Mystery at the Fort

The Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson is calling on all junior super sleuths to find out if they have got what it takes to follow in the footsteps of the great Victorian detective Sherlock Holmes this February half term.

The author and famous Portsmouth resident, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, mentions ‘A fort along a hill’, which many believe may be Fort Nelson, in his Sherlock Holmes’ story ‘The Five Orange Pips’. Inspired by these local links, Fort Nelson have created their very own Victorian mystery.

Children are invited to grab their deer stalker hats and step back in time to take on the persona of a Victorian detective who has been appointed to solve the mysterious case of Ran-Tan Tommy.

Costumed characters will guide the young detectives underground into the depths of a dimly lit tunnel and around key sections of the fort as they hunt the clues and solve the puzzles that will help unravel the cryptic case.

To complement the mystery activity there will be different themed make-and-take craft activities.

Mystery at the Fort
• Monday 18 February – Friday 22 February
• Sessions at: 11 am / 12 noon / 2 pm / 3 pm
• Price £3.50 per child (aged 5-10 years, adult supervision required at all times).

Themed Arts and Crafts

• Price: £3.00 per child (suitable for 3-12 year olds)
• Time: 10:30 am – 3:30 pm daily (drop in sessions)

Pay on the day or pre-book your tickets in advance from the Visitor Centre or by calling 01329 233 734 (subject to availability).

Fort Nelson is a large Victorian fortification (one of the famous Palmerston Follies) which was built between 1860 and 1870 to deter an enemy attack on Portsmouth from inland, although it never saw action against the French. Today it has become home to the Royal Armouries’ national collection of artillery, one of the largest collections of its type in the UK.

Over 700 items of artillery from many countries and spanning 600 years of history are sensitively brought alive with the unique stories that accompany them.

With 19 acres of ramparts to explore, plus panoramic views of the Solent and Meon Valley, Fort Nelson is an exciting day out for all the family. Admission to the museum is free. The Fort is open daily 10 am – 4 pm (November – March).