Fort Nelson
Portsmouth

Fort Nelson is one of the great forts built around Portsmouth in the 1860s to guard the Dockyard from the threat of French invasion. It is an outstanding example of Victorian architecture and provides the ideal setting for the Royal Armouries collection of artillery. Some key exhibits, such as the 7-inch 'Armstrong' RBL gun are mounted in their original emplacements and can be seen firing on certain events days.

One of nine cannon captured by Havelock during the Anglo Sikh wars, is on display here.

Information

Opening Times
1st November to 31st March - open daily 10:30-16:00
1st April to 31st October - open daily 10:00-1700
(last admission is one hour before closing)

Directions
Take junction 11 off the M27. Take the exit sign posted for Gosport and Fareham. Stay in the left-hand lane, this will take you down a slip road to a roundabout. Do not go straight on.Landmark: You will notice a railway viaduct on your left. At this roundabout take the first left. Signed A27 Portchester.
Landmark: Delme Arms Public House on left.
Stay in the left-hand lane. Go through the first set of traffic lights. At the second set take a left-hand turn into Down End Road. Follow the road up and around for approximately ½ mile.
Fort Nelson will appear on your left-hand side. Public parking is opposite the Fort.

Facilities
- Free parking and panoramic views
- Free guided tours
- Facilities and dedicated parking for visitors with disabilities
- Hand-held state-of-the-art audio tour
- Video programmes explaining the Fort and the guns
- Evening visits by arrangement
- Fort Nelson is licensed for civil marriages, trade promotions, seminars, - corporate and business functions.


Fort Nelson Library
The library at Fort Nelson collects material on the history and development of artillery and fortification, and includes special collections of early books, handbooks, and drill manuals. There is also a small reference collection of books and pamphlets on arms and armour.

The library is open by appointment only from 10.00 am - 12.00 and from 14.00 - 16.00, Monday to Friday, and offers a limited enquiry service, some picture research facilities (for artillery material only), and a photocopying service.

Education Visit Facilities Include
- free admisssion for children under 16 years
- on-site classroom for pre-booked groups
- free teacher packs and pupil worksheets
- loan equipment for maths, science and enviromental studies
- free coach parking within the Fort for educational groups
- secure storage for coats and bags
- toilets, including wheelchair accessible
- cafe, picnic areas and indoor packed lunch space
- shops with gifts at pocket money prices

Source: www.armouries.org.uk