royal armouries - fort nelson

We came across the site by chance whilst out on a drive whilst visiting family. From memory the site isn't widely advertised. The site is located on Portsdown hill and offers some great views of the local area. On the day we visited, the weather was overcast and drizzly, but that didn't affect the day as most of the site is undercover. There is plenty of history covered through informative information panels, and the site is well laid out. When we visited it was quiet and this added to the eeriness of the long dark tunnels. Would recommend to families of all ages and people with an interest in history.There is a well stocked gift shop of site offering reasonable priced gifts, and a cafe offering good value drinks and snacks.

We came across this a bit by chance, but had a great visit, there are many highlights of what is the national collection of artillery, from the morters that fired 3ft diameter spheres, to parts of the Iraqi Supergun. but for me the WW1 rail mounted gun was the most impressive.Really enjoyed the visit

I first knew Fort Nelson when clearing and restoration were just starting. An amateur dramatic group was formed and we gave a peripatetic performance of the fort's history from building up to the second world war. We took the audience round the barracks, tunnels, mortars, parade ground and other areas.Forward 30 years or so and it has developed into a superb attraction, covering not only artillery but also an understanding as to how the Victorian army functioned. The new entrance is fantastic but unfortunately the new toilets mean that gentlemen can no longer use the original facilities used by the garrison. Probably just as well.The cafe is perfect. Just the right menu for the attraction. We often walk the dog in the field at the bottom of the old car park and pop in for a cuppa afterwards. There is even a dog bowl outside.Over the years we have visited, we have watched the fort develop and the exhibits expand. Every year the Fort has been my preferred location for remembrance in November with the 11 o clock silence being signalled by the WW1 18 pdr followed by a costumed monologue. I was surprised, however, when last year it was demoted to the gun being fired by museum staff with little explanation. I had hoped for more in the centenary year. Perhaps I was there on the wrong day. Never fear, I will be there this year.

We love the Armouries, we have 3 young girls and they love the museum and the ammunition tunnel. The food in the Cafe is tasty and good value for money.

Ok, lets say l never understand why such amazing historical places are not advertised more. Yes , we had to play hunt todays adventure ( being we are not modern don't use Sat Nav) . Our AA Atlas is our guide. As we travelled we had spied what we thought were dummy Ship Funnels.We where staying at Warners Sinah Warren, so asked our waiter. He didn't know name of M O D but insisted view from what he called " Top of Hill " was not to be missed. How true that statement is !Yes M O D are there, so is Fort Nelson. Young Royal Navy recruits were on site , with senior staff on a training / learning exercise. Young men venturing into an unknown world full of life and excitement. My thoughts were how how prouds their parents must be. Have a wonderful life boys.Go, visit wonderful venue so much to see. I will not tell you anymore you will not be disappointed. Visit Fort Nelson. Have something to eat , clean , is what you ask for . Nothing fancy reasonable priced.

Some wonderful displays of equipment from world war 2, Afghanistan, Iraq etc. The tunnels are great for kids and the range of cannons is good.

The armouries entrance has been modernised since I visited many years ago. We had family to stay so a trip here was great for a few hours. They have a nice cafe.

Didn't expect too much from this museum but were pleasantly surprised. Although for me personally when you've seen one gun you've seen them all, my husband and 6 year old son loved it.Some of the guns are outside, some are in a big "hangar" type building and others are in the museum buildings. Everything from part of Hussein's supergun, to antique Chinese dragon guns, with (it seemed to me!) every military cannon in between!There are a few rooms laid out as they would have been when the fort was in use, with information on the history of the building etc.You can also go in the tunnels under the fort where the armoury was stored.Entry is free, café and shop and sensible family cubicle loos are at the start. Level access from car park, there is a lift in the museum building to take you to the lower level so pretty much all accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs.A big gun is fired at 1pm every day. Wrap up well as its windy up top, and chilly in the tunnels!Be aware that the website states open from 10am every day but the exhibits don't open until 10.30 in the winter season (you can get in to the café/shop).

We had a good trip on the boat first then off to see the ArmouriesWell worth the visit lots to see and the children were pleased they could get so near and touch some of the exhibits.

This museum is free but its content does not suffer for this. If you are interested in the history of fire power this will be for you it has some excellent examples of cannons through the ages.The fort itself with its tunnels is great fun to walk or if you have energetic children run around as lots of outdoor space. the views from the ramparts are excellent. Being on chalk downland good spot for wildflower spotting as the area near the old car park has Bee Orchids.

we had a rainy afternoon on our weeks holiday so decided to drive to this. We didn't expect this free attraction to be so big and after spending a couple of hours whizzing about we decided we need to go back. Gun firing is at 1pm which sadly we missed.

We took the boys to Fort Nelson, wasn't really sure if they would enjoy it being aged 12, but they loved it. They enjoyed going through the tunnels and found the guide very informative. The cafe was a great relief afterwards and the scones and cakes were lovely, and great value too!

My 1st visit with my 3.5yo daughter - absolutely fantastic and free. Despite some heavy rain showers a large amount of the exhibits are indoors. The tunnels are great and led to some great areas where there are some good views (would probably have been great views if we could see!).As others have commented - this is free to visit, staff are friendly, the coffee shop is priced sensibly. Definitely visit again but maybe in the sun so we can enjoy the outdoor area more.

First.. THIS IS FREE except for certain events...and its great place to move and feel free..lots of history... space for the kids to run down dark (well...ish!) tunnels... some amazing guns/armory... and has been updated.. free parking.. good views... space.. what more could you want!??!! pay them a visit! great for all kids and adults.

Absolutely amazing. A really good museum that will keep the kids and the adults amused for a good few hours. Lovely little restaurant/cafe just inside the foyer, but would also be a great place for a picnic. Well worth finding and best of all...It,s FREE ! Even the staff there are friendly.