Tilbury Fort, also known historically as the Thermitage Bulwark and the West Tilbury Blockhouse, is an artillery fort on the north bank of the River Thames in England.
Tilbury Fort on the Thames estuary has protected London’s seaward approach from the 16th century through to the Second World War.
Henry VIII built the first fort here, and Queen Elizabeth I famously rallied her army nearby to face the threat of the Armada. The present fort is much the best example of its type in England, with its circuit of moats and bastioned outworks.
Spend a great family day out here as you explore the magazine houses used to store vast quantities of gunpowder or enter the bastion magazine passages and feel what it was like for the soldiers who lived here. Our exhibition traces the role of the fort in the defence of London.
Wheelchair Access
Via level cobbled surface, tarmac and gravel paths, and smooth grass. Level access to magazines, fort square and some underground workings. Grounds have steep slopes or steps to ramparts and some gun emplacements. Exhibition has two threshold steps upon entering. Shop accessed via three steps. Ramp to currently unused West Gunpowder magazine.
Entrance/Set Down
Set down at the entrance permitted.
Disabled Parking
No specific spaces or marked bays, but spaces usually available close to entrance.
Stairs
Staircases to the Chapel & Gatehouse are steep and may not be suitable for all ambulant disabled visitors.
Seating and Rest Points
There are benches around edge of the parade ground and one on an elevated position overlooking river near front of fort. Picnic tables are also on the edge of parade ground including one specially designed wheelchair access table.
Pathways: Surface and Gradients
There are grass, gravel or cobble stones surfaces. The parade ground is approx. 2.5 acres and is made of rough, uneven cobble stones.
Dog Bowl and Toileting
Yes
