Fort Nelson

Royal Armouries Fort Nelson is an incredibly impressive and fascinating historical site that truly takes you on a journey through time. From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the scale and atmosphere of the fort itself. The location is stunning, with breathtaking views and beautifully preserved historic structures that immediately transport you into the past. One of the most remarkable highlights of the visit was seeing one of the famous Ottoman cannons associated with Sultan Mehmed II, which was used during the conquest of Constantinople. Seeing this massive piece of history displayed at the entrance was both surprising and deeply impressive. It’s not every day you get to stand in front of a weapon that played such a significant role in world history. For me, this alone made the visit unforgettable and truly felt like travelling back in time. The entire site is well organised, informative, and very engaging. There are many fascinating exhibits, from historic artillery to military artifacts from different periods, all presented in a way that is easy to explore and understand. The open spaces also make it ideal for families, and we really enjoyed walking around together and discovering different parts of the fort. Overall, we had a fantastic experience. It’s an educational, impressive, and memorable place to visit. Highly recommended for history lovers and families alike.

· via Google

A great place to visit. Free entry and £3.00 car parking charge payable at the counter as you go in. Amazing museum with tonnes of interesting information and a great bookshop. My favourite area are the spooky tunnels, guaranteed to bring a shiver to your spine, reputed to be haunted! As of May, 2026, a pot of tea for one and a chocolate brownie cost £6.90. The tea pot holds enough tea for three cups. All in all, a great day out!

· via Google

Fort Nelson is an absolute must-visit near Portsmouth. I visited last time in mid-June 2023. ​The collection of artillery is mind-blowing, seeing the massive & supergunz up close is incredibly impressive. Aside from the weapons, exploring the restored Victorian fortress, walking the secret underground tunnels, and taking in the panoramic views over Portsmouth was a real highlight. ​With friendly staff, it’s a brilliant experience for history buffs and families alike. Highly recommended!

· via Google

We both Really enjoyed our visit. The staff are brilliant and very knowledgeable. There was a bonus for me, the Gerald Bull Gun. A double whammy, being very interested in Gerald for many years, the book about how he developed HARP is a compelling read. Plus coming from near Sheffield. The Forge Masters "pipeline" scandal, its all there! BRILLIANT. We love these old Forts, Fort Paull near Hull is a regular visit for us, and to compare the architecture and see all the similarities, great! So, if you are in the area, Fort Nelson is a must, the kids (All ages) will love it.

· via Google