Intrepid youngsters launch an armoured assault on Fort Nelson - Monday, 8 February 2010
Youngsters are being invited to beat the February half-term blues and let off steam by joining an “Armoured Assault” session at historic Fort Nelson.
The Victorian fort at Portsdown Hill provides the backcloth to exciting assault courses on Tuesday (February 16) and Thursday (February 18) and children are invited to turn up in camouflage gear – or simply enjoy the session in “civvies”.
On both days, there’s a chance to climb inside and explore a tank-like vehicle, The Sexton, and watch driving and firing displays at 12noon and 2pm. The 26-tonne Sexton dates to the D-Day landings and recently helped marked the start of the £3.5 million redevelopment of the Royal Armouries museum by blowing up a bungalow at the front of the fort.
Girls as well as boys are invited to take part in the Armoured Assault sessions and entry to the fort is free. In addition, for a £2 charge, there are workshops where children can get crafty and make cardboard helmets and machine guns, and learn all about the art of successful camouflage.
Other attractions include a Junior Commando Assault Course running all day, giving youngsters a chance to let off steam with lots of energetic fun, including running, jumping and crawling, plus the firing of a 25-pounder gun at 1pm.
Fort Nelson also has secret underground tunnels and chambers to explore, hundreds of big guns and cannon, live performances, gun firings and guided tours every day.
There is no need to book in advance and the Fort’s Powderkeg Café is open seven days a week offering locally-sourced food and snacks. Winter opening hours of 10.30am to 4pm apply.
Photocall
You are invited to send a reporter and photographer/camera crew to either of these events at Fort Nelson.
…ENDS…
Notes to editors
- The Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson houses the national collection of historic cannon and big guns. The museum houses one of the world’s finest collections with over 350 cannon dating back over 600 years. The collection originated at HM Tower of London and has been on display in Hampshire since 1995.
- The Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson also tells the story of the Palmerston Forts, built to protect Portsmouth from a feared French invasion in the 1860’s.
- Every day, visitors can see one of the big guns fired in salute, watch our resident actors bring to life characters from 1,000 years of history, explore secret underground tunnels and enjoy incredible views from the ramparts. An extensive programme of special event spectaculars takes place throughout the year.
- Fort Nelson is open every day except 24-26 December. April to October 10am –5pm (Wed 11am-5pm), November – March 10.30am – 4pm (Wed 11.30-4pm).
- Admission to the Royal Armouries is FREE.
- Admission charges apply to some events.
- Information line: 01329 233734
- Website: www.royalarmouries.org
- Email: fnenquiries@armouries.org.uk
- The Royal Armouries is the national museum of arms and armour with sites at Fort Nelson, Leeds, HM Tower of London and Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
- The Royal Armouries Museum should not be confused with Royal Armouries International plc, the private sector corporate hospitality business.
Media contact
Joss Loader
Primary PR Ltd.
Tel: 07838 379599
Email: info@primarypr.co.uk
Download the PDF press release.