Royal Armouries Fort Nelson

Looking for an alternative gift? We have the perfect opportunity for you to get your hands on history and fire one of the big guns at the Fort Nelson: http://ow.ly/svYk30lcuUF

Explore what's on at Fort Nelson this summer holidays! Uncover the fascinating history of forts and firepower, with activities for all of the family - including an action-packed junior assault course! ow.ly/2alD30kHSIj

You can now explore the Royal Armouries collections, including objects displayed at Fort Nelson, in closer detail than ever before using the Deep Zoom feature on our Collections Online service.
Find out more: https://collections.royalarmouries.org/#/ objects

Our new exhibition from the Parliamentary Archives opened last month. Explore documents, paintings and objects which demonstrate the profound changes in Parliament and democracy during the First World War: http://ow.ly/y69E30kUR51

Take a look at the Royal Armouries Object of the Month for August. In the latest post, Henry Yallop, Keeper of Edged Weapons and Armour, explores the development of a sealed Pattern 1908 MK1 Cavalry Trooper’s sword in the years leading up to the First World War.
Find out more: https://royalarmouries.org/cavalry-troope rs-sword/

Don't miss our History Live Weekend's throughout the summer! Meet some of the key characters from Fort Nelson’s history and listen to their fascinating stories.
This weekend meet a First World War Munitionette and find out about her experiences.
Plan your visit: https://royalarmouries.org/event/history- live-weekend-3/

For a limited time only, 2-4-1 tickets for 100 Days to Peace! Book now: ow.ly/LnqJ30lrwOQ

On the hunt for something free to do with the kids this summer? Come along to our Forts & Firepower event!
Explore the history of fortifications in the local area and take part in a range of scientific and historical themed activities exploring the development of gunpowder, artillery and warfare since the Roman period. Don't forget to have a go on our action-packed outdoor assault course!
Plan your visit at: https://royalarmouries.org/event/forts-fi repower-2/

Call in to Café 1871 as part of your visit to Fort Nelson. The café has a tasty range of summer specials including noodle salad, Chinese style pulled pork panini and sour dough roll filled with salt beef and gherkin. You can also treat yourself to a delicious cakes or muffins with your freshly brewed tea or barista-style coffee.

There are only a few weeks left to see our exhibition from the Parliamentary Archives. Explore documents, paintings & objects which demonstrate the profound changes in Parliament & democracy during the First World War: ow.ly/y69E30kUR51

Tickets are available for our next Fort Talk on 29 August. Join Michael Forrest as he explores the Victorian defences of Portsmouth & the great Portsdown forts.
7.30 pm - 9 pm, light refreshments included. Find out more: https://royalarmouries.org/event/fort-tal ks-4/

Looking for something different to do this summer holidays? Why not take the family on one of our daily tours of the fort with an expert guide - tours at 11 am, 12 noon, 2 pm & 3 pm: ow.ly/Hacb30kUR6Q

You can now explore the Royal Armouries collections, including objects displayed at Fort Nelson, in closer detail than ever before using the Deep Zoom feature on our Collections Online service.
Find out more: https://collections.royalarmouries.org/#/ objects

We currently have positions available for Catering Assistants on a casual basis at Royal Armouries, Fort Nelson in Portsmouth. Working as a Catering Assistant you will be required to engage with visitors delivering customer service excellence and maximizing commercial income from café operations. Applicants will have proven experience in dealing with the public and providing a good quality customer service along with previous cash handling experience and the ability to follow procedures with a high level of accuracy.
This is casual role with flexible hours to suit the varied nature of the Catering function. Flexibility to work evenings and bank holidays will be required.
Find out more: https://www.cloudonlinerecruitment.co.uk/ roya…/Vacancy.aspx…

Join the Royal Armouries shop mailing list today and receive a special 20% off discount voucher to spend on our online shop.
Join now: https://shop.royalarmouries.org/mailing-l ist.html

