Maunsell Forts from Chatham

South East

Visit the amazing Maunsell Forts from Chatham Maritime Marina, with the kind support of The Chatham Maritime Trust, we are returning to Chatham twice in 2026.

These experiences are running on the 15th to 18th of May and 11th to the 14th of September 2026.

Setting sail from Chatham Maritime Marina, we depart through their Sea Lock out onto the River Medway, in the early evening light, passing Upnor Castle and onto the River Medway.

Passing Hoo Island and Darnet Ness entering the Estuary where we can pick up some speed you will be whizzed out the Thames Estuary to find the Red Sands group of defence towers.

Known as the Maunsell Forts, as they were designed by Guy Maunsell. Maunsell designed the forts for anti-aircraft defence.

These large installations comprising of seven interconnected steel platforms. Four towers arranged in a semicircle ahead of the control centre and accommodation each carried a QF 3.7-inch gun, a tower to the rear of the control centre mounted Bofors 40 mm guns, while the seventh tower, set to one side of the gun towers and further out, was the searchlight tower.

After viewing these giants we will return to Chatham Maritime Marina as your adventure comes to the end.

Please email info@wetwheelssoutheast.co.uk if you are interested in this experience.

Click the blue icons on the map to find out more on the sights you will see during your experience.