What's on in Kent - Fort Amherst

Fort Amherst is a free-to-visit* historical site the whole family can enjoy, with 20 acres of green space all linked to the Great Lines Heritage Park. Built during Napoleonic times to defend Medway from a land-based attack, Fort Amherst has been restored to reflect its national and local importance.

Take pride in local history; explore a maze of underground defensive tunnels; enjoy spectacular views; step back in time to imagine the life of a Napoleonic soldier; and discover Fort Amherst’s strategic role in defending Medway in both World War I and World War II.

Fort Amherst’s main purpose was the defence of Chatham Dockyard from a landward attack by an invading army. With nearly two miles of ramparts, gun positions, barracks and underground works it was a formidable obstacle! Part of the site included a chalk pit with caves. These caves were extended between 1776 and 1805, creating underground tunnels and gun positions that would be well protected in the event of a siege – and allow the enemy to be fired on without being seen. The tunnels were equipped with a well, privies (toilets), gun positions, musket galleries and defendable gateways.

Today Fort Amherst has 20 acres of grounds to explore with walk-in access from the Great Lines Heritage Park by the Naval Memorial, from Amherst Redoubt by the Garrison Church on Maxwell Road, Brompton and from Barrack Hill off Dock Road, Chatham.

Tunnel Tours run daily throughout the year, please check the website for availability.
During your visit make sure to visit The Cannon Cafe for a bite to eat, here you can also buy a guide book to help you explore.

Ground opening times are seasonal so please check our website to avoid disappointment.

*There is a charge for tunnel tours and some special events.

Special Offers

Weddings at Fort Amherst - Fort Amherst

Celebrate your marriage at Kent's most historic and atmospheric venue.

Steeped in history, Fort Amherst is a unique and spectacular wedding venue in Kent. Exchange your vows at our elegant Grand Magazine or Spur Battery Amphitheatre, then you have ful... (click the button below to read more)

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Upcoming Events

Spirit Investigations

Investigations are once a month: 7.00pm to 11.45pm

Experienced guides will help you investigate the paranormal potential at Fort Amherst – with plenty of spooky stories of the unexplained happenings here. Ghost-hunting equipment, such as pendulums and dowsing rod... (click below to read more)

When: Sat 06 12 2025 at 7:00 pm

Until: Wed 30 10 2030 at 11:45 pm

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Afternoon Tea in the Cannon Cafe at Fort Amherst

Join us for a delicious afternoon tea at the Cannon Cafe. Afternoon tea includes a selection of sandwiches, scones and sweet treats and includes unlimited tea and coffee.

When: Fri 02 01 2026 at 9:00 am

Until: Wed 30 10 2030 at 9:00 am

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Tunnel Tours

Come and discover how the tunnels were used during Napoleonic times for shelter, storage and defence. Also, discover the strategic role that the tunnels of Fort Amherst played during World War II as a base of operations.

Tunnel History

There were always chalk cave... (click below to read more)

When: Fri 02 01 2026 at 10:00 am

Until: Mon 14 09 2026 at 3:00 pm

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Ghost Tours @ Fort Amherst

Enjoy a spooky night time tour around one of Kent’s most paranormally active locations and hear tales of strange occurrences in the 300 year history of Fort Amherst.

From the moment you enter the tunnel complex our tales begin, for there is not a single recess ... (click below to read more)

When: Fri 30 01 2026 at 8:00 pm

Until: Wed 30 10 2030 at 9:45 pm

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