Don't miss our daily gun firings throughout the summer! Catch them at 1 pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and 11.30 am, 2 pm and 3 pm on Sundays: https://royalarmouries.org/whats-on/?wher e=FortNelson

Our range of treasure boxes have been developed with the needs of little learners in mind. Each treasure box contains a selection of toys, stories and suggested activities designed to provide hands-on fun for inquisitive pre-schoolers: ow.ly/ntax30kOdK2

Want a family day out for all ages to enjoy? Look no further than our Forts and Firepower event this summer!
Explore the history of fortifications in the local area and take part in a range of scientific and historical themed activities exploring the development of gunpowder, artillery and warfare since the Roman period.
Today youngsters can have a go at Roman shield drills and have a go at building their own castle: https://royalarmouries.org/event/forts-fi repower-2/

Went to see the poppy display and it was truly amazing to see.... spent 2 hours walking around and staff were really friendly ..... went with my son boyfriend and step dad who also loved it and only cost £3 for all of us, so very cheap .... wish we had taken a picnic as well but maybe next time

Went to see the Wave today & just passed the wonderful poppies I was taken ill & had to be brought down in a wheelchair.Strangers,staff & volunteers were so good to us,thank you all we really appreciate what you did for me.

Well worth the £3 car park fee. Can’t believe something this interesting is free to get in!! The poppy display was wonderful and seeing a history of weapons from hundreds of years ago - as well as other countries, is fascinating

We were well warned to keep clear of popular times as the crowds wanting to see the Poppy Wave can be massive, so we chose Monday afternoon around 2.30 and there were no queues anywhere.

We didn't realize that there would be so much to see as well as the poppies, and we're fascinated.

Parking, paid inside the exhibition centre, is only £3, and no other entrance charge is made.

A full trip round the Fort takes quite a while, and involves a fair bit of walking and a bit of stair and slope climbing, which was no problem for us OAPs, but did prove too much for our disabled companions.

All in all, well worth the visit.

Visited for the first time yesterday with a friend and our six kids... wasn’t sure what to expect but thought it was a great day out! Lots to see, loved the tunnels etc. The poppies were a great extra. Will try and get back on a sunny day to see them before they go! Highly recommend. Great value. Staff all friendly.

The Poppies are stunning if like us you manage to see with the sunlight catching them. I can’t believe it’s free to get it apart for £3.00 to park.

We visited on Monday 21st May (my birthday & my personal but unofficial Bank Holiday 😁) and it was nice and quite which was perfect for us. We followed this up with lunch in Loch Fyne in Gunwhalf which was just perfect.

Really enjoyable day. The queue for the poppy wave was large, but moved pretty quickly. £3 for parking is nothing considering the extra cost involved in having the poppy wave at the Fort Nelson. Really can't understand people moaning or indeed parking elsewhere so as to avoid supporting what is otherwise a FREE museum. The rest of the museum was very interesting. We particularly enjoyed exploring the tunnels and the "other ranks" ablutions . Well done to the staff and volunteers who have obviously worked extremely hard during the massive increase of visitors to the fort Nelson.

Never been here before, and only went to see the Poppy Wave on its last day, but stayed for hours! (Even after an hour queuing for the Poppies!). So much to see and do - will definitely be coming back with the other grandchildren!

Heard about the poppy wave from a friend. Well worth the visit. Incredible work put into hand making these ceramic poppies and as someone who has done pottery in the past I understand the work involved. The fort itself is well worth a visit and there’s a nice tea room providing shelter from the heat and a slice of lavender cake.

Had a great day out today at Fort Nelson. The poppies were fabulous and the fort itself unlike anything I have previously visited. The staff were very attentive and I would especially like to give a mention to Evelyn, the first aider who helped my mum and to Chris the security guard who helped to get mum back in her wheelchair when it tipped over. Both went above and beyond. Thank you.

Great afternoon out with the family. The fort is very interesting with the cannons etc. I suggest to go see the poppy wave while it is still there as it is amazing.

Great value for money and a nice family day out.

