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Royal Armouries, Fort Nelson and its collection

Royal Armouries, Fort Nelson
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Today, Fort Nelson is part of the Royal Armouries and serves as a home for their extensive collection of artillery. The fort itself is a Grade I Listed Building, a designation that marks it as a building of exceptional interest, sometimes considered to be internationally important. Visitors to the fort can explore this collection and learn about the history and development of artillery over the centuries.

Accessibility and Charges at Fort Nelson

Covering an area of approximately 19 acres, Fort Nelson offers a vast space for exploration and discovery. The fort is open to the public all year round, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into history at any time of the year. While entry to the fort is generally free, there may be charges for some special events.

Activities and Experiences at Fort Nelson

Fort Nelson offers a range of engaging activities for visitors. Every day, live firing demonstrations are held, providing a thrilling glimpse into the workings of historical artillery. Costumed guides and video presentations further enhance the visitor experience, offering insights into the fort's history and operations. Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to explore the tunnels that run below the fort, connecting the magazines with gun emplacements.

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#68 Art & Design in England #37 Free museums in England #145 History & Anthropology in England #99 Historic houses in England #39 Industrial & heritage museums in England #34 War museums in England #86 Art & Design in United Kingdom #49 Free museums in United Kingdom #182 History & Anthropology in United Kingdom #121 Historic houses in United Kingdom #49 Industrial & heritage museums in United Kingdom #42 War museums in United Kingdom #192 Free museums in Europe #160 Industrial & heritage museums in Europe #138 War museums in Europe

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Royal Armouries, Fort Nelson
Royal Armouries Fort Nelson Portsdown Hill Road
PO17 6AN Portchester

Images of Royal Armouries, Fort Nelson

Visitor information Royal Armouries, Fort Nelson

Opening hours

Term-time: 22 April to 23 May
Open Tuesday to Sunday
10am to 5pm

School Holiday: 24 May to 1 June
Open daily
10am to 5pm

Bank Holiday Monday 5 May
Open 10am to 5pm

More opening hours

Admission

0+Free
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Facilities

Wheelchair accessible
Museum shop
Coffee
Restaurant
Child-friendly

Location & Map

Royal Armouries Fort Nelson Portsdown Hill Road, Portchester

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Exhibitions

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Royal Armouries, Fort Nelson Reviews

Royal Armouries, Fort Nelson has 2 ratings.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson offers visitors a blend of military history and impressive architecture. Located near Portchester, this Victorian fort houses an extensive collection of artillery and historic weapons. Many visitors appreciate the well-preserved fortifications and the panoramic views from the ramparts. The museum's exhibits cover various periods of history, from medieval times to more recent conflicts. While some find the displays informative and engaging, others mention that certain areas could benefit from updated interpretation. The outdoor areas and tunnels are popular, especially among families, providing an interactive experience. However, some visitors note that more interactive elements or guided tours could enhance the overall experience. The staff is generally described as knowledgeable and friendly. The museum's free admission is widely appreciated, though some suggest that the cafeteria options could be improved. Overall, the Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson offers a solid experience for those interested in military history, though it may not appeal equally to all visitors.

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  • L
    Linda • Apr 10, 2023

    I booked the Easter craft activity for my grandchildren. It was good value and extremely well organised. Erin Wright who led the session was brilliant. She kept excellent control over the eleven children in the group, the resources were good quality and arranged so that they were accessible. Erin even had left handed scissors for my grandson. Erin was very enthusiastic and had a lovely manner with both the children and adults. I shall definitely book another session in the future and would highly recommend this activity. Afterwards we completed the Easter Bunny hunt which my grandchildren loved. An excellent way to spend the Easter holidays.

    Visited on Apr 4, 2023

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