Visited May 2024

Location	Weymouth, Dorset
Entrance Fee	Yes
Railway Station Nearby	Weymouth 1.5 miles
Parking	Yes
Facilities	Cafe, Gift Shop, Toilets
Map

This has to be one of my top five recommendations for taking children- the fort is beautifully maintained, and there is so much going on for children (certainly during school holidays!) The theme of the week we were there was pirates, and there were flags and bunting up around the fort to reflect this.

Review

This Victorian fort has been restored to a very high standard and is the perfect place for kids as there are so many activities during the school holidays. There are also underground tunnels and gun ramparts, which makes it great for kid's imaginations to run riot. Add to that the view of the sea, with a promise of a trip to the beach afterwards, it is a fab day out. There is  also a Ghost Tunnel which was exciting, although we didn't see or hear anything in the dark tunnel, the excitement was based on the possibility that we might; although if we had then we would have probably run for the hills!

As well as having lots for children, there is a good museum which explains the history and the