Fort Nelson, Fareham, England is a 19th-century fort located within the South Downs National Park, close to the city of Portsmouth and the Solent. It is now a museum and visitor attraction managed by English Heritage. The fort has a rich history, with its construction beginning in the 1860s. It was used as a military base up until the 1950s and has since been restored and opened to the public.
History
Fort Nelson was built in the 1860s as part of a larger network of forts and batteries to defend Portsmouth and the Solent from a potential French invasion. It was built in a polygonal style, with a moat and a dry ditch. The fort was armed with heavy artillery, including a number of 9-inch Rifled Muzzle Loaders (RMLs) and a 12.5-inch RML, which is still in place today. The fort was used for military purposes until the 1950s when it was decommissioned and put up for sale.
Attractions
Today, Fort Nelson is open to the public as a museum and visitor attraction. Visitors can explore the fort and its grounds, including the dry ditch, moat, and gun emplacements. The fort also houses a collection of military artifacts, including uniforms, weapons, and artillery. There is also a café and gift shop on site. Visitors can also take part in guided tours of the fort, which provide a detailed history of the fort and its role in defending Portsmouth.
What to Expect
When visiting Fort Nelson, visitors can expect to explore the fort and its grounds, as well as take part in guided tours. There are also a number of interactive displays, including a virtual tour of the fort and a range of military artifacts on display. Visitors can also take part in activities such as artillery firing demonstrations and musket firing demonstrations.
Tours
Guided tours of Fort Nelson are available and provide visitors with a detailed history of the fort and its role in defending Portsmouth. Tours are available for both adults and children, and last for approximately one hour. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who will provide insight into the history of the fort and its role in defending Portsmouth.
Admission
Admission to Fort Nelson is free for English Heritage members, otherwise tickets can be purchased at the entrance. Tickets are valid for one day, and include access to the fort, its grounds, and the guided tours.
Tips for Tourists
- Wear comfortable shoes as the fort is spread over a large area and there is a lot of walking involved.
- Bring a camera as there are plenty of photo opportunities.
- Bring a packed lunch or snacks as there is a café on site but no restaurant.
- Allow plenty of time to explore the fort and its grounds.
Practical Information
Fort Nelson is located in Fareham, Hampshire, and is open to the public from 10am to 5pm, seven days a week. Parking is available on site, and the nearest train station is Fareham, which is a 10-minute drive away. The fort is also accessible by bus, with the nearest bus stop located a five-minute walk away.
Fort Nelson is a fascinating place to visit and provides a unique insight into the history of the area and its role in defending Portsmouth. With its interactive displays, guided tours, and collection of military artifacts, it is sure to be a memorable experience for all who visit.