Great Piece of Portsmouth History nestled into the hills, lots to view, loads to do refreshments on hand and a minimal fee of 3 quid to park and visit! On top of that we got to see the Poppy Wave which despite the crowds was well worth it.

With thanks too all the staff for making it a great place to visit. �

Fort Nelson was the last of the three royal Armouries that I visited with my family. I have got to say what a fantastic day. all the staff are totally friendly and approachable!!! 5 Stars is not even enough, they should be 10 stars and more. Fantastic day out for all the family!!!

Excellent visit. Although we went to see the Poppy Wave we thoroughly enjoyed visiting the whole museum. Extremely interesting and worth a visit any time. There is a small parking charge, currently £3.00 but entrance to the museum is free. The tunnels are great fun, especially for the young and the on site cafe is comfortable & has some yummy offerings & good coffee. Highly recommend a visit here at any time but particularly in the next few weeks while the beautiful & emotive poppies are there.

Excellent visit. Good interpretation material and artefacts. Fort isn’t bad either especially tunnels and internal workings and all free!!



There is free parking on the opposite side of the road if you are prepared to walk 100 metres to the entrance.

Excellent staff, brilliant exhibits and awesome Poppy Wave... must be a huge boost to the Armouries well done all involved in getting it here

Been twice to see the poppies with different family members, thoroughly enjoyed both visits, !st time just saw the poppies from behind but the 2nd time we were able to go under the wave beautiful

A really good day out. We went to see the Poppies but looked around the museum etc too. We will definitely back again, the £3 parking fee is all you pay. We did hear a volunteer yesterday say they’ve had people moaning about the car park fee and drive off! The staff were friendly and helpful too.

Cafe has been disrupted by the poppy wave and moved to a marquee outside on the parade ground. This and the prices of refreshments takes the shine off the visit, however still worth the trip.

Went to see the poppy display and it was truly amazing to see.... spent 2 hours walking around and staff were really friendly ..... went with my son boyfriend and step dad who also loved it and only cost £3 for all of us, so very cheap .... wish we had taken a picnic as well but maybe next time

Went to see the Wave today & just passed the wonderful poppies I was taken ill & had to be brought down in a wheelchair.Strangers,staff & volunteers were so good to us,thank you all we really appreciate what you did for me.

Well worth the £3 car park fee. Can’t believe something this interesting is free to get in!! The poppy display was wonderful and seeing a history of weapons from hundreds of years ago - as well as other countries, is fascinating

We were well warned to keep clear of popular times as the crowds wanting to see the Poppy Wave can be massive, so we chose Monday afternoon around 2.30 and there were no queues anywhere.

We didn't realize that there would be so much to see as well as the poppies, and we're fascinated.

Parking, paid inside the exhibition centre, is only £3, and no other entrance charge is made.

A full trip round the Fort takes quite a while, and involves a fair bit of walking and a bit of stair and slope climbing, which was no problem for us OAPs, but did prove too much for our disabled companions.

All in all, well worth the visit.

Visited for the first time yesterday with a friend and our six kids... wasn’t sure what to expect but thought it was a great day out! Lots to see, loved the tunnels etc. The poppies were a great extra. Will try and get back on a sunny day to see them before they go! Highly recommend. Great value. Staff all friendly.

The Poppies are stunning if like us you manage to see with the sunlight catching them. I can’t believe it’s free to get it apart for £3.00 to park.

We visited on Monday 21st May (my birthday & my personal but unofficial Bank Holiday 😁) and it was nice and quite which was perfect for us. We followed this up with lunch in Loch Fyne in Gunwhalf which was just perfect.

Really enjoyable day. The queue for the poppy wave was large, but moved pretty quickly. £3 for parking is nothing considering the extra cost involved in having the poppy wave at the Fort Nelson. Really can't understand people moaning or indeed parking elsewhere so as to avoid supporting what is otherwise a FREE museum. The rest of the museum was very interesting. We particularly enjoyed exploring the tunnels and the "other ranks" ablutions . Well done to the staff and volunteers who have obviously worked extremely hard during the massive increase of visitors to the fort Nelson.

