Landguard Fort

About

Landguard Fort guards the approach to Harwich Harbour, and in 1667 it saw the last opposed seaborne invasion of England, when Dutch troops were driven off by the Royal Marines in their first land battle. The present fort was built in the 18th century and remodelled in the 19th, with outside batteries added into the 20th; it was manned through both World Wars, played an anti-aircraft role in the Second, and gained a Cold War control room in 1951 before closing in 1956. Run by Landguard Fort Trust and its volunteers, it lets you explore a maze of rooms, passageways and gunpowder magazines, then climb the Harwich Bastion for views over the Port of Felixstowe. Reviewers praise the friendly volunteers, the displays and audio tour, and the 1940s-themed tearoom. Dogs on leads are welcome except in the shop and tearoom. Tips from visitors: parking is in the separate pay car park, and the fort's toilets are portable units.

Historic SiteWalking routesDog friendlyParkingRefreshmentsShopToiletsPicnic areaAudio guideGuided toursGreat viewsDogs on leads

Check today’s timesFrom English Heritage's calendar

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Opening times will be updated shortly

From English Heritage's published calendar, updated 1 October 2026, with dates up to 16 March 2027. Prices are without the optional donation.

PricingFree with English Heritage membershipEH memberFree entryNon-member£7.50

Free entry with English Heritage membership

Entry

Non-member prices

Adult£7.50

Child (5-17)£4.50

Concession£6.80

Pricing details

Catalogue gate price without Gift Aid (peak band is the only band listed); advance price is the same. Under 5s free. The Landguard Fort Trust website lists adult £8.50, child (5 to 17) £5.00 and concession £7.80, and a premium may apply to everyone, including members, on special event days.

ParkingPay to park

Pay and display car park opposite the fort, run by East Suffolk Council.. Not a Trust car park, so membership does not cover it.

Parking details

Public pay and display car park opposite the fort (about 50m), not managed by EH; charges set by East Suffolk Council apply to all, including Blue Badge holders: up to 30 minutes free, 2 hours £2.10, 4 hours £3.70, 10 hours £5.20 (partner page, June 2026 prices), 8am to 6pm daily. Three blue badge spaces are directly in front of the fort.

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Walking routes1 route

Landguard Nature Reserve path from Manor Terrace (King Charles III England Coast Path)

WalkDog access not confirmed

Start at Manor Terrace car park, Felixstowe, and follow the permanent path through the reserve to the gates by the fort; the reserve is free, the fort is ticketed. Car parking charges apply.

Pin Mill

6.1 mi

Kyson Hill

9.9 mi

Mistley Towers

10.4 mi

Sutton Hoo

10.7 mi

Flatford

12.9 mi

Orford Castle

13.9 mi

Orford Ness

14.2 mi

Landguard Fort Trust runs the fort and publishes its opening times. After Easter it opens Thursday to Sunday in term time and every day in school holidays and on bank holiday Mondays; entry 10am to 3pm, site closes at 5pm. The 2026 season ends on 2 November; some ticketed events run out of season.

Standard admission is free for English Heritage members (the Trust also admits Cadw, Historic Scotland and Manx National Heritage members free); a premium may apply to everyone, including members, on special event days. Tickets can be booked in advance or bought on arrival.

Felixstowe Museum next door is a separate site with its own ticket; EH members get a discount there.

Accessibility: the ground floor, including the tunnels, is wheelchair accessible, though help may be needed at a few thresholds; the first floor is up about 20 shallow steps and there is no lift or public access to the second floor. Portable toilets (including a disabled unit) at the fort; full toilets and baby changing at the Landguard Visitor Centre about 100m away.

Parking: Public pay and display car park opposite the fort (about 50m), not managed by EH; charges set by East Suffolk Council apply to all, including Blue Badge holders: up to 30 minutes free, 2 hours £2.10, 4 hours £3.70, 10 hours £5.20 (partner page, June 2026 prices), 8am to 6pm daily. Three blue badge spaces are directly in front of the fort.

Image: Aerial view of Landguard Fort beside the Orwell estuary and the Port of Felixstowe. John Fielding from Norwich, UK, CC BY 2.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Landguard_Fort_aerial_image_-_Felixstowe_Suffolk_UK_-_01_(14721733438).jpg

Dogs at the location: Allowed with restrictions. Dogs on leads are welcome in the fort except in the gift shop and tearoom; a water bowl is provided.

Dog walks in the grounds: Allowed with restrictions. Dogs on leads may accompany visitors around the fort. Admission ticket or EH membership required.

Leads: Leads required.

Assistance dogs: Assistance dogs on leads are welcome.