Royal Armouries, Fort Nelson

This imposing Victorian fort is home to the Royal Armouries national collection of artillery – The Big Guns.

Although a cliché, the phrase ‘must see’ truly applies to Fort Nelson’s astonishing collection of different artillery and guns from different time periods. Over 700 items of artillery from many countries and spanning 600 years are brought to life whilst sensitively telling the unique stories behind them.

Strategically positioned atop Portsdown Hill, with panoramic views across the Meon Valley and Portsmouth Harbour, Fort Nelson is an historic monument, restored to how it would have been in the 1890s. Visitors can access most areas of the fortifications and see how the Fort would have operated.

Daily gun firing every day at 1pm.

Admission and parking are free – offering a great day out for all the family during the school holidays, and all year round.

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Venue Details

Venue image

Address

Royal Armouries Fort Nelson Portsdown Hill Road
Fareham
Hampshire
PO17 6AN
England

Links

Telephone

  • 01329 233734

Entry Charges

Free entry. A small charge may apply for special events and some activities.

 
  • Opening Hours

    Open daily

    Summer (Apr-Oct)
    10 am – 5 pm
    Last admission 4pm

    Winter (Nov-Mar)
    10 am – 4 pm
    Last admission 3pm

    Closed 24, 25 and 26 December

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  • Venue Services
    • Academic publications and resources available
    • Activities for pre-school children
    • Adult lectures and courses held
    • Brochure or leaflet available with directions to museum
    • Direct teaching services for schools
    • Events and resources for children and families
    • Events/teaching/resources for people with disabilities
    • Foreign language leaflet or brochure available
    • Guided tours
    • Information point provided
    • Licensed for weddings
    • Member of staff available with responsibility for education
    • Object identification and/or written enquiry service
    • Pre-booking service for groups
    • Primary school education service available
    • Printed/audio-visual information available for schools
    • Public access available to collections information
    • Secondary school education service available
    • Specialist publications on collections available
    • Teaching/resources available for HE/FE students
    • Touch exhibits
  • Venue Facilities
    • Baby changing facilities
    • Cafeteria
    • Children's play area
    • Education facilities available
    • Facilities for private functions and events
    • Library with public access
    • Meeting room available
    • Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)
    • Parking for coaches
    • Parking for disabled available
    • Picnic area
    • Reception and lunch facilities for educational groups
    • Refreshments
    • Research facilities for academics
    • Restaurant
    • Shop
    • Study facilities
    • Toilets for disabled
    • Wheelchair access to all public areas
    • Wheelchair access to some public areas
    • Wheelchairs available for loan

At a glance

Royal Armouries Fort Nelson Portsdown Hill Road
Fareham
Hampshire
PO17 6AN
England

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