Fort Amherst

Fort Amherst is a large Napoleonic-era fortress on the edge of Chatham, set on about twenty acres of grass and parkland above the Medway towns. The grounds are free to walk around, with historic gun emplacements, cannons and wide views over the river, so families can spend an unhurried afternoon exploring without paying an entry fee. The highlight for many visitors is the maze of chalk tunnels beneath the fort, which can be seen on pre-booked guided tours that suit children with a sense of adventure. The site also hosts seasonal events, re-enactments and family-friendly fairs through the year, and a café on site serves lunch and cream teas. Dogs on leads are welcome on the outside spaces. Parts of the site are steep and the tunnels are not suitable for wheelchair users, so families with buggies or limited mobility should plan ahead.