Royal Armouries Fort Nelson

11/06/2026

Our Crossbow Challenge is open and ready for action this weekend.

The range will be open every weekend in June and July and then daily in the school holidays - 21 July to 6 September.

Eight bolts for £8 – pay on arrival. Suitable for ages 8+ Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Find out more at https://bit.ly/4a6bQCP

10/06/2026

Step back in time at Big History Weekend at Fort Nelson - free event.

Visitors will enjoy a journey through centuries of history, with interactive demonstrations, live reenactments, and hands-on activities for all ages.

The fun-filled event will feature:

• A Tudor falconry display
• Viking and Saxon skirmishes
• A Second World War dog search and rescue display
• Roman story telling sessions
• Gun-firing
• Face painting
• A Time Travellers trail

There's something for everyone at our Big History Weekend but tickets are limited, so don't miss out and book yours today at https://bit.ly/4nD72dp.

4 and 5 July 2026

09/06/2026

Looking for a fun treat for the kids? The sunshine is back at the weekend and so is outdoor theatre at Fort Nelson.

Illyria Theatre will perform Pinocchio on Saturday 13 June at 6pm. Book today at https://bit.ly/3S9dg9e

Pack up the little ones, enjoy the fresh air, and treat them to a magical live performance they’ll love.

Smiles guaranteed all around! 😊

08/06/2026

We have an exciting announcement 🎺

Our Crossbow Challenge is re-opening for the summer season - every weekend in June and July and then daily in the school holidays - 21 July to 6 September.

Eight bolts for £8 – pay on arrival. Suitable for ages 8+ Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Find out more at https://bit.ly/4a6bQCP

07/06/2026

As Volunteers' Week draws to an end, we would like to thank every one of our amazing volunteers at Fort Nelson.

We have a wonderful team, who help to care and maintain the Royal Armouries collection, assist with our Education workshops and family events.

Our volunteers are an integral part of our team - a massive thank you to our incredible volunteers from us all at Fort Nelson.

06/06/2026

Fort Nelson Remembers – D-Day 82.

Today, we commemorate D-Day by reflecting on the courage and sacrifice of those who served.

Fort Nelson has a D-Day exhibition with photos taken by The News of the Operation Overlord leaving Portsmouth, and films of local residents recalling their memories of D-Day.

Our recent Standing with Giants art installation was a powerful reminder of those who gave their lives on D-Day, fighting for our freedom.

We were honoured to welcome four D-Day veterans to see the poignant Standing with Giants tribute, whilst it was on display at the Victorian fort.

Fort Nelson has close ties with Portsmouth, from where so many sailed for D-Day.

Today, and every day - We Will Remember Them.

04/06/2026

We would like to take the opportunity of Volunteers' Week to say a big thank you to all our amazing volunteers.

We are so grateful for their help and support working with our Collections Staff and our Education and Events Teams.

A huge thank you from all of us at Fort Nelson.

04/06/2026

Book your ticket today for our Big History Weekend on 4 and 5 July.

Come and meet historic reenactors, see live demonstrations from different periods of history and enjoy hands-on activities for all ages.

There's something for everyone at our Big History Weekend but tickets are limited, so don't miss out and book yours today at https://bit.ly/4nD72dp.

01/06/2026

Hello June - here's our View of the Month.

Fort Nelson is the finest restored Victorian Fort of its kind and home to the Royal Armouries National Collection of Arms and Armour.

We're open Tuesday to Sunday 10am -5pm and admission is free.

Find out more at www.royalarmouries.org Come and visit soon!