The Confident Mother on tour in Hampshire visited Fort Nelson to see the national collection of artillery. Now if you’re not an artillery or a military fan (and you know I’m not if you read my piece on why the Mosquito is Britain’s best World War II aircraft), this might sound deadly dull. I’ve got to admit, when my relatives suggested it, I thought we were visiting an ancient fort. When I realised it’s a restored Victorian fort, I thought I’d be bored.
I really enjoyed our afternoon here. It’s in an amazing location at the top of Portsdown Hill, near Fareham in Hampshire. Easy parking, always a bonus. Then you wander round an incredible 19 acres of ramparts, outer fortifications, secret underground tunnels, and ammunition bunkers at this fully restored Victorian fort. I loved the huge collection of cannons from all over the world – the carvings and artwork on the Asian cannons was incredible. And if you time it right, you get to see a live firing of a Second World War 25-pounder Gun Howitzer. LOUD!
Plus it’s free entry. Find out more here.
Enjoy these photos? Have you visited Fort Nelson? What did you enjoy?
If you like military history, you’ll enjoy our day out at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard too.
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