Landguard Fort Landguard Fort, View Point Rd, Felixstowe IP11 3TW, UK

Landguard Fort is a fort at the mouth of the River Orwell outside Felixstowe, Suffolk, designed to guard the entrance to the port of Harwich.

Landguard Fort defends the approach to Harwich Harbour, a safe haven for shipping. It was the site of the last opposed seaborne invasion of England, by the Dutch in 1667, who were repulsed by the Royal Marines in their first land battle. The current fort was built in the 18th century, and modified in the 19th century, with substantial additional 19th and 20th-century outside batteries. It was manned through both World Wars and played an important anti-aircraft role during the Second World War. In 1951 two of the old gun casemates were converted nto a 'Cold War' control room. The fort was disarmed and closed in 1956.

Guided tours and audio tours of the fort are supplemented by an audio-visual presentation of the site’s history, and by guided tours of the outside batteries.

Free entry for children under 5 and wheelchair users.

Wheelchair Access

Access to the ground floor levels of the fort is possible for those in wheelchairs. Assistance may be required with entry to a few rooms where ramps have not yet been fitted to the threshold. 24 of the 32 audio tour points are on the ground floor.

Access to the first floor is by about 20 relatively shallow steps in five separate locations. One set of steps has a partial handrail only. If this is a problem please ask to be directed to a more suitable access point. There is no public access to the second floor as this leads directly to the roof.

Entrance/Set Down

Disabled visitors can be set down near to the site entrance - no prior arrangement is necessary.

Disabled Parking

There are two designated spaces, both located 10 metres from the entrance.

Stairs

Access to the first floor is by about 20 relatively shallow steps in five separate locations.

Seating and Rest Points

Seating and rest points can be found in various locations across the site.

Dog Bowl and Toileting

A water bowl is available for their refreshment.

TOILETS

Toilet facilities are limited, but unisex portable units are provided (including a disabled unit) for visitors. Full public toilet facilities, including disabled toilets and baby changing facilities, are available at the Landguard visitor centre which is approximately 100 metres from the Fort.