What's on at Crownhill Fort

Public access and special events on selected dates


Crownhill Fort is in daily use by a community of small businesses, a succession of holiday residents and those taking part in pre-booked school or group visits. The site is privately owned and not open to casual visitors at other times.

 

Upcoming events at Crownhill Fort:

 

Thursday 12th June 2025 - 6pm to 8pm
Firing of the Moncrieff Disappearing Gun at Crownhill Fort

Crownhill Fort is home to the world's only operational Moncrieff Disappearing Gun. This striking example of Victorian military technology is fired once a year and you have the opportunity to witness the spectacle.
 
Ticket holders will assemble in the Guardroom for 6pm and the evening begins with a short lecture about the Palmerston Forts, the historical background that led to their construction and how they have been used since.
 
From here, the group will move to a museum display in a recreated barracks depicting life in the 1890s, explore part of the historic rampart that encircles the Parade Ground and view the exterior of the former Officers Quarters. 
 
The evening concludes with an in-depth look at the Moncrieff Disappearing Gun. Its mechanisms will be demonstrated before the piece is loaded with a blank shell, raised in to its position above the parapet and fired. There will be opportunities for audience participation should you so wish.
 
Admission is by advance ticket only. Places are limited and the event is likely to be fully subscribed. Tickets costs £5 per person and car parking, if required, costs £2.50 per vehicle. Under 5s do not require a ticket.
Advance tickets are now on sale.
 
Update 13th May 2025 - 22 tickets remaining
 

Friday 18th July 2025 - from midday
A summer afternoon at Crownhill Fort

The grounds and museums at Crownhill Fort will be open from midday to late afternoon. This event will feature a series of guided walks and lectures aimed at an adult audience however everyone is welcome. This page will be updated once details have been confirmed.
 
We have JJ Event Barbecues joining us for the afternoon. Jasmine and her team rear their own meat on a farm in the South Hams and use woodchips to create a delicious smoke flavour. 
 
Admission £5 adults, £3 children (5-15) and car parking, if required, costs £2.50 per vehicle. Under 5s do not require a ticket.
Advance tickets will go on sale in June 2025.
 
Friday 8th August - from midday
School holidays at Crownhill Fort
 
The grounds and museums at Crownhill Fort will be open to explore. There will be a programme of timed activities that will be updated closer to the date. Food and drink vendors will be on site.
Advance tickets will go on sale in July and it will be possible to purchase admission on the day using cash.
 
Thursday 4th September - 6pm start
Gun firing in the North Caponier
 
Join us as we venture below ground to take a closer look at some of the Victorian artillery in the North Caponier. This ticketed event is always popular and usually sells out within days of tickets going on sale.
 
Ticket holders will assemble in the Guardroom for 6pm and the evening begins with a short lecture about the Palmerston Forts, the historical background that led to their construction and how they have been used since.
 
After visiting a few of our displays the evening will conclude with firing of a Martini Henry rifle, Georgian Carronade and converted 32 pounder cannon in the North Caponier. This is a dramatic display of smoke and noise; be assured we will issue hearing protection as you arrive! 
 
Admission is by advance ticket only. These will go on sale in early August
 
Thursday 2nd October - 6.30pm start
Bat walk at Crownhill Fort

Our ever-popular bat walks return for 2025. Crownhill Fort is home to 6 of the 18 species of British bat; how many will we be able to detect on the night? Advance tickets are now on sale.
 
Admission is by advance ticket only. These will go on sale in early August
 
Friday 3rd October - 5pm start
Crownhill Fort After Dark

This annual event conincides with Plymouth History Festival. Visitors can enjoy Crownhill Fort before and after sunset with a series of displays, talks and gunfiring events taking place during the evening. The Fort will be lit using traditional lighting courtesy of the Historic Lighting Club.
 
Tickets for this event will go on sale in September
 
Updates for these events will be posted here and on social media in due course. The best way to be notified is to follow us on our social media pages. 

Crownhill Fort

Some areas of the Fort including the Holiday Accommodation, underground spaces and premises occupied by our business residents are not available to view unless advertised.

Please note that we only allow assistance dogs inside the Fort. 

For more information about public events please contact the Fort Office on 01752 793754