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About
Royal Armouries has now re-opened, but pre-booking is essential. Visit the website for further details.
Fort Nelson is home to the Royal Armouries national collection of artillery and historic cannon – the big guns – and is a great day out for all the family.
Step back in time and explore a fully restored Victorian fort with its high ramparts, original fortifications, massive parade ground and underground tunnels. Plus, there's the national museum housing over 700 pieces of artillery from across the world and spanning 600 years of history – each with their own story to tell.
Located in a key position above Portsmouth, Fort Nelson was built in the 1860s to protect against a potential invasion by the French, which never materialised.
Although never used for its original purpose, the fort played a significant role in both World Wars; as barracks for troops waiting to be deployed to the front line in the First, and as an anti-aircraft ammunition supply depot during the Second.
Discover the fort’s intriguing history in the building itself and through the museum exhibits.
Highlights of the collection on display include an innovative 15th-century Turkish bombard, a gigantic 200-tonne railway howitzer and the infamous Iraqi supergun.
With an exciting collection of big guns, stunning panoramic views, entertaining children’s activities, a museum shop packed with gifts and souvenirs, and a café serving delicious refreshments – there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Admission is free, parking £3.
No animals except assistance (guide/hearing) dogs.
Royal Armouries has three museums – Fort Nelson, the White Tower in the Tower of London, and the purpose-built Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds.
Guide Prices
Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
---|---|
Admission | Free |
Free entry.
Facilities
Accessibility
- Disabled Parking
- Disabled persons toilet
- Guide Dogs Permitted
- Induction Loop System
- No dogs (Guide dogs accepted)
- Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
- Ramp/Level Access
- Wheelchair user accessible
Catering
- Cafe
- Catering for groups
- On-Site cafe/restaurant
- Picnic area
- Picnic Site
- Refreshments Available
- Vegetarians catered for
Children & Infants
- Babes in Arms
- Baby changing
- Children’s packs
- Children's Meals
- Family Friendly, Children Welcome
- Highchair(s) available
- Indoor children’s play area
- Outdoor children’s play area
Establishment Features
- All weather attraction
- Audio Tours
- Conference facilities
- Garden / Grounds for visitors use
- Gift shop
- Groups welcome
- Guided tours
- Licensed for alcohol
- Licensed for weddings & ceremonies
- Meeting rooms
- Open all year round
- Open New Year
- Open on bank holidays
- Special Opening for Groups by Arrangement
- Team / Corporate Activities
Parking & Transport
- Coach parking
- Off-road parking
- On Site Car Parking
- Parking (charge)
- Railway station within 5 miles
Payment Methods
- Delta
- Delta accepted
- MasterCard
- MasterCard accepted
- Visa
- Visa accepted
Provider Preferences
- Countryside Setting
- Some no smoking areas
Specialist Features
- Cyclists welcome
- Educational Groups
- Information Point