Coalhouse Fort Coalhouse Fort, Princess Margaret Rd, East Tilbury, Tilbury RM18 8PB, UK

The Coalhouse Fort Project was set up in 1983 by a dedicated team of volunteers.  Leased from Thurrock Council, with the aim of restoring the fort.  The Fort is set within several acres of Green Flag parkland next to the River Thames and is currently undergoing refurbishment.

Constructed between 1861 and 1874, the Fort cost an estimated £130,000 and was built to defend the Thames from a potential invasion by France.  Forts were also built on the opposite side of the Thames in Kent, at Cliffe and Shorenmead.  

Coalhouse served as a coastal defence battery during WW1 and WW2..  During WW2 it became a Degausing Monitor Station to help protect shipping from magnetic mines that were being deployed in the Thames estuary.    It was closed following the abolition of Coastal Defence in 1956 and used as storage for Bata shoes until the early 1960's.

Guided tours are conducted by a group of volunteers and give an in-depth insight for you to learn about the history, how the fort was used and why it was built at this site.  It will take you on a safe and informative tour of the building and of normally out of bounds areas to the general public, including The Magazines (know by most children as dungeons), the Roof area where you will see some magnificent views over the river and Casemate areas.

Parking

• The venue does have its own car park.
• Parking is free for all users.
• The car park is at the side of the venue.
• The car park type is open air/surface.
• Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
• There are 6 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
• The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 480cm x 420cm (15ft 9in x 13ft 9in).
• The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
• Assistance may be required because there 

Museum

• Exhibits cannot be audio described.
• Tactile signage for exhibits is not available.
• The availability of tactile signage does not depend on exhibition.
• Touch tours are not available.
• Video tours are not available.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Concessions are available.

Accessible Toilet

• There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.
• The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
• There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
• The accessible toilet is 20m (22yd) from the main entrance.
• The accessible toilet is located in the toilet block.
• There is not level access to the accessible toilet.