Exploring Nothe Fort, Weymouth

Nothe Fort is located at the entrance to Weymouth Harbour and has a labyrinth of underground passageways and outdoor areas with stunning views of the Jurassic Coast. Nothe Fort is an award winning attraction offering low cost family entertainment and great value regardless of the weather.

Nothe Fort, built by the Victorians in 1870 was strategically sited at the end of the Nothe Peninsula to provide protection to Portland Harbour.

Constructed on three levels, the lowest level, the Magazine Level, was originally designed to store gunpowder and shells. The middle level, the Gun Deck Level, was designed to accommodate the cannons and provide accommodation for the soldiers manning the cannons. The top level formed the ramparts from where muskets could be fired and cannons loaded during an attack on the fort.

Each level on the Nothe Fort is easily accessed by means of a lift.  It is one of the best preserved Victorian Forts of its kind in the country.

Nothe Fort is filled with displays, mammoth guns and cinema areas that chart the history of this large and magnificent Victorian structure. The history of the fort spanning 150 years is explained through many displays, exhibits and audio visual facilities located on the ramparts, gun decks and throughout the maze of underground passageways.

Events at Nothe Fort

The Nothe Fort is operated by the Weymouth Civic Society, a Registered Charity run by volunteers who organise events for the public throughout the year.

Nothe Fort Artillery

Every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month (excluding December & January) the Fort’s Artillery Volunteers show off their musketry and cannon handling skills with several big bangs.

Nothe Fort Evacuee Experience February 2010 Half Term Special

Nothe Fort’s Evacuee Experience is second to none when it comes to reliving life as an evacuee in the 1940s.

The event is held during the February half term holiday on Monday 15th and Wednesday 17th February from 10.15am to 2.30pm (not suitable for children under 5).

Tickets are priced at £3.50 per person for this special event. Attendance is by ticket only and numbers will be restricted so please book early at The Tourist Information Centre (Weymouth) to avoid disappointment. There is a council operated car park in Nothe Gardens and the Fort is just a short walking distance.

The Nothe Fort offers great educational value and fun for children. They can experience an old 1940s school room supervised by a very strict headmaster complete with cane, an air raid shelter drill, and a Weymouth at War display. Visitors can also see a recreation of a 1940s kitchen with Mrs Mop doing the washing and cooking without the aid of fancy kitchen gadgets and facilities. At the Nothe Fort’s 1940s shop you will see the effects of rationing and witness the difference between the relatively sparse ranges of food available during World War 2 compared with the vast selection of foods we take for granted today.

The whole experience offers great educational value and fun for both children and adults alike. The World War II Evacuee Experience for primary school children is very popular with schools in Dorset and Somerset. For senior members they may find reliving this real life experience fascinating and pass on their knowledge to their family and grandchildren. Dogs are welcome providing they are kept on a lead and supervised at all times.

The British Restaurant will also be open for rations bags for the children & soup and bacon sarnies for the adults. You can enjoy your meal in the canteen, or take advantage of the picnic areas and enjoy the spectacular views of the Dorset Coast.

Visiting Nothe Fort

The Nothe Fort is also open during the Easter holidays 2nd April to 18th April 10:30am to 5:30pm, please check the Nothe Fort website for opening times during the reminder of the year.

When there is not a scheduled event, children aged 5 to 14 are admitted for £1, Adults £6, seniors £4 and members (Friends of the Fort) pay a reduced rate. School & College groups are also welcome for self or guided tours.

Nothe Fort Views

The Fort’s terrace area has unrivalled views of Weymouth Bay and is an ideal location to hold social events with friends or colleagues. The Nothe Fort also makes an ideal viewing platform from which to view the 2012 Olympic sailing events. The venue is licensed to sell alcohol and holds a full entertainments licence.

If you are in Weymouth and fancy visiting the Nothe Fort it is about a 15-20 minute walk from The Outdoor Store shop. Stroll along the beach and round to Brewers Quay. Follow the path around the peninsula and you will see the Nothe Fort in front of you.

All images Copyright Nothe Fort

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