchair accessible restroom facilities. Assistive hearing loops and wheelchair accessible seating further enhance the experience for all guests. The Fort also prides itself on being LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safespace, fostering an inclusive environment for everyone.

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Visitor Experience and Facilities

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The Fort's design incorporates features that cater specifically to families, making it a great good for kids destination. The perimeter walk offers beautiful views of the South Downs, providing ample opportunities for photography. While some visitors have noted temporary fencing impacting photographic opportunities, this is a deliberate measure to protect the ongoing restoration work. The organization is committed to providing a well-maintained and informative experience, and ongoing investment is ensuring the site continues to evolve and meet the needs of its visitors. The average opinion of 4.3/5 reflects the positive experiences shared by many visitors – a testament to the dedication of the Friends and the quality of the facility.

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Volunteer Organization and Community Engagement

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Friends of Shoreham Fort operates as a volunteer organization, relying on the dedication and enthusiasm of local residents to maintain and promote the site. Volunteers contribute their time and expertise in various roles, from guiding tours to assisting with restoration projects. The organization actively engages with the local community, hosting events and workshops to raise awareness of the fort’s history and importance. Their commitment extends beyond simply preserving a historic landmark; they are fostering a sense of community pride and ensuring the Fort remains a valuable asset for generations to come. The ongoing efforts to restore the site demonstrate a long-term commitment to preserving this important piece of British heritage. The historical landmark itself is a powerful reminder of a turbulent past, and the Fort’s role in safeguarding it is invaluable.

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Further Information: For the most up-to-date information on opening times, events, and visitor facilities, please visit shorehamfort.co.uk. You can also contact the organization directly at the provided phone number.

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"summary": "Friends of Shoreham Fort is a dedicated charity preserving and showcasing the historical Shoreham Fort, offering educational experiences and accessible facilities for visitors of all ages.",
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👍 Reviews of Friends of Shoreham Fort

Sara R.

5/5

Well...looking at some of the gorgeous pictures on Goolge maps, it looks like it has seen better days. I'm not sure what has happened but probably a funding issue?
No matter...We thoroughly enjoyed a walk around the perimeter. There are security fences all around with no access to 'inside' the walls- still lots of history to see, gorgeous cafe nearby, cheap parking if you need it (we walked to it) with beautiful views of south downs.

Matthew M.

3/5

Such a shame it's currently closed. Desperate to get inside. Not too photogenic with fencing to the front (but understandable)

S S.

4/5

I was expecting the to be a big place but it was relatively small. The impact it had seemed substantial. The original barracks and soldiers living quarter's outlines are there. The parking lot is still under maintenance but there are plenty off road parking nearby. The beach is beautiful itself and has a nice walkway along the beach. Overall It was a nice experience.

Kevin S.

4/5

We can confirm that Shoreham Fort is still closed. We had visited here many years ago (~2004), and our then-young kids had clambered all over the brickwork etc. So we felt a bit sad to see that it was closed 'due to vandalism'.
Anyway, since then the 'Friends...' have added a bunker display, which was nice to see. OTOH, we WERE able to walk along the fishing pier and stare at the sea. Very good!

Gary S.

4/5

Old historical pace with a good view of harbour. inside was closed, think they sometimes have open days, not sure if facilities open. we are still in partial covid restrictions at time of writing.

Keith S.

4/5

The fort is interesting but not spectacular, as only the fort remains ,the barracks etc has been demolished. There are plenty of information boards explaining the usage over the years. There is a pay and display car park adjacent . The setting of the fort on the entrance to the harbour offers views of ships leaving or entering plus the various small pleasure boats ,a nice place for a picnic. The adjacent beach is family friendly with a long walkway to make it easier for the infirm or push chair users to enjoy the area.

Russell W.

4/5

Built around 1857 to defend Shoreham port from the French. Also known as Shoreham or Kingston Redoubt. You can arrive here by walking along the boardwalk on the beach or there is a car park. There is a tea hut that may or may not be open, best to bring your own refreshments. On a cold and misty day it's quite an atmospheric place, this Fort is right on the beach and can feel a little bleak at times but that's what makes it so much more enjoyable.

Ray B.

4/5

The fort itself is a little underwelming, visit Newhaven fort and you will see what i mean.
That said its probably relatively early days for the group running it and with a lottery grant! and decent council support wonders could be worked.
Good for the children doing a local history project.
Its probably a half day out what with watching the boats come into the harbour and a paddle.
You could make a full day by using the beach which is a short but uneven walk away(not recommended for chair users).
Sea Fishing off the harbour arm is by membership i believe so google first to find out. Fishing from the beach though is free and its a long beach!
Parking can become full quickly on bank holidays and weekends but mid week you should be fine. There is extremely limited on street parking close to the fort.