An introduction to Fort Nelson

Portsmouth and its surrounds are steeped in history, and one of the most unusual places in the story of this strategic naval base sits on top of Portsdown Hill – Fort Nelson.

This Victorian fort was built in the 1860s to protect the port from a potential invasion by the French – a threat which never materialised.

Fort Nelson is part of a ring of fortifications surrounding Portsmouth. There are four forts on top of Portsdown Hill, as well as several others out in the Solent which combined to form a defensive circle around the city to protect the dockyard.

It took an army of navvies and engineers ten years to build the forts using hand tools. Though they never engaged in active defence, the forts’ mere existence was probably the biggest deterrent to a French invasion.

As the threat diminished Fort Nelson lay redundant, until the First World War when it was used as a training camp and holding base for soldiers being deployed to the frontline. In the Second World War it was a major ammunition store servicing the anti-aircraft guns stationed along the south coast.

Today, Fort Nelson stands as the finest restored Victorian fort of its kind, and an important national museum.

It is home to the Royal Armouries' national collection of big guns, with over 700 pieces of artillery from across the world, spanning 600 years of history.

The collection is displayed throughout the museum’s galleries, and around the 19-acre site, including on the parade ground and in the tunnel that runs underneath it.

Highlights of the collection include a 15th-century Turkish bombard, a gigantic 200-tonne railway howitzer and the infamous Iraqi supergun.

Every gun has a story; each built for different purposes as artillery developed through the centuries. Surprisingly many of these cannon are highly decorated, often presented as gifts to demonstrate wealth and power. It all combines to make for a not-to-be-missed, world-class collection.

As well as being a national museum, Fort Nelson is also a popular local attraction offering a great day out for the family, with a packed calendar of events that features activities every school holiday, as well as themed events throughout the year.

Whether it’s an Easter bunny hunt, a junior assault course, a gun-firing weekend, or a guided tour behind the scenes – there really is something for everyone at Fort Nelson.

This charming Victorian fort even offers a unique venue for a variety of occasions, with a suite of pleasant rooms that can be hired for weddings, parties and corporate events.

Many regular visitors return time and again to enjoy the delicious menu in Fort Nelson's charming cafe, whilst also getting the chance to take in panoramic views of the Solent.

So why not pop up for a visit – there's always a warm welcome, and best of all admission is free!

The Fort is open Tuesdays to Sundays during term time, and daily during school and bank holidays. Opening hours are 10am to 5pm from April to October, and 10am to 4pm November to March.

To find out more about Fort Nelson and the events programme please visit the website. You can also follow Fort Nelson on Facebook and Instagram.