8 Great Days Out, Summer 2012


The fort, run and managed by the Coalhouse Fort Project, offers hours of fasci- nating fun as you learnabout the lives of those who manned it as well as those who fought in the skies above it. The fort, which is aVictorian Casemate


Coalhouse Fort A


VISIT to Coalhouse Fort will give you an interesting and educational trip into the area's military past.


Fortress and was completed in 1874, houses two museums –the Coalhouse Fort Museum and the Thameside Aviation Museum. The fort museum, which tells the story of


the fortress from its early usage, through both world wars, right up to the present day,is packed with pictures and artefacts, while the Thameside Aviation Museum includes items from some of morethan 40 excavations car- ried out in Essex since 1974. Youcan also join aguide to explorethe


fort’smagazines -anumber of rooms offa long dark tunnel -aswell as the roof and casemate areas which arenormally out of bounds to the general public. The tours, which last around 45 minutes and arecon- ducted by agroup of volunteers, give an in depth insight about the history,how the fort was used and why it was built at this site. Adedicated group of enthusiasts from the


project arealso involved in the restoration of Military vehicles, many of which can be seen at its open days. The fort, which has been used as alocation


in films, music videos and documentaries, also has atea room which sells snacks. The tearoom, which is open from 11am to 4pm on event and open days, serves teas, cof- fees, cold drinks, snacks and sweets. Alternatively,you can enjoy apicnic in the


fort’sscenic surroundings as it set within parkland that is owned and maintained by Thurrock Council. Thereare wide open spaces, picnic benches, achildren’sadven- tureplay area, riverside walks and natureconservation areas to enjoy and visitors areable to walk around the entireperimeter of the fort. Youcan get some very good views of the walls and Gun emplacements on the roof, while the grounds arealso home


to amine control tower/pill box and the remains of the Quick FireBattery,aswell as the old World WarTwo Radar Tower,which was designed to resemble aWater Tower in an effort to disguise it’sreal function. For those looking for something different, Coalhouse Fort Paranormal Team also holds overnight paranormal investigations for over 18s on several dates throughout the year. Open days this year include Sunday,July


29, (Classic Cars Day); Sunday,August 26 (Open Day); Monday,August 27 (Bank Holiday); Sunday,September 30 (Open Day); Friday,October 26 (Halloween Evening); Saturday,October 27 (Halloween Evening); Sunday,November 25 (Remembrance Day). Entrance to the open days, which run from 11am (last admission 4pm), is £3 for adults, £2 for concessions; and 50p for children aged five to 16.


Address: East Tilbury Village, Essex, RM18 8PB. Phone: 01375 844203. E-mail: info@coalhousefort.co.uk Web: www.coalhousefort.co.uk


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