Royal Armouries: Fort Nelson

Very big museum and lots to do. Very friendly staff and helpful. Free of charge. My family joy every minute. Big tunnels underground. Lots and lots to do. Lovely clean toilets. Free parking. Armchair friendly.

Was on my way back to my accommodation after two days exploring the historic dockyard in Portsmouth but whilst passing Fort Nelson I had an hour before they closed. An hour isn’t enough to do this large complex justice but I had a quick look around. Railway gun is huge. Good exhibition of historic artillery, guns from Waterloo, Soviet Union etc. Good views from the rear ramparts. The tunnels are fun. Interactive activities for kids like dressing up & packing a soldiers kit. This would make a good free day out no question.

Free entry, all you have to pay for is the parking and if your kids want to go on the assault course. Well worth paying for as the kids have loads of fun, climbing and crawling!
A good day out for kids including younger tots as there is plenty of climbing and tunnels for them to explore. Probably not the best for those with limited mobility although they do have wheelchair routes and a lift.
The indoor exhibits are well thought out with interesting signage and interactive sounds/displays. They tell the story of the fort and artillery.
If you are interested in artillery then the range of exhibits will impress. From some of the world's earliest artillery pieces up to the Iraqi super gun.
Our favourite is the railway gun.

All in all a good cheap day out for the family, especially when the sun is shining. Plenty of parking is available.

Exceptional museum on portsdown hill, still can't believe it's free for entry. Lovely cafe at start. Loads of exhibits in the fort itself. Tells the story of how and why they were built. Also has the Falklands 40 year exhibit. There is a large ground to explore outside with a small refreshment bar where you purchase tickets for the junior assault course. All in all a great day out for all the family.

Had an absolutely awesome day taking the kids there, yes it was a free day out but regardless it was still awesome, we as a whole family loved it, as an adult it was great to learn all the history of the Fort through the years and the kids loved it seeing all the different cannons and leaning about what the Fort was for and what the different soldiers did they especially as they compared it to what their uncle does in the military now compared to then. I would recommend a visit there to anyone and everyone.

Great artillery museum, well presented exhibits, good facilities and parking. Free entry. We were lucky to attend on an open day with lots of WW2 re-enactments including a field gun live firing exercise. The views across Portsmouth Harbour are stunning.

Enjoyed a quiet walk around here and look forward to bringing the children. They have a cafe and very friendly staff work here. Very clean and they do have a lift for anyone who needs it to enjoy seeing the Museum. Lots of picnic tables to have lunch on.

What a fantastic way to spend 3-4 hours free of charge. The Fort its self looking over Portsmouth is huge with plenty to do and see. The railway gun is seriously impressive and the tunnels are fun. Parking is available for a small fee, cafe/ souvenir shop on site.