Having visited Newhaven Fort before its renovation, I left feeling that much of the depth and detail that once made the museum engaging has been lost. Many of the exhibits rely heavily on simply worded information boards, and some displays feel rather bland and over simplified. The Iron Age exhibit is a good example. Where artefacts are displayed, many are behind glass, making photography difficult due to reflections, while some areas suffer from poor lighting that obscures important details. There are a handful of well-presented displays, particularly the First World War exhibit and the Air Raid Wardens’ room, but these are exceptions rather than the norm. Large numbers of rooms are left empty, making it difficult to understand their original purpose or visualise life within the fort. The experience was further diminished by significant areas being closed, either due to maintenance issues or because they were being used for a separately-booked escape room. For a £20 admission ticket, this did not represent good value. The shop is uninspiring, with a limited food and drink selection. There is a good children’s play area, which families may appreciate, but even the family-focused elements felt underwhelming given the fort’s location and admission price. From a museum perspective, some of the headline exhibits, such as the large coastal artillery pieces, appear to be in poor condition, while many smaller artefacts could be displayed far more effectively. Overall, the museum side of the fort feels rather underwhelming, and despite its apparent focus on families, I believe there are better family days out available elsewhere.

I had visited before the recent refurbishment and was curious to see how it had evolved. It appeared more colourful this time with many new audio visual aids. The staff I met were friendly and professional and even the pheasant (see photo) although shy -said hello! There were many well thought out provisions for children, but equally ghostly Vera Lynn songs for older folks. My favourite places are the tunnels, there is a strange and perverse pleasure in descending and ascending the seventy steps (see photo). Also, I enjoy the time travel of sitting in the air raid shelter and being taken back in time through audio and lighting effects. A fort with a history going back to Napoleonic times seems very pertinent given the global instability in the world today. If they don't do it already, I hope they offer a free day once a year for locals. Newhaven Fort is so much more than just a visitor attraction for tourists passing through Sussex.

Had a really lovely day here with my 8 year old. He's interested in history and we spent a good couple of hours walking round the museum rooms, looking at the cannons and down the tunnels. Then he spent another hour in the brilliant new playground. We will definitely go back...and we can as you get free return entry for 12 months with our admission tickets from this time.

Great place to visit for adults and children From the moment you enter the fort the history comes alive with hands on exhibits which is great for the kids and when they have had enough of the history there's a great play area with a coffee shop nearby. The kids loved to explore the underground tunnels and hidden rooms. All the staff were spoke to were all friendly and the hands on room, the guys are very knowledgeable and have some great story's to tell. Once your done with the fort they're more to see on top of the hill near the cost guard tower 3 more gun in placements to explore.

What a lovely day! The fort is such a nice place to visit. The exhibits are very informative. The cafe was of a very high standard - clean and tidy and good coffee and food. The views from the fort are outstanding. I’m so pleased I could visit. A great asset for the local community that will encourage plenty of visitors to Newhaven.