DAYSOUT
SUMMER SCRAPBOOK
FORT AMHERST
THE HIDDEN GEM OF MEDWAY
Set in the centre of Chatham, Fort Amherst is the hidden gem of Medway. With over 20 acres of freeto-visit parkland, it is recognised by English Heritage as Britain’ s largest and best-preserved Napoleonic fort.
For history lovers, Fort Amherst offers recently refurbished and updated daily Tunnel Tours, taking you on a journey of over 300 years of history. Lasting approximately 90 minutes, the fascinating tour explains the importance the fort played in defending Medway, from its creation after the Dutch raid right through to the fort’ s pivotal involvement in World War Two.
If you are visiting with children, this summer Fort Amherst is running a children’ s trail- the Bee Happy Adventure. This is an interactive trail, throughout which children are encouraged to find the names of seven bees to win a prize while using QR codes to listen to the important roles that each of the bees plays within the hive.
Bees feature again in another of Fort Amherst’ s summer activities- Spare a Fort for Bees, running until September. In this unique experience, participants gain a better understanding of the importance of bees, donning their bee suits and getting to meet the bees in their hive. After all the excitement of meeting the Queen Bee, a delicious afternoon tea is served in the Cannon Café, topped off of course with a jar of honey.
Until 31 August this year, Fort Amherst- with support from Medway Council- will see the return of the Summer Proms every Sunday from 2pm. With performances from the Swingtime Sweethearts, Hot Rats and Marconi Brass Band to name a few, this free-to-enter event is a brilliant afternoon of entertainment for all the family. New for 2025, you can also reserve a VIP Picnic to guarantee your seat and receive a delicious picnic and bottle of fizz to enjoy.
Fort Amherst has long been known for spooky activity and this is certainly not forgotten with their Spirit Investigations and Ghost Tours running during the month. Whether you are looking to learn more about the ghostly history of the fort, or perhaps you’ d like to investigate and communicate with the spirits, both experiences will send a shiver down your spine.
Along with this summer of activity, the onsite Cannon Café serves a delicious selection of brunch from full English breakfasts to eggs royale, a simple toastie on bloomer bread or a full afternoon tea with homemade cakes and scones. Open every day from 9am – 3pm, you can sit admiring the beautiful views over the River Medway while enjoying a delicious lunch with friends.
On Sundays, the café also offers a delicious Sunday roast with a choice of meats, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire puddings and unlimited roast potatoes. Even better, you can bring your dog and they can enjoy a sausage or a doggy ice cream.
Fort Amherst truly has something for everyone this summer and we can’ t wait for you to visit this hidden Medway gem.
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