The Maunsell Sea Forts

KarlH's picture

Location

Thames estuary 
United Kingdom
51° 27' 51.66" N, 0° 58' 16.7412" E
GB
General info: 

During the WWII, British army built small fortified towers along the Thames and Mersey estuaries in order to protect the United Kingdom from German invasion. These forts were the first line of defence, but after the war they stopped being important for the military. In the mid-fifties the British army decided that they no longer needed the forts and left them behind.

The winds and waves did nothing to the forts as they were built to endure much harder conditions. Today, these over 70-years- old structures are a symbol of defiance to invaders. Many famous artists get their inspiration from the Maunsell forts. For example, the band ‘Prodigy’ featured them in the video for their hit ‘Invadors Must Die’.

Getting there: 

The Maunsell Sea Fortrs are located in the estuaries of the rivers Thames and Mersey. There are companies organizing boat tours to see the fortrs, for example http://x-pilot.co.uk/services.htm.

On a clear day you can also see the forts from Shoeburyness East Beach.

Costs: 

Price info for the tours not available.

Interesting places nearby

At the heart of Beaufortain area of the Savoie, 25 km from Albertville, Arêches-Beaufort is a charming traditional ski village with a range of ski runs meandering through the forests that pass beside the beautiful wooden chalets, overloo

In wintertime, Evolène - Region offers each visitor an awe-inspiring panorama, more than100 Km of outstanding ski slopes.

Autrans is a village resort with a preserved architecture. At 1050m, it is located in the very heart of the Vercors Massif in a landscape of pastures and forests.

Avoriaz is a specially built ski village, right at the heart of the Portes du Soleil. A contemporary resort, the streets are closed to cars and all accommodation is accessible by ski.

In the winter you sit at the front door of a skiers´ paradise at an elevation of 900 meters. A wide range of possibilities awaits you here whether you fancy downhill or cross-country skiing or all other snow sports.

Welcome in the powder snow! Skiing in Baiersbronn is because of the large variety of skiing places and the atmosphere around them lots of fun.