{"id":49062,"date":"2026-02-12T12:02:03","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T12:02:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thefamilygrapevine.co.uk\/eastbourne-wealden-lewes\/?p=49062"},"modified":"2026-04-15T09:45:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T09:45:00","slug":"newhaven-fort-reopens-for-half-term-with-packed-2026-events-programme","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thefamilygrapevine.co.uk\/eastbourne-wealden-lewes\/newhaven-fort-reopens-for-half-term-with-packed-2026-events-programme\/","title":{"rendered":"Newhaven Fort : 2026 events programme"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVisitors are welcomed back to Newhaven Fort this February half term, as the historic site reopens its doors for the 2026 season with a packed programme of events.\r\n\r\nThe 19th-century coastal fort has become a sell-out destination in East Sussex following the completion of its \u00a37.5 million restoration last year. Reopening on Saturday 14 February after its winter closure, the fort\u2019s new season promises plenty to look forward to, from intriguing talks to brand-new family events.\r\n\r\nThe season will kick off with a craft drop-in on Valentine\u2019s Day, where visitors can create their own wooden noughts and crosses game with a heart-shaped twist. Sessions cost \u00a32 per person and will take place in the fort\u2019s Palmerston Room, led by local craft business The Woven Owl.\r\n\r\nAnimals from Horsham-based Little Sherwood Farm will take centre stage at the \u2018Farm at the Fort\u2019 event on 1 April. Between 11am and 3pm, visitors will get the chance to meet pigs, sheep, goats and more, plus there will be farm-themed crafts and activities.\r\n
Lindsay Lawrence, general manager at Newhaven Fort, said: \u201cThere\u2019s something for everyone to enjoy, including history-themed days, seasonal craft activities and brand-new events, including our Celebration of Sussex in July.<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u00a0<\/em>\u201cWe\u2019ll also have an exciting new exhibition opening in the summer, so watch this space for further announcements.\u201d<\/em><\/blockquote>\r\nOther springtime events include a talk on the River Ouse on 1 March, a family-friendly Easter trail during the school holidays and a historic falconry event on 10 May. Visitors are also invited to step back in time for a Victorian Weekend between 16-17 May.\r\n\r\nSummer highlights include a midsummer picnic on the evening of 24 June, along with themed seaside and nature weeks throughout the summer holidays. Morris dancers, folk singers and local food and drink providers will welcome visitors on 11 July as part of Newhaven Fort\u2019s Celebration of Sussex event.\r\n\r\nThe fort\u2019s notoriously haunted tunnels will be open for spooky ghost stories between 26-31 October, with families invited to put the tales to the test during a ghost hunt on 29 October. Award-winning mobile zoo Reptylers will return on 27 October, offering visitors the chance to meet some creepy crawlies up close.\r\n\r\nIn addition to its events programme, Newhaven Fort has a gripping 1970s-themed escape room which is available for bookings throughout the year, as well as an adventure playground for younger visitors.\r\n\r\nEvents this year include:\r\n