Fort Nelson Portsmouth

100s of life-sized silhouettes representing soldiers, in a field at dawn with mist on the ground - photographer Amanda Walden

With over 19 acres of tunnels, ramparts and artillery to explore, Fort Nelson is a space where imaginations can run wild.

Overlooking Portsmouth Harbour, this restored Victorian fortress is packed with artillery from across the world. Highlights include a 15th-century Turkish bombard cannon, a gigantic 200-tonne railway howitzer, and the infamous ‘Big Babylon’ Iraqi supergun.

There’s plenty for all ages to enjoy, including free family activities, an onsite café and regularly changing exhibitions.

Book Tickets

Free Entry

Opening Times

School Holiday: 25 October to 2 November
Open daily
10am to 4pm

Term-time: 4 November to 19 December
Open Tuesday to Sunday
10am to 4pm

Getting Here

Portsdown Hill Road,
Portsmouth
PO17 6AN
United Kingdom

Standing with Giants: For Your Tomorrow - Now Fully Booked

Standing with Giants: For Your Tomorrow in Normandy. Photograph by Amanda Walden, courtesy of British Normandy Memorial

From 22nd October to 25 January Fort Nelson is hosting 'For Your Tomorrow - The People's Tribute' an installation of 1,475 life-sized silhouettes, created by charity Standing with Giants in tribute to the servicemen under British Command and 50 French Resistance Fighters who lost their lives on D-Day.

Our October half term event Halloween Fun at the Fort will be going ahead as planned with spooky games and fun activities for all the family 25 October to 2 November and we will also be running a Christmas Experience, Albert Bear's Christmas Adventure, from 2 December to 4 January.

Due to high demand, pre booking for this period is essential. Tickets will give you general admission to the museum, any activities taking place and access to 'For Your Tomorrow - The People's Tribute'.

Ticket availability

We are now fully booked. We are looking for ways to add additional capacity. If we are able to we will announce this on our website and social media.

What's On

All Events

Tickets

Due to an overwhelming response to the Standing with Giants 'For Your Tomorrow - The People's Tribute' installation, Fort Nelson is fully booked until January 25 2026, thank you for your support!

We are looking at ways to increase capacity, If we are able to we will put a message on this website and on social media.

Fort Nelson is free to enter.

Young people aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.

More information on visitor behaviour and guidance.

Royal Armouries Members can park for free at the onsite car park, non-Members can pay for parking on arrival.