Royal Armouries Fort Nelson - Fareham
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To make a booking or enquire about hiring this venue please use the contact details below - Please mention Venues for Hire
Portsdown Hill Rd
Armouries way
Fareham
Hampshire
PO17 6AN
01329 848518
Beth Cohen
Use contact form below
Royal Armouries Fort Nelson description
Museum / Funerals and Wakes / Wedding Venue / Party Venue / Historic Venue / Business Meeting Rooms
Medium (1-150)
Fort Nelson is one of four Palmerston forts, strategically positioned along the chalk ridge of Portsdown Hill, and is one of the best surviving examples of a 19th-century Victorian fort. This fully restored Victorian fort was built to protect the great naval harbour of Portsmouth and is set in over 19 acres of glorious Hampshire countryside. The spectacular views of Portsmouth Harbour, the Meon Valley and South Downs National Park make it a unique place for your special event.
Venue suitability
This venue is suitable for the following uses:
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Venue facilities
50 spaces
Within 5 metres
Yes
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Yes
Yes - Manned
Other venue facilities
Yes
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Yes
Explore the rooms this venue has for hire by expanding the sections below.
The charming 'Point of the Redan', originally the officers' Billiard Room, is a multi-functional space and suitable for a range of activities. The room layout is flexible and there is access to the Palmerston Suites for break-out groups and/refreshments.
Capacity
As meeting room:
25
For dining:
80
As theatre:
80
For a reception:
100
Our impressive Officers’ Mess is steeped in history, and furnished with unique heritage pieces. It’s the perfect room to use for welcome drinks for a party or event.
Capacity
As meeting room:
12
For dining:
12
For a reception:
12
The Ante Room has been restores to its full Victorian splendour and has magnificent views of the Solent and the Isle of Wright from its large picture window.
Capacity
As meeting room:
20
As theatre:
45
The Palmerston Suite provides the ideal space for break out groups and/or refreshments.
Latest news:
Parties at Fort Nelson
10 April 2026
Our superbly restored Victorian Fort and scenic position above the Solent combine to make Fort Nelson a unique and unusual venue for celebrations of all kinds, especially birthdays and anniversary parties.
The Fort is both imposing and inspiring; there are rooms packed with original Victorian features and heritage, private courtyards, panoramic views and unique photo locations.
Your party will be held in the elegant and private setting of the former Officers’ Mess, with a capacity of up to 60 guests. We offer a full range of catering options and ample on-site parking.
To check availability and to discuss your requirements please contact our Venue Hire Manager using our custom contact form or email fnfunctions@armouries.org.uk.
Marry at Fort Nelson
10 April 2026
Imagine our charming Victorian Fortress, set high atop a hill overlooking the picturesque Solent and Meon Valley, as the unique setting for your special day.
Fort Nelson’s fascinating history will lend a distinctive atmosphere to your celebration and a dramatic backdrop for long-lasting memories.
The Fort is imposing and inspiring and features atmospheric rooms, private courtyards, panoramic views and unique photo locations.
Fort Nelson holds a civil licence allowing weddings and civil partnership ceremonies to take place in the former Officers’ Mess. This suite of rooms can be configured to suit your requirements, with the option of holding your drinks reception in our delightful courtyard.
To check availability and to discuss your requirements please contact our Venue Hire Manager using our custom contact form or email fnfunctions@armouries.org.uk.
Corporate hire
10 April 2026
Our superbly restored Victorian fort, world-class museum collections and scenic position above the Solent combine to make Fort Nelson a unique and unusual venue for corporate hire.
Whatever the occasion, from conferences to board meetings, team building activities to product launches, the Fort is open for business and can offer a range of adaptable rooms and facilities, catering options and ample on-site parking. Our unusual corporate event spaces are packed with original Victorian features and heritage. Choose Fort Nelson as your venue and take the stress out of planning your next away day or meeting.
View more information about Fort Nelson corporate hire (pdf, 88 KB).
To check availability and to discuss your requirements please contact our Venue Hire Manager using our custom contact form or email fnfunctions@armouries.org.uk.
