B1352, Harwich, Essex CO12 3LT

Harwich Redoubt Fort

Fort

Place photograph

6.3

Wildland

Under 1 hour

Time

Paid

Cost

Atmospheric

Feel

Historic townCoastalHistory loversFamilies

Why it's Wildland

6.3

Built in 1808 as part of the coastal defences against a Napoleonic invasion, Harwich Redoubt is a striking circular fort measuring 180 feet across. Its museum displays some of the original cannons.

A compact but unusually imposing piece of coastal military heritage: the Redoubt’s vast circular form and surviving cannons give the story a strong physical presence. It is best approached as a focused historic visit, with opening days and access checked ahead.

Atmospheric · Historic

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B1352, Harwich, Essex CO12 3LT

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The experience

Allow a short visit to explore the circular fort and its museum displays, including some original cannons. Opening is seasonal and Sunday-based according to the Town Council listing; verify before setting out.

Things to do

Explore the circular fort

Take in the Redoubt’s imposing circular form. The Harwich Society describes it as 180 feet in diameter and built in 1808 to defend the port against a Napoleonic invasion.

Allow under 1 hour for a focused visit; exact visit duration is not specified by the sources.

See the museum’s original cannons

The supplied place description says the museum displays some of the fort’s original cannons. Check current opening arrangements before visiting.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Under 1 hour

A quick look inside the Redoubt

01
Check current opening arrangements and entry charges with the Harwich Society before travelling.
02
Explore the circular fort and visit the museum displays, including some of the original cannons.
03
Take in the scale of the 180-foot-diameter structure and its role in defending Harwich against a Napoleonic invasion.

Verified history

Harwich Redoubt was built in 1808 as part of the defences intended to keep Napoleon out of England. The Harwich Society describes it as an 180-foot-diameter circular fort built to defend the port against a Napoleonic invasion. Harwich Town Council says it formed part of the coastal defensive context that included a chain of Martello Towers. The museum displays some of the original cannons.

Hidden details

Its scale is part of the story — The Harwich Society gives the fort’s diameter as 180 feet (60 metres), a useful detail to keep in mind when taking in its circular form.

Original cannons in the museum — The supplied place description identifies some of the cannons on display as original to the fort.

When to go

May · June · July · August · Check current opening hours before planning a visit. The supplied Town Council listing gives 10am–4pm during its main season and Sundays throughout the year.

The Town Council source lists a main opening season from 1 May to 31 August, with Sunday opening throughout the year. These details may change; confirm before travelling.

Check the forecast and current opening arrangements before travelling; no weather-specific visitor guidance was found in the supplied sources.

Worth pairing with

Harwich maritime heritage trail

The Harwich Society’s site features a maritime heritage trail with places including the High and Low Lighthouses and the Lifeboat Museum. Check individual opening arrangements before combining them into a visit.

What to look for

01
Notice the Redoubt’s circular plan and 180-foot diameter
02
look for the original cannons displayed in the museum. The Harwich Society describes it as built in 1808 to defend the port against a Napoleonic invasion.

The story

Napoleonic-era coastal defence; military fortification

Best time to go

The Harwich Town Council listing gives a main season from 1 May to 31 August, plus Sunday opening throughout the year; confirm current arrangements before travelling.

Visit during the published seasonal opening period or on a Sunday, but check directly with the Harwich Society for current dates and hours.

How long to spend

Under 1 hour

Perfect for

History lovers · Families

Before you go

Website Google Maps

Address

B1352, Harwich CO12 3LT

Phone

+44 1255 502872

Website

harwich-society.co.uk

Listed hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 10am-4pm

Check before visiting.

Google rating

4.6 · 1,004 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

The Harwich Society manages the fort. Harwich Town Council lists seasonal opening from 1 May to 31 August, 10am–4pm, and Sundays throughout the year. A small entry fee applies; check current opening arrangements before visiting.

Check before visiting

Parking

Harwich Town Council reports limited disabled parking. Other parking arrangements: Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Toilets

Harwich Town Council reports a disabled toilet at the fort; check current availability before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

Harwich Town Council reports limited disabled parking, a stair lift to the first floor, wheelchair use and a disabled toilet. Confirm current arrangements and access requirements with the Harwich Society before visiting.

Cost

Paid