Newhaven Fort

About the museum

Newhaven Fort was built in the 19th century after fears of an invasion by Napoleon III, on a cliff site where defences had stood since the Iron Age. It took seven years to finish and was completed in 1871. It is the largest defensive work ever built in Sussex, made from about six million bricks, and its builders claim it was the first military structure in the world to use concrete.

In the First World War the fort fired its first shots at a British ship and became an important training centre for artillery, with hundreds of men passing through before going to the Western Front. Newhaven also handled huge quantities of supplies for France and the return of wounded soldiers. In the Second World War the fort was bombed by the German air force in 1940, the only enemy attack it suffered, and its exhibitions explain how Newhaven supported the Dieppe raid and D-Day. The Royal Artillery left in 1956 and the fort then fell into a poor state.

Today the fort is run by Wave Leisure as a museum and visitor attraction. It combines Victorian casemates and tunnels with exhibitions on prehistoric and Roman Sussex, the story of the fort, both world wars and the home front, a Battery Observation Post with a view over the sea, guest collections and an interactive timeline. It also has an adventure playground, an escape room and a café.

Highlights

• Largest defensive work in Sussex, with tunnels, casemates and ramparts
• Exhibitions on prehistoric Sussex, the fort and Victorian garrison life
• First World War and Second World War galleries, including Dieppe and D-Day
• Battery Observation Post with panoramic window
• Adventure playground, escape room and café

Permanent exhibitions

• Before the Fort and the history of the fort – A route from Stone Age and Roman Sussex through the building of the fort and Victorian garrison life to the fort’s dereliction and rediscovery.
• First World War – An exhibition on Newhaven’s role in shipping supplies to France and returning the wounded, with interactive displays.
• Second World War: home front, Dieppe and D-Day, and Sussex the front line – Displays on women at war and the home front, the planning of the Dieppe raid and D-Day, and Sussex on the front line.

Founded

1864

Operated by

Wave Leisure

Admission & discounts

Adult tickets are for ages 16 to 59. Standard tickets are valid for 12 months during the seasonal opening hours, so visitors can return as often as they like. Gift Aid is optional and does not change the price.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Most of the fort is accessible to all visitors, and free electric mobility scooters are available subject to availability. Drop-off and pick-up at the fort can be arranged in advance by phone. Two accessible parking bays are in the moat area just outside the main entrance, and there are several accessible toilets. Some paths are slightly steep, and the tunnels and ramparts are not accessible to pushchairs. Only assistance dogs are allowed in the café.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

The fort describes itself as a family-friendly day out. It has an adventure playground with a climbing frame, slide and swing, interactive displays, an escape room set in 1979 and family events in school holidays. Parties for 7 to 12 year olds can be booked from March to October for up to 25 children. Some paths are steep for pushchairs, and the tunnels and ramparts cannot be used with them.

Getting there & parking

Newhaven lies on the A259 coast road between Brighton and Eastbourne and is linked to Lewes by the A26 and A27. Satellite navigation postcode: BN9 9DS.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

The café is run by Cadence and serves toasties, pastries, cakes and coffee with vegan and vegetarian options. The gift shop sells books, souvenirs and local products.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 150 guests.

Weddings can take place in a licensed casemate room for up to 60 guests, with receptions for up to 150 in a 1940s Romney Hut. The fort can also be hired for events, meetings, filming and children’s parties.

Plan your visit