Humber Forts

The Humber Forts are two concrete structures consisting of Bull Sand Fort and Haile Sand Fort, standing near the mouth of the Humber where it meets the North Sea. Both installations rise on flat foundations above the water and consist of several floors with gun emplacements and accommodation rooms.

Construction began in 1915 as a response to German attacks along the British coast during World War I. The forts remained operational during both world wars and were only abandoned after 1945.

The name Bull Sand Fort comes from the sandbank on which the structure was built, while Haile Sand Fort takes its name from a nearby shallow. Both installations carry traces of military use today and stand as witnesses to coastal defense that once guarded access to important harbors.

Access to Bull Sand Fort is only possible by boat or helicopter, as it stands about three miles (five kilometers) off Grimsby in open water. The crossing depends on weather and tide conditions, so it helps to check conditions in advance.

A steel mesh barrier was stretched between the two fortifications to prevent enemy submarines from entering the river. Remains of this barrier can still be partially seen on the seabed today.