
Fort Perch Rock New Brighton
A historic 19th-century red sandstone fort offering museum, escape room, cafe, and stunning sunset views over the River Mersey.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning photos

Fort Perch Rock New Brighton
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 19th-century red sandstone fort offering museum, escape room, cafe, and stunning sunset views over the River Mersey.
"A fascinating historic site that beautifully combines coastal charm with military history."

🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Catch stunning sunsets over the beach for unforgettable photos.
🍽️ Cafe & Pub Stops
Enjoy local food at The Mess cafe or explore pubs on Victoria Road.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sunset Over the Mersey
Beachfront
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky over the River Mersey, a truly magical coastal spectacle.

Historic Red Sandstone Fort
Fort Perch Rock
Explore the imposing 19th-century fortress, a testament to military architecture and coastal defense.

The Mess Cafe & Events
Inside Fort Perch Rock
Enjoy a meal or catch live music and comedy at this unique cafe located within the historic fort.

Escape Room Adventure
Inside Fort Perch Rock
Test your wits and teamwork in a thrilling escape room experience set within the fort's historic walls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sunset Views & Coastal Charm
History & Modern Attractions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton. taken this afternoon.A little corner of England I,d not visited before.
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Catch stunning sunsets over the beach for unforgettable photos.
🍽️ Cafe & Pub Stops
Enjoy local food at The Mess cafe or explore pubs on Victoria Road.
🕵️♂️ Escape Room Fun
Book an escape room for a unique adventure inside the fort.
🚶♀️ Coastal Walks
Stroll along the promenade and sandy beaches for fresh sea air.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Catch stunning sunsets over the beach for unforgettable photos.
🍽️ Cafe & Pub Stops
Enjoy local food at The Mess cafe or explore pubs on Victoria Road.
🕵️♂️ Escape Room Fun
Book an escape room for a unique adventure inside the fort.
🚶♀️ Coastal Walks
Stroll along the promenade and sandy beaches for fresh sea air.
🚗 Free Parking
Ample free parking is available, making access easy.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Fort Perch Rock is praised for its impressive historic architecture and stunning sunset views over the River Mersey. Visitors enjoy the unique blend of military history with modern attractions like the cafe and escape room. While some find the interior of the cafe a bit dismal, the overall experience of exploring the fort and its coastal surroundings is highly regarded.
"Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton* is a fascinating historic site that beautifully combines coastal charm with military history. Originally built as a coastal defence fortress in the 19th century, it stands proudly near the mouth of the River Mersey. While it’s no longer open to the public as it once was, the exterior alone is worth a visit. The fort's striking presence against the sea, especially at sunset, offers great photo opportunities. Surrounded by a scenic promenade and sandy beaches, it’s a peaceful spot to relax and reflect. A great stop for history lovers and casual visitors alike."
Muhammad Rahat Khan
"A really nice cafe bar where we had Scouse, a potato ash stew with lovely fresh bread and butter, pickled beetroot and pickled red cabbage.
The red cabbage was pretty awful but the rest was lovely, very tasty.
Free parking and lots of space for the dog to have a run around,, we had a really lovely day here."
David Careless
"Fort Perch Rock in Liverpool is an impressive red sandstone fort from the 1820s built to guard the Port of Liverpool and now open to visitors as a museum and event space. You reach it via a short causeway with views over Liverpool Bay that are perfect for photos at sunset. Inside you find military and maritime displays alongside a small café called The Mess that often hosts live music, comedy and talks. There is also an escape room attraction that adds a fun twist to the visit. Staff keep the site well maintained and the fort itself feels authentic with solid walls and an engaging history. It is a good choice for anyone looking to explore local heritage while enjoying the sea air on Merseyside’s coast."
Patrik Krizek
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fort Perch Rock is accessible via a short causeway. Free parking is available nearby, making it convenient for drivers. Public transport options to New Brighton are also available, followed by a short walk to the fort.
Yes, there is free parking available near Fort Perch Rock, which is a significant plus for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! The fort is situated on a promenade, making it a pleasant walk from New Brighton town center. The surrounding beaches also offer scenic walking routes.
From Liverpool, you can take public transport to New Brighton and then enjoy a walk to the fort. Driving is also an option, with free parking available.
The fort is generally accessible, with a causeway leading to it. The surrounding promenade and beaches are also easy to navigate.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the exterior and promenade are freely accessible, there may be entry fees or specific opening times for the museum, escape room, and cafe events. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most current information.
