Fort Nelson

About the museum

Fort Nelson was built between 1860 and 1867 on Portsdown Hill as one of several forts protecting Portsmouth dockyard from a French land attack. It was not fully armed until the 1890s and was disarmed in 1907. It then served as accommodation and, from 1938, as an anti-aircraft ammunition store, before being abandoned in the 1950s.

Hampshire County Council bought the neglected fort in 1979, and with the help of the Palmerston Forts Society it was restored at a cost of several million pounds. It opened to the public in 1994 and became part of the Royal Armouries in 1995, which now uses it to show the national collection of artillery.

The galleries and tunnels of the fort display guns from the Middle Ages to the late 20th century, including a medieval Turkish bombard, a First World War railway howitzer and parts of the Iraqi Project Babylon supergun. Visitors can also explore the 19-acre site, its ramparts, underground tunnels, kitchen and barracks, and many cannon that are displayed outdoors. Entry is free and the fort holds family activities, tours and events.

Highlights

• Great Turkish Bombard and other medieval cannon
• 18-inch railway gun howitzer from 1918
• Parts of the Iraqi Project Babylon supergun
• Underground tunnels and the powder magazine
• Ornate guns in the Art of Artillery gallery
• Free entry and views over Portsmouth Harbour

Permanent exhibitions

• Voice of the Guns – Artillery from the Middle Ages to the late 20th century, including the Great Turkish Bombard, two tubes of the Iraqi supergun and Second World War anti-aircraft guns.
• Artillery Hall – A hall dominated by the 18-inch railway gun howitzer of 1918, with early bronze guns, heavy field guns and the N-45 gun-howitzer designed for Iraq.
• Art of Artillery – Ornate guns made to impress as much as to fire, including a Burmese bronze dragon cannon and an unfinished tiger-shaped mortar.

Founded

1995

Operated by

Royal Armouries

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free because it is a national museum; charges may apply to special events, exhibitions and some tours. Car parking costs £3 per car, paid at reception.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Ramps give access to much of the site, but there are steps of varying size and surfaces change between paving, gravel and grass. A lift connects the Voice of the Guns gallery with the main gallery level, and the main tunnel and galleries are wheelchair accessible. Adapted toilets are on both main levels and in the Visitor Centre. Two manual wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge from the Visitor Centre on a first-come basis. Four Blue Badge spaces are near the entrance. Assistance dogs are welcome and staff provide a water bowl in the cafe. Large-print guides are available for most galleries, gallery films have captions, and many large cannon displayed outdoors can be touched.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

Free family activities run in the school holidays, including Halloween Fun at the Fort from 24 October to 1 November 2026. The cafe offers Ration Packs for children. Baby changing is available in the Visitor Centre toilets.

Getting there & parking

Address for navigation: Fort Nelson, Portsdown Hill Road, PO17 6AN.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The cafe in the Visitor Centre serves drinks, snacks and light meals indoors and outdoors and can be used without visiting the fort. Visitors can bring their own food and use the outdoor picnic tables; barbecues are not allowed. There is a gift shop on site.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Hire includes exclusive use of all event spaces for the day: the Officers’ Mess, the Ante Room with views over the Solent, Point of the Redan and the Palmerston Suite. Weddings, corporate events, parties and funeral receptions are offered, with catering by the Royal Armouries or a third party.

Plan your visit