Never been here before, and only went to see the Poppy Wave on its last day, but stayed for hours! (Even after an hour queuing for the Poppies!). So much to see and do - will definitely be coming back with the other grandchildren!

Heard about the poppy wave from a friend. Well worth the visit. Incredible work put into hand making these ceramic poppies and as someone who has done pottery in the past I understand the work involved. The fort itself is well worth a visit and there’s a nice tea room providing shelter from the heat and a slice of lavender cake.

Had a great day out today at Fort Nelson. The poppies were fabulous and the fort itself unlike anything I have previously visited. The staff were very attentive and I would especially like to give a mention to Evelyn, the first aider who helped my mum and to Chris the security guard who helped to get mum back in her wheelchair when it tipped over. Both went above and beyond. Thank you.

Great afternoon out with the family. The fort is very interesting with the cannons etc. I suggest to go see the poppy wave while it is still there as it is amazing.

Great value for money and a nice family day out.

Great Piece of Portsmouth History nestled into the hills, lots to view, loads to do refreshments on hand and a minimal fee of 3 quid to park and visit! On top of that we got to see the Poppy Wave which despite the crowds was well worth it.

With thanks too all the staff for making it a great place to visit. �

Fort Nelson was the last of the three royal Armouries that I visited with my family. I have got to say what a fantastic day. all the staff are totally friendly and approachable!!! 5 Stars is not even enough, they should be 10 stars and more. Fantastic day out for all the family!!!

Excellent visit. Although we went to see the Poppy Wave we thoroughly enjoyed visiting the whole museum. Extremely interesting and worth a visit any time. There is a small parking charge, currently £3.00 but entrance to the museum is free. The tunnels are great fun, especially for the young and the on site cafe is comfortable & has some yummy offerings & good coffee. Highly recommend a visit here at any time but particularly in the next few weeks while the beautiful & emotive poppies are there.

Excellent visit. Good interpretation material and artefacts. Fort isn’t bad either especially tunnels and internal workings and all free!!



There is free parking on the opposite side of the road if you are prepared to walk 100 metres to the entrance.

Excellent staff, brilliant exhibits and awesome Poppy Wave... must be a huge boost to the Armouries well done all involved in getting it here

Been twice to see the poppies with different family members, thoroughly enjoyed both visits, !st time just saw the poppies from behind but the 2nd time we were able to go under the wave beautiful

A really good day out. We went to see the Poppies but looked around the museum etc too. We will definitely back again, the £3 parking fee is all you pay. We did hear a volunteer yesterday say they’ve had people moaning about the car park fee and drive off! The staff were friendly and helpful too.

Cafe has been disrupted by the poppy wave and moved to a marquee outside on the parade ground. This and the prices of refreshments takes the shine off the visit, however still worth the trip.

Went to see the poppy display and it was truly amazing to see.... spent 2 hours walking around and staff were really friendly ..... went with my son boyfriend and step dad who also loved it and only cost £3 for all of us, so very cheap .... wish we had taken a picnic as well but maybe next time

Went to see the Wave today & just passed the wonderful poppies I was taken ill & had to be brought down in a wheelchair.Strangers,staff & volunteers were so good to us,thank you all we really appreciate what you did for me.

Well worth the £3 car park fee. Can’t believe something this interesting is free to get in!! The poppy display was wonderful and seeing a history of weapons from hundreds of years ago - as well as other countries, is fascinating

We were well warned to keep clear of popular times as the crowds wanting to see the Poppy Wave can be massive, so we chose Monday afternoon around 2.30 and there were no queues anywhere.

We didn't realize that there would be so much to see as well as the poppies, and we're fascinated.

Parking, paid inside the exhibition centre, is only £3, and no other entrance charge is made.

A full trip round the Fort takes quite a while, and involves a fair bit of walking and a bit of stair and slope climbing, which was no problem for us OAPs, but did prove too much for our disabled companions.

