The Redoubt Fortress and Military Museum is an imposing early 19th-century fort with an interesting collection of medals, uniforms, weapons and other military memorabilia. March around the parade ground and gun platform and explore the displays inside, where you can see old guns and ammunition as well as learn about life in this fort during the Napoleonic Wars.
Learn about the history of the fort itself. The fortress was one of many defensive structures built along England’s southern coast in the early 1800s to protect the country from potential invasion by Napoleon’s armies. As the threat of invasion subsided, the fort fell into disuse. It was resuscitated during World War I and was later used as a base for Canadian troops in advance of D-Day in World War II.
Examine the exhibit devoted to the local Royal Sussex Regiment. It features an array of uniforms, souvenirs and military memorabilia. Look for an authentic German staff car captured by the regiment in the North African desert in 1942.
Discover the role of the Sussex coast in the Battle of Britain during World War II. Displays devoted to this subject detail the ways in which the Sussex Combined Services contributed to the campaign. Read vintage army recruitment signs and inspect old weapons, including muskets and machine guns. Other highlights inside the fort include a small-scale model of the Redoubt, which shows how the fort would have looked in the 19th century.
Head outside to wander around the parade grounds and sentry boxes. Move to the gun platforms and pause to admire the great views of the English Channel from the cannons. Purchase retro souvenirs and history books at the gift shop or stop at the vintage-style café for a hot drink and a tasty treat.
Redoubt Fortress and Military Museum is located near the seafront. It is open daily from mid-March to mid-November. Opening hours vary, so check ahead before you come. Entry to the parade ground and gun platforms is free, though there is an admission fee to enter the military museum. Tours run twice a day and are free with museum admission. If you drive here, use nearby metered on-street parking.
