Defences and Discovery: Fort Nelson Revealed
Fort Nelson, Portsmouth · 24 February to 31 March 2027
Image: Fort NelsonFort Nelson near Portsmouth runs guided tours of its history, from its origins in the 1870s as a defence of Britain's shores through to its roles in the First and Second World Wars. Tours last 50 minutes, suit ages 12 and over, and must be booked in advance. The route is not accessible and includes uneven surfaces, low light, spiral staircases and a tunnel.
Highlights
- Guided tours at 11am, 1pm and 2:30pm on selected dates in February and March 2027
- Tickets from £5 per person, with 20 places per tour
- Covers the fort's history from the 1870s through both World Wars
Getting there
Fort Nelson, PO17 6AN
Get directionsChecked on 26 October 2026 against royalarmouries.org, royalarmouries.org. Details change, so please confirm with the organiser before you travel. How we check
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More things to do in Portsmouth
Nearby
Image: Fort NelsonOuter Defences Tour
A 90 minute outdoor tour at Fort Nelson near Portsmouth, descending into the fort's large defensive ditch. Visitors learn how the ditch was made and the part it played in protecting the fort. Tours run at 10:30am and 2pm on 19 September 2026 and 20 March 2027, with pre-booking recommended and up to 16 people per tour. Not suitable for under 12s.
Image: Fort NelsonDefences & Discovery: Fort Nelson Revealed
Guided 50-minute tours of Fort Nelson, near Portsmouth, trace the fort's origins in the 1870s and its roles in the First and Second World Wars. Tours run at 11am, 1pm and 2:30pm on listed dates between 21 October 2026 and 31 March 2027. Tours suit visitors aged 12 and over, with under 16s accompanied by an adult.
Image: Fort NelsonEast Tunnel Tours
Guided tours of the East Tunnel at Fort Nelson near Portsmouth, a part of the fort normally closed to the public and with original features largely untouched. Tours run on 14 November 2026 and 16 January 2027 at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:00pm, last 60 minutes and hold 12 people, so pre-booking is required. The route is not accessible, lighting is by torch and portable lamps, and the tour is not suitable for under 12s, with under 16s needing an adult.