Fort Nelson
Fort Nelson is one of the finest examples of a Victorian defensive fort. Built in the 1860’s it is one of over twenty fortifications that were built to protect the Solent and Portsmouth from invasion, primarily from the French.
Known as one of the Palmerston “Follies” because its guns faced inland, this magnificent fort is a joy to explore.
The views alone from the top of Portsdown hill down to the Solent are worth the journey. There are 19 acres of fortifications, ramparts and underground tunnels in this fully restored fort.
The garrison barrack rooms, hospital and kitchen all allow you to discover what life and conditions were like for the men living there. Discover the graffiti that the men left in the guardroom cells.
Today the fort is also home to the Royal Armouries collection of artillery. “The Big Guns”. Over 700 pieces of artillery from the 200-tonne railway gun to the captured guns of the Victoria Cross, Britain’s highest gallantry award.
Throughout the year there are a variety of exhibitions and often the firing of a Big Gun at 1pm.
Let me take you around and bring the fort to life.
Average tour length:
2 hours
All our tours are bespoke to your needs, so we are very flexible with timings.
Price:
From £100 per tour (not per person)
Combine this tour with:
Portchester Castle