Tilbury Fort
A historic riverside fort protecting London, featuring bastions, moats, and intriguing underground tunnels.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer visitors, peaceful exploration
Tilbury Fort
Best Time
Fewer visitors, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic riverside fort protecting London, featuring bastions, moats, and intriguing underground tunnels.
"A fascinating place with lots to see and great views down the Thames."
🚗 Parking Convenience
Drive past The Worlds End Pub and over the cattle grid for direct parking at the fort entrance.
🚶♀️ Explore the Ramparts
Walk along the ramparts for fantastic views of the Thames and surrounding area.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Tunnels
Underground passages
Discover ingenious underground passages designed to prevent sparks, a truly clever historical solution.
Thames River Views
Ramparts
Enjoy expansive views down the Thames, offering a glimpse into the fort's strategic riverside location.
Magazine House
Central building
Explore the historic magazine house, a key structure within the fort's defensive layout.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessibility Considerations
Getting There & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Convenience
Drive past The Worlds End Pub and over the cattle grid for direct parking at the fort entrance.
🚶♀️ Explore the Ramparts
Walk along the ramparts for fantastic views of the Thames and surrounding area.
☕ Small Cafe On-site
A tiny cafe offers drinks, and the gift shop sells beer, mead, and wine.
🎟️ Check Opening Days
Verify opening days before your visit, especially if planning a weekday trip.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Convenience
Drive past The Worlds End Pub and over the cattle grid for direct parking at the fort entrance.
🚶♀️ Explore the Ramparts
Walk along the ramparts for fantastic views of the Thames and surrounding area.
☕ Small Cafe On-site
A tiny cafe offers drinks, and the gift shop sells beer, mead, and wine.
🎟️ Check Opening Days
Verify opening days before your visit, especially if planning a weekday trip.
📸 Photography Spots
Consider nearby Coalhouse Fort for more abandoned structures and photography opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Tilbury Fort a fascinating historical site with great Thames views and interesting tunnels. While some note accessibility challenges and limited on-site food options, the unique history and peaceful atmosphere make it a worthwhile visit for a couple of hours. The parking and transport advice from visitors is particularly helpful. +2
"Its a really interesting structure but it feels slightly run down but lacks signage of where one is permitted to go and isnt permitted to go.
The staff is nice
Its mostly an outdoor museum with only a very small indoor section and basically not display cases.
If your visiting london from the cruise port terminal or passing by i recommend it as its worth a small detour but it i wouldnt plan a trip for more than a couple hours drive to see it otherwise."
jezzaftw
"Went here as a morning out. A few artillery pieces on view, some very rusty. A small exhibition about the place. Downside was bad for people with motobility issues, I understand it's a historical place, but you have to have facilities for elderly or disabled people. Nice place for a walk if you can."
John Bullock
"Tilbury Fort was not busy on this weekday, which meant my group had the place to ourselves. It’s a reasonable half day’s exploration into a bit of war history on a pleasant Autumn day. The staff are helpful and there’s a little shop. You can get into an officer’s house to see how they lived in war time."
Rosamund Malick
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take the c2c train to Tilbury Town, then catch a bus (every half hour) to Tilbury ferry port. The fort is a short walk from there.
Yes, there is parking directly at the fort entrance. Drive over the cattle grid past The Worlds End Pub to access it.
While not explicitly mentioned, cycling is a viable option for reaching the fort, with parking available upon arrival.
The nearest train station is Tilbury Town, served by the c2c line. From there, you'll need to take a bus.
Yes, it's accessible via train and bus, making it a feasible destination for those relying on public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Adult tickets are £6.80, and child tickets are £4.50. Family discounts are available.
It's advisable to check the official English Heritage website for the most up-to-date information on booking requirements and opening times.
Yes, discounts are available for families. Check the English Heritage website for specific details.
Opening days and hours can vary, especially seasonally. It's essential to check the official English Heritage website before your visit.
The historical nature of the fort means some areas may be challenging for those with mobility issues due to uneven terrain and steps.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore artillery pieces, a small exhibition, historic tunnels, and enjoy views of the Thames. +1
Yes, there is a gift shop that also sells alcoholic beverages like beer, mead, and wine.
Photography is generally permitted, but be mindful of any specific restrictions within certain areas.
Yes, toilet facilities are available on-site.
It's a riverside fort built to protect London, with a rich military and domestic history. It was also a filming location for the BBC series 'Taboo'.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a very small cafe on-site offering drinks. The gift shop also sells alcoholic beverages. +1
Picnic areas are not explicitly mentioned, but it's generally permissible to bring your own food to English Heritage sites for consumption in designated areas.
The Worlds End Pub is nearby, and other dining options can be found in Tilbury town.
The gift shop sells beer, mead, and wine. The cafe offers other beverages.
No, dining options are limited to drinks and snacks from the small cafe and gift shop. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The ramparts offer great Thames views, and the historic tunnels provide unique photographic opportunities. +1
While generally allowed, always be aware of any signage or staff instructions regarding photography in specific areas.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites to protect the heritage and ensure visitor safety. Check with English Heritage for specific drone policies.
While Tilbury Fort itself is maintained, nearby Coalhouse Fort is mentioned as having abandoned structures suitable for photography.
It's ideal for historical, architectural, and landscape photography, capturing its military past and riverside setting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and drinks, as the on-site cafe is very small. The gift shop's offering of beer, mead, and wine might be a novelty for parents! Consider visiting on a less crowded day to allow children more freedom to explore. The historical context can be brought to life with simple stories about defending the Thames.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For those seeking more rugged, abandoned aesthetics, Reddit users suggest exploring nearby Coalhouse Fort, which is noted for its derelict structures. When shooting at Tilbury Fort itself, be aware of any specific photography restrictions and always prioritize safety, especially when navigating the tunnels or ramparts.
🚶♂️ History Buffs
Delve into the engineering marvels like the tunnel system and understand the strategic importance of its riverside location. The small exhibition and the fort's structure itself offer ample material for study and appreciation. Consider pairing your visit with a trip to nearby historical sites to gain a broader understanding of the region's past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
The fort's layout includes impressive artillery pieces and a magazine house, essential for storing gunpowder. Visitors can explore the underground tunnels, a fascinating example of ingenious engineering designed to prevent accidental explosions. These passages offer a unique perspective on the fort's operational past. The BBC series 'Taboo' even used Tilbury Fort as a filming location, adding another layer to its modern cultural relevance.
While the fort is a historical monument, it also offers practical insights into past living conditions. The small exhibition provides context, and the views from the ramparts connect the fort to its maritime environment. It's a site that appeals to history buffs and those interested in military engineering alike, offering a tangible link to England's defensive heritage.
Navigating Tilbury Fort: Accessibility and Exploration
For those who can explore freely, the fort is a fascinating place to spend a few hours. Walking along the ramparts provides excellent vantage points for photography and appreciating the fort's strategic position. The underground tunnels are a must-see, offering a unique and somewhat eerie experience. The small exhibition inside the fort provides context and details about its history and purpose.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on varied surfaces. The fort is a place to wander and discover, so allow ample time to soak in the atmosphere and explore its various sections. The nearby Coalhouse Fort is also mentioned by visitors as an additional site for exploration, particularly for those interested in photography of more derelict structures.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit