Newhaven Fort in East Sussex has unveiled events and a new exhibition for its re-opening following a major restoration.
Located 20 minutes from either Brighton and Eastbourne, groups can enjoy a variety of events from March 2025 onwards, including workshops, tours, exhibitions and talks.
Newhaven Fort offers discounted entry rates for groups of ten or more people, plus free entry for coach drivers and free on-site coach parking.
Visitors will also experience a new exhibition, Sussex Front Line, which will explore Sussex’s key role in the nation’s defence and eventual victory during World War Two. The fort’s Home Front display is being completely revamped with new immersive sets and personal accounts with a focus on the role local women played on the Home Front during the war.
As part of the 2025 season, the fort will explore the little-known role of birds during World War Two on 11th May with the Raphael Historic Falconry display. The following week, on 18th May, the attraction will host the first of two Past ‘n’ Curious Car Shows, showcasing vintage and classic cars and vans from around the world.
The RepTylers Show will arrive on 1st August, with the chance to get up close to a variety of creepy crawlies and exotic animals.
On 7th September, there will be an evening talk on the Suffragettes and the Suffragists, with thought-provoking insights into the struggle for women’s rights.
Newhaven Fort will also host plenty of seasonal events and workshops throughout the year, including a Haunted Tunnels event run by Torchlight Heritage in the evenings from 20th October to 1st November, a Christmas felt-making workshop on 6th December, and Storytime with Scrooge during the day on 13th December.
Lindsay Lawrence, general manager at Newhaven Fort, said: “The restoration will transform Newhaven Fort, providing greater access to improved spaces all year round for activities, events and workshops which are perfect for groups.
“We’re committed to ensuring Newhaven Fort offers something for everyone, extending beyond its historical and wartime themes. We cannot wait to welcome the public back and showcase all the incredible work that’s been going on.”
Newhaven Fort will be reopening to groups from February 2025, with its events programme beginnning from March. Built in the 19th century, it is the largest work of defence ever built in Sussex and is the last of a long series of coastal defences built on the cliffs overlooking Seaford Bay, dating back to the Iron Age.
For more information go to www.newhavenfort.org.uk.
