Beyond Brighton
Fort Nelson (Royal Armouries)
The national artillery collection
About Fort Nelson (Royal Armouries)
Fort Nelson was built between 1862 and 1872, one of the forts raised after the Royal Commission of 1859 on the defence of the United Kingdom, to guard Portsmouth against an attack from the land. The invasion never came, and Historic England records the fort’s old nickname, Palmerston’s Folly. The Royal Armouries took on the fort in 1988, and it now holds the national collection of artillery, from a 15th-century Turkish bombard to a 200-tonne railway howitzer and the Iraqi “Big Babylon” supergun. Entry is free, though booking online is recommended; parking is paid on arrival. It opens daily in the school holidays and Tuesday to Sunday in term time.
Why it's on our list
- Palmerston’s forts
- Big guns
- Harbour views
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Fort Nelson (Royal Armouries) before you go.