During this years Heritage Open Days on the 13th & 14th September, join our curators for a special tour of their top ten objects in the collection, where you will get to hear some interesting facts and fascinating stories from the artillery experts.
History-loving visitors to Fort Nelson will be able to join our curators for a special hour-long tour discussing their top ten items in the Royal Armouries artillery collection.
Tours will need to be booked online in advance, at www.royalarmouries.org as spaces are limited.
The free tours will take place at 11am, 1pm and 3pm and will last an hour in total. Visitors will spend 30-minutes with each of our expert curators. The tours are suitable for ages 14+ only and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Fort Nelson was built in the 1860s to protect against a potential invasion by the French, which never materialised.
Although never used for its original purpose the Fort played a significant role in both World Wars; as barracks for troops waiting to be deployed to the front line in the First, and as an anti-aircraft ammunition supply depot during the Second.
Today it stands as the finest Victorian fort of its kind and as part of the Royal Armouries is home to the national collection of artillery.
Fort Nelson is open six days a week (closed on Mondays) 10am to 5pm.
Timings & Tours
Saturday 13 September: 11am-12pm, 1pm-2pm & 3pm-4pm
Sunday 14 September: 11am-12pm, 1pm-2pm & 3pm-4pm
Location & directions
Directions: The event will be taking place at Royal Armouries, Fort Nelson, on top of Portsdown Hill in Portsmouth, Hampshire.
Contact on day: Fort Nelson
Telephone number: +441329233734
Accessibility Details
A lift is available between the first floor and the main gallery level, where some of the tour will be taking place. Fort Nelson is a Scheduled Ancient Monument with different surfaces includes paving stones, gravel and grass, and with varying levels. Ramps have been provided to access much of the site.
Additional Information
We advise visitors to arrive 10 minutes before the tour in order to split into groups. The tours are suitable for ages 14+ and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Booking information
Pre-booking requirement: Pre booking required. Due to restricted numbers, places for the tours need to be booked online via eventbrite - click the button below and follow the instructions.
Booking opens: 31 Jul 2025 12:00 AM
Booking closes: 14 Sep 2025 12:00 AM
Max no of people per tour: 20
Est. tour duration: 1 hour