| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
A dramatic 17th century fortress built to defend the coastline from the Dutch, and keep watch on a recently rebellious town, the Royal Citadel is still in use by the military today. However , the fortress now requires some urgent repair works. Conservators will be undertaking a programme of repairs including: - Lime mortar consolidation to the historic lime stone; - Rebedding of loose and missing stones and repointing; - Removal of harmful vegetation; - Crenellation soft capping; - Timber repairs to casemate joinery; - Asphalt renewal; - Drainage upgrades. The repairs will all be carried out using traditional materials and techniques to aid the conservation of the site for years to come. Interpretation panels, and scaffold tours will give further insight into the maintenance issues surrounding the Citadel, and the challenges which English Heritage, guardian of over 400 historic properties, faces when preserving these Monuments. Due to its nature as an operational military establishment, tours may be suspended or cancelled without prior notice. Please do not bring large bags or rucksacs when you visit . Limited photography is permitted under guidance from the tour guide. Please note: No dogs are allowed, except for guide dogs. MEMBERSHIP STARTS FROM £45.00 Membership gives you unlimited access to castles and gardens, historic houses and abbeys, and kids go free… JOIN NOW UNLIMITED ACCE OPENING TIMES 30 APRIL 2017 - 24 MARCH 2018 By guided tour only, 16 Apr – 28 September, Mon, Tues, Thurs and Sun at 14.30. Tickets can be reserved in advance via Yapsody https://citadel.yapsody.com (payment to be made t o tour guide on arrival at the citadel). Or tickets can be issued to visitors on the day (provided there are spaces available), at the main entrance gate at 14.15 prior to the commencement of the tour at 14.30. Group bookings and requests for tours at other times (minimum 10 visitors) should be made to Armada Tours on 07876 402728. The Citadel is an operational military establishment and tours may be curtailed without notice. Limited photography permitted and no large bags. There are no toilet facilities on site. Tours last approximately 2 hours . Please note due to the current regulations of the military base all visitors are required to produce ID including name and address details before the tour can commence. All bags are searched rigorously. The tour can take up to 2 hours including these entry requirements. |