Friends of Shoreham Fort

The Fort sits right on Shoreham's seafront, a squat Victorian defensive structure that's been converted into a proper working museum. It's the sort of place where enthusiasts have done the heavy lifting - the Friends group run it with genuine care, and you can feel that dedication the moment you walk through.

What you're looking at is a mid-19th-century coastal fort, built when Britain was genuinely worried about invasion from France. The rooms are small, atmospheric, filled with period detail and explanations that actually make sense of why this particular spot mattered. You can wander the gun positions, see how soldiers would have lived here, and there's enough weaponry and historical kit to keep military history buffs occupied for a couple of hours.

It's not a vast undertaking - you won't need more than 90 minutes, tops - but it rewards proper attention. The views across the shingle towards Lancing are decent, and kids who've got an interest in forts and history will get something from it. Younger children might find it a bit dry unless they're already keen on this sort of thing.

If you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Eastern Sands, Beach Park, or The Barn are all within striking distance - it's a worthwhile afternoon outing. The seaside location means you can combine it with a proper walk along the beach. Worth checking opening hours and admission costs before you head out, but for a local attraction it punches above its weight.