About

Fort Nelson invites visitors into the stores to see collection items not usually on show to members of the public, as part of Heritage Open Days 2024.

Experts from the curatorial team will give special guided tours, which need to be booked online in advance at royalarmouries.org, as spaces are limited.

The free tours will take place on 14 and 15 September at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Each will last an hour in total. The tour will be made up of two 30-minute tours at two different locations on site, with a change-over in the middle. The tours are suitable for ages 14+ only and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Visitors will also be required to bring along photographic ID (current passport or driving licence) in order to access the secure areas included in the tour.

Please note that, due to their location, unfortunately the tours of the stores are not accessible.

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.

Today it stands as the finest Victorian fort of its kind and as part of the Royal Armouries is home to the national collection of artillery.

Fort Nelson is open six days a week (closed on Mondays) 10am to 5pm.

Important information:

Due to the tour being of the collection stores, visitors will be asked to fill a out a short form before the start of the tour. Fort Nelson also asks that visitors produce photographic ID (current passport or driving licence). Unfortunately, visitors cannot be allowed access into secure areas without it. Bags are not permitted in the stores, therefore visitors will need to leave belongings in a designated area. Visitors are advised to arrive to the tour 15 minutes before the start time to ensure all checks can be completed.