Wake at Fort Nelson
2 April 2025
After a funeral it is traditional to host a funeral reception/wake for family and friends. Fort Nelson offers the perfect place to bring together loved ones of the dearly departed in memory, respect and celebration of their life. Funerals are almost always solemn and emotional events, and whilst respects are paid and goodbyes are given, it is often the funeral reception that provides for comfort.
Fort Nelson is located only 1.6 miles from Portchester Crematorium, 8.5 miles from The Oaks Havant Crematorium and ideally located for all local churches. The Fort is one of six Palmerston forts, strategically positioned along the chalk ridge of Portsdown Hill, and is one of the best surviving examples of a 19th – century Victorian fort. It is set in over 19 acres of glorious Hampshire countryside and boasts spectacular views of Portsmouth Harbour, the Meon Valley and South Downs National Park. There is ample free car parking on –site.
Experienced staff will be on hand to provide support before and during the event to ensure the delivery of the required services and facilities. It is possible to include a special gun salute using one of the big guns on The Parade. There are a variety of food and beverage options available to suit all tastes, using only the freshest of ingredients and preparing everything on site to the highest standards. The Redan has a relaxed peaceful atmosphere and is the ideal location for your wake buffet or lunch as you reminisce.
“People are still talking about the food, the spread was absolutely magnificent & incredible quality. It was truly amazing. The care and attention accorded to us made the occasion very special. Rather than feeling cold and soulless, the afternoon was enjoyable and friendly.”
“We know how the gusty weather nearly put an end to our gun salute and toast for my dad's wake and we are very, very grateful for your perseverance on our behalf to ensure it all happened the way we'd hoped. You only get one chance at these things and I can honestly say, with your assistance, it all exceeded our expectations and gave us great joy on such a sad day. My dad would have been very pleased with it all.”
To check availability and to discuss your requirements please contact our Venue Hire Manager using our custom contact form or email fnfunctions@armouries.org.uk.
Document library:
Corporate venue hire at Fort NelsonOur superbly restored Victorian fort, world-class museum collections and scenic position above the Solent combine to make Fort Nelson a unique and unusual venue for corporate hire. View: corporate-venue-hire.jpg (0 kB) |
Funeral Receptions at Fort NelsonAfter a funeral it is tradition to host a reception for family and friends who have attended the service. Fort Nelson offers the perfect venue to gather together, in a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, to share memories and reminisce. View: funeral-receptions.jpg (73,793 kB) |
Marry at Fort NelsonImagine our charming Victorian Fortress, set high atop a hill overlooking the picturesque Solent and Meon Valley, as the unique setting for your special day. View: marry-brochure-25-28.pdf (2,239,579 kB) |
A unique venue within the Portsmouth cultural landscape.
Fort Nelson offers unique venue hire and room hire for a wide range of occasions, from weddings and parties to corporate events and funeral receptions.
Located just outside Portsmouth, Fort Nelson is one of the best-preserved examples of a 19th-century Victorian fort. Built to protect the great naval harbour of Portsmouth, it is set within over 19 acres of stunning Hampshire countryside. Spectacular views of Portsmouth Harbour, the Meon Valley, and South Downs National Park create a distinctive and memorable setting for events of all kinds.
Whether you’re seeking flexible room hire, function spaces, or a dramatic backdrop for your special day, Fort Nelson delivers. We offer a variety of adaptable spaces, catering options, and ample on-site parking.
Our experienced events team is here to support you every step of the way, providing a personal touch and outstanding customer service to ensure your event runs smoothly.
Our superbly restored Victorian Fort and scenic position above the Solent combine to make Fort Nelson a unique and unusual venue for celebrations of all kinds.
To check availability and to discuss your requirements please contact our Venue Hire Manager using our custom contact form or email fnfunctions@armouries.org.uk.
To check availability and to discuss your requirements please contact our Venue Hire Manager using our custom contact form or email fnfunctions@armouries.org.uk.
To check availability and to discuss your requirements please contact our Venue Hire Manager using our custom contact form or email fnfunctions@armouries.org.uk.
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