BESTOFKENT
CURIOUSLY CHATHAM CONT .
This naval connection lay behind the steady growth of Chatham and its town , with another ode to its important history open to curious visitors . Set strategically on a hill overlooking its docks is Fort Amherst , which was built in 1756 as part of the defensive structure of the Royal Naval Dockyards . Visit and you will be greeted by an impressive gatehouse followed by enthralling storerooms and powder rooms , but most exciting and perplexing of all is the labyrinth of tunnels burrowing inside the hill itself . Take part in a children ’ s discovery trail or tunnel tour to learn how the tunnels were used as a vital part of Fort Amherst ’ s defense in Napoleonic times and then later adapted for civil defense and brought to life as an ARP ( Air Raid Precautions ) Base of Operations in World War II .
For those really wanting to dig deeper still into Medway ’ s armed forces connection , visit The Royal Engineers Museum . As Kent ’ s largest military museum , this really is one not to be missed . Whether you have military interests or you ’ re simply wanting a great day out , history buffs and families alike will be enthralled when they discover the story of the
Royal Engineers and how they have helped the British Army live , move and fight for over 300 years .
With highlights including 25 Victoria Crosses , Wellington ’ s map of Waterloo , Chard ’ s weapons from the Zulu War , an amazing collection of bridge laying tanks , Chinese silks , the world ’ s first guided torpedo , Indian battle axes , a huge piece of the Berlin Wall , Zulu shields , a Harrier Jump Jet and an deadly V2 rocket , it is no surprise that the museum ’ s collection has been designated as being of historical and international importance . All the family are catered for with the ‘ Snob the Dog trail ’, dressing up activities , hands-on and digital interactives and even a World War I play tank , ensuring that there is plenty to entertain even the littlest of visitors .
Aside from these historical attractions , Chatham has a plethora of other cultural hotspots and things to do . One such example is Sun Pier House , a not-for-profit organisation working to support artists and creative industries in Medway . Offering a base for established and startup artists to develop their practice , Sun Pier House hosts varied exhibitions
and arts programmes . Split over three floors , their art space is home to artist studios , an exhibition gallery , events space , hire rooms , café and workshop space – all enjoying a glorious panoramic view of the River Medway . This April , Sun Pier House is hosting everything from an ‘ art flea fair ’ and material comedy night to gallery lates with access to the bar and live music sessions with coffee and cake . The current exhibition is The Wild Escape - through the power of art and imagination , this is an opportunity to explore the big subjects of biodiversity and the environment through a focus on wildlife and the nature around us . After visiting Sun Pier , keep it arty and stop by for coffee and food at the multiaward-winning Café Nucleus . A continental style café infusing traditional café fare with a European accent , Café Nucleus not only serves delicious coffee but also helps promote and support the works of the Halpern Charitable Foundation which founded Nucleus Arts . With a core belief in the importance to support not only the local Kentish economy , but also the vulnerable people in the Medway towns through the dedicated work of the HCF and Nucleus Arts .
THE ROYAL ENGINEERS MUSEUM
SUN PIER HOUSE
62