Meet the big guns at Fort Nelson this February Half Term

This February half term Royal Armouries Fort Nelson invites visitors to experience its famous collection of big guns in action.

At 1pm from the 12 — 16 February experienced staff will be firing one the Big Guns on the Fort’s impressive parade ground. As well as this there will be exciting interactive walking tours with costumed interpreters around the vast galleries, giving younger visitors a chance to hear the fascinating stories behind the stars of the collection.

For little ones there will be opportunities to come and get arty in the craft corner, they can make a sword and shield, decorate a crown or create a mask and take them home. All craft activities will be available daily between 10.30am and 3.30pm.

No need to book just drop-in. The craft projects are suitable for ages 3 — 12, £3 per child.
Fort Nelson is home to the national collection of artillery. With 19 acres of ramparts, outer fortifications, secret underground tunnels, and ammunition bunkers, there is plenty to entertain all of the family this half term.

Commenting on the event, Nigel Hosier, Operations Manager, said: “The collection of artillery housed as Fort Nelson is one of the most significant of its kind in the world, it includes the imposing Iraqi Supergun, 18-inch Railway Howitzer and Second World War 25-pounder Gun Howitzer, to name a few.

“The Fort is the perfect place to bring your family this half term. Not only can you explore our extensive collection, our unique location on the top of Portsdown Hill means we are surrounded by amazing views and space, making it a great place for indoor and outdoor activities.”

For more details about the Royal Armouries and the national collection housed at Fort Nelson, visit: www.royalarmouries.org

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About the event
Dates: Monday 12 — Friday 16 February 2018, 10am-5pm

Interactive Walking Tours: Sessions start at 11.00am, 12.00pm, 2.00pm and 3.00pm, £3.50 per child (no charge for adults). Suitable for ages 3 -10.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times
Places are limited to 16 per session
Pre-booking is advisable, however some tickets will be available on the day at Fort Nelson T: 01329 848 532 to pre-book

Crafts: Craft activities will be available daily between 10.30am and 3.30pm.
No need to book just drop in.
The craft projects are suitable for ages 3 — 12.
£3 per child
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Notes to editors

– Royal Armouries has two other sites at HM Tower of London and in Leeds.
– Fort Nelson in Hampshire houses the national collection of big guns and artillery. It underwent a major refurbishment in 2011, with new galleries and a state-of-the-art education centre. The project was supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
– In 2014, it was awarded a Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor.
– The Royal Armouries Museum should not be confused with Royal Armouries International plc, the private sector corporate hospitality business based on the same site in Leeds.
– For further media enquiries and photo opportunities at Fort Nelson, please contact Katie Canning, Communications Officer: katie.canning@armouries.org.uk, 0113 220 1978