Opening hours can vary, especially for the museum and specific attractions within the fort. It's recommended to check the official Fort Perch Rock website or their social media pages for up-to-date information on opening times.
Access to the exterior of Fort Perch Rock and the surrounding promenade is generally free. However, specific attractions like the museum or escape room may have separate admission fees.
For general access to the exterior and promenade, advance booking is usually not required. However, for specific events, escape rooms, or guided tours, booking in advance is highly recommended.
Information on guided tours can vary. It's advisable to check the official Fort Perch Rock website or contact them directly to inquire about the availability and schedule of guided tours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic fort, visit the museum with military and maritime displays, enjoy the cafe, or try the escape room. The surrounding beaches and promenade are also great for walks and enjoying the coastal views.
Yes, families can enjoy exploring the fort, the museum, and the nearby beaches. The escape room offers a fun activity for older children and adults.
The museum typically features military and maritime displays, offering insights into the fort's history and its role in guarding the Port of Liverpool.
Absolutely! Fort Perch Rock offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially during sunset. The fort's architecture and coastal views are very picturesque.
The beaches and promenade around Fort Perch Rock are generally dog-friendly, allowing your pets to enjoy the sea air. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe called The Mess located inside Fort Perch Rock, which serves meals and drinks.
The Mess cafe offers a selection of food, including traditional dishes like Scouse, along with fresh bread and accompaniments.
Besides The Mess cafe, there are several drinking establishments and eateries along Victoria Road and the New Brighton promenade.
Picnicking on the beaches or promenade is usually permitted, offering a more budget-friendly option. However, check for any local regulations regarding food consumption in specific areas.
Yes, The Mess cafe often hosts live music, comedy shows, and talks, adding an entertainment element to your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The beachfront offers incredible views for sunset photography. The fort's red sandstone architecture itself is also a striking subject.
Absolutely! The fort provides a dramatic backdrop for sunset photos over the River Mersey, making it a popular spot for photographers.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the fort and the expansive coastal views. A tripod can be very useful for sunset shots to ensure sharp images.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, for commercial photography or drone usage, it's best to check with the fort management for any specific permits or rules.
Late afternoon into sunset offers the best light for photography, with golden hour casting a warm glow on the fort and sea.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the fort itself, the nearby beaches and promenade are perfect for letting children run around and enjoy the seaside. The escape room offers an exciting challenge for older kids and teens. Remember to check for any specific family-friendly events that might be scheduled.
🚶♀️ History Enthusiasts
Consider doing some research beforehand to fully appreciate the historical context. The authentic feel of the fort, with its solid walls and strategic location, provides a compelling glimpse into a bygone era. It's a place to connect with local heritage and understand the strategic importance of the Mersey estuary.
📸 Photographers & Sunset Lovers
Aim to arrive in the late afternoon to capture the golden hour light. A wide-angle lens will be useful for the expansive coastal views and the fort's architecture. Don't forget your tripod for those stunning, sharp sunset images.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Military History
Today, the fort serves as a museum and event space, offering a tangible connection to the past. Inside, you'll find displays detailing its military and maritime significance. The fort's authentic feel, with its robust architecture, provides an immersive historical experience. It's a place where history buffs can delve deep into the stories of coastal defense and maritime heritage.
Beyond the Fort: Coastal Experiences
For those seeking a more active experience, the beaches provide ample space for dogs to run around, making it a great spot for pet owners. The proximity to New Brighton also means easy access to local amenities, including pubs and shops, complementing a visit to the fort. The combination of historical exploration and natural coastal beauty makes Fort Perch Rock a well-rounded destination.
Modern Attractions within Historic Walls
Additionally, 'The Mess' cafe within the fort serves as a social hub, offering meals and often hosting live music, comedy nights, and talks. This revitalizes the space, making it a vibrant destination beyond its historical context. Visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink while soaking in the unique atmosphere of the historic fort.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit