Children can pretend to be soldiers and practice drill formations under the command of our drill sergeant. Then the young recruits can test their skills firing flintlock muskets and cannons in a shooting range, and have a go at playing traditional games of the period.
History is also brought to life in the Guard Room, where a Napoleonic battlefield surgeon will describe and demonstrate the implements he used to treat the wounded.
For a real insight into the Napoleonic artillery on display at the museum visitors can join one of our fact-packed 30-minute guided tours.
There will be insightful talks on the battle of Waterloo by costumed characters throughout the day and the opportunity to handle historical artefacts.
Fort Nelson will be open from 10am to 5pm during the Easter holidays (6 April – 21 April) and museum admission is free. Parking is £3.
Fort Nelson (weblink)
Portsdown Hill Road, Fareham, PO17 6AN, United Kingdom
Napoleonic drill sessions for children
- Daily
- 11am / 2pm / 3.30 pm
- Parental supervision required at all times.
- Free
Traditional games
- Drop in and play
- Free
Battlefield surgeon
- 9, 10 & 11 April and 16, 17 & 18 April
- All day, drop in
- Free
Musket and cannon range
Supervised activity
- Daily
- 10.30am – 4.30pm
- £2 per person for 8 shots (suitable for children aged 3+ years)
No booking required, pay on arrival in the Visitor Centre
Napoleonic themed tours
Fact-packed 30-minute guided tours of the museum.
- Daily
- 11.15am / 1.30pm
- Free
Talk: Weapons of Waterloo
Battle of Waterloo themed insight talk and object handling session.
- Daily
- 12.30pm
- Free