All in all, well worth the visit.

Visited for the first time yesterday with a friend and our six kids... wasn’t sure what to expect but thought it was a great day out! Lots to see, loved the tunnels etc. The poppies were a great extra. Will try and get back on a sunny day to see them before they go! Highly recommend. Great value. Staff all friendly.

The Poppies are stunning if like us you manage to see with the sunlight catching them. I can’t believe it’s free to get it apart for £3.00 to park.

We visited on Monday 21st May (my birthday & my personal but unofficial Bank Holiday 😁) and it was nice and quite which was perfect for us. We followed this up with lunch in Loch Fyne in Gunwhalf which was just perfect.

Really enjoyable day. The queue for the poppy wave was large, but moved pretty quickly. £3 for parking is nothing considering the extra cost involved in having the poppy wave at the Fort Nelson. Really can't understand people moaning or indeed parking elsewhere so as to avoid supporting what is otherwise a FREE museum. The rest of the museum was very interesting. We particularly enjoyed exploring the tunnels and the "other ranks" ablutions . Well done to the staff and volunteers who have obviously worked extremely hard during the massive increase of visitors to the fort Nelson.

Never been here before, and only went to see the Poppy Wave on its last day, but stayed for hours! (Even after an hour queuing for the Poppies!). So much to see and do - will definitely be coming back with the other grandchildren!

Heard about the poppy wave from a friend. Well worth the visit. Incredible work put into hand making these ceramic poppies and as someone who has done pottery in the past I understand the work involved. The fort itself is well worth a visit and there’s a nice tea room providing shelter from the heat and a slice of lavender cake.

Had a great day out today at Fort Nelson. The poppies were fabulous and the fort itself unlike anything I have previously visited. The staff were very attentive and I would especially like to give a mention to Evelyn, the first aider who helped my mum and to Chris the security guard who helped to get mum back in her wheelchair when it tipped over. Both went above and beyond. Thank you.

Great afternoon out with the family. The fort is very interesting with the cannons etc. I suggest to go see the poppy wave while it is still there as it is amazing.

Great value for money and a nice family day out.

Great Piece of Portsmouth History nestled into the hills, lots to view, loads to do refreshments on hand and a minimal fee of 3 quid to park and visit! On top of that we got to see the Poppy Wave which despite the crowds was well worth it.

With thanks too all the staff for making it a great place to visit. �

Fort Nelson was the last of the three royal Armouries that I visited with my family. I have got to say what a fantastic day. all the staff are totally friendly and approachable!!! 5 Stars is not even enough, they should be 10 stars and more. Fantastic day out for all the family!!!

Excellent visit. Although we went to see the Poppy Wave we thoroughly enjoyed visiting the whole museum. Extremely interesting and worth a visit any time. There is a small parking charge, currently £3.00 but entrance to the museum is free. The tunnels are great fun, especially for the young and the on site cafe is comfortable & has some yummy offerings & good coffee. Highly recommend a visit here at any time but particularly in the next few weeks while the beautiful & emotive poppies are there.

Excellent visit. Good interpretation material and artefacts. Fort isn’t bad either especially tunnels and internal workings and all free!!



There is free parking on the opposite side of the road if you are prepared to walk 100 metres to the entrance.

Excellent staff, brilliant exhibits and awesome Poppy Wave... must be a huge boost to the Armouries well done all involved in getting it here

Been twice to see the poppies with different family members, thoroughly enjoyed both visits, !st time just saw the poppies from behind but the 2nd time we were able to go under the wave beautiful

A really good day out. We went to see the Poppies but looked around the museum etc too. We will definitely back again, the £3 parking fee is all you pay. We did hear a volunteer yesterday say they’ve had people moaning about the car park fee and drive off! The staff were friendly and helpful too.

Cafe has been disrupted by the poppy wave and moved to a marquee outside on the parade ground. This and the prices of refreshments takes the shine off the visit, however still worth the trip.