Landguard Fort, the 18th-century coastal fortification that sits at the southern tip of the Felixstowe peninsula, has opened for the 2026 season with a new exhibition exploring the site's role during the Second World War. The fort, managed by English Heritage, is one of the most historically significant sites in Suffolk — and one of the most underrated visitor attractions in the region.
The new WWII exhibition draws on archive photographs, personal accounts, and artefacts from the period when Landguard was an active military installation. During the war, the fort was used as a coastal artillery battery, part of the network of defences protecting the approaches to Harwich and Felixstowe from potential German naval attack. The exhibition brings this period to life in a way that complements the fort's existing displays about its 18th and 19th century history.
Landguard Fort is best known as the site of the last opposed invasion of England, which took place in June 1667 when a Dutch force attempted to land at the peninsula and was repelled by local militia. The annual Darell's Day re-enactment, which commemorates this event, remains one of the most popular events in the Felixstowe calendar and is scheduled for 14 June 2026.
The fort is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm between April and October, with admission priced at £9 for adults and £5.40 for children. It sits adjacent to the Felixstowe Museum and the Landguard Nature Reserve, making it a natural base for a half-day or full-day visit to the southern end of the town.
For anyone who hasn't visited Landguard Fort, it's worth making the effort. The views across the mouth of the River Orwell — watching container ships from the world's largest port navigate the narrow channel — are genuinely spectacular, and the fort itself is a fascinating place to spend a few hours.
