About

Step back in time to the Victorian era and join the Fort Nelson garrison community as they get ready for Christmas.

The museum’s galleries will come to life with a cast of costumed characters preparing for the festive season at the free event on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 December.

Victorian characters will be stationed around the fort, planning and preparing food in the kitchen, putting up decorations and rehearsing the festive entertainment, ahead of the big day.

A Christmas market will also take place with more than 20 stalls selling unusual gifts and treats, including jewellery, art, photographs, fashion and gin at the weekend event, between 10am and 4pm.

Younger visitors will enjoy a free Arctic Animals Trail hidden around the fort, searching for Ralph the Reindeer and his friends. The trail will run from Saturday 2 December to Sunday 7 January and will be on for the Victorian weekend.

Museum admission and all activities are free this weekend, and visitors are encouraged to book their visit in advance at royalarmouries.org.

As well as enjoying the interactive Victorian Christmas event, visitors can also explore the Royal Armouries’ national collection of artillery and historic cannon, with over 700 treasures spanning 600 years of history on display.

The Fort’s spacious outdoor areas, with paths around the ramparts and spectacular viewpoints, are ideal for getting a bit of fresh air, or why not head underground and explore the tunnels. The museum café and shop will be open too.