Coalhouse Fort and Park

The Coalhouse Fort Project was disbanded in January 2020. At present the fort itself does not appear to be open but the park, café and amenities are open. We’ll try and update when more details are know but information about the park can be found here: Overview | Coalhouse Fort Park | Thurrock Council

Key Facts Date Built 1860Scheduled Monument
Key Facts
Date Built 1860
Scheduled Monument

Facilities: Dogs allowedRestaurant / CafeWheelchair accessibleToiletsDisabled toilets

Coalhouse Fort was built between 1860 – 1874 to fortify the Thames estuary. It was set up to counter the threat of French Seaborne invasion as recommended by a Royal Commission instigated by Lord Palmerston, the Prime Minister of the time.

The fort has been sympathetically restored by The Coalhouse Fort Project since the 1980s and has been awarded Heritage Lottery Funding to provide educational sessions and further volunteer opportunities.

The park is one of Thurrock’s finest open spaces and is run by Thurrock Council. The site is recognised nationally and internationally, being a Scheduled Ancient Monument, RAMSAR wetland site and Site of Scientific Importance.

Come and enjoy this unique open space and explore the stories of Coalhouse Fort.

Location and Access

Access to the park is via Princess Margaret Road, it appears that Coalhouse Fort itself is no longer open to the public.

Access by Car

Follow signs to East Tilbury and follow the road down through East Tilbury and East Tilbury Village. There is a car park in the park at the end of Princess Margaret Road. Brown road signs for Coalhouse Fort are also on the A13. Coalhouse Fort, Princess Margaret Road, East Tilbury, Essex, RM18 8PB.

Access by Public Transport

East Tilbury Train station is a 30 minute walk away and is on the c2c London Fenchurch Street to Southend Line.

There is a bus stop situated in the park car park. The 374 bus runs every 90 minutes from Basildon to Grays on Monday – Friday and every 3 hours on a Saturday. There is no bus service on a Sunday.

Disabled Access

There is full access for wheelchair users around the park. Inside the Fort there is a ramp that leads around to the casements but unfortunately there is only access to the roof via  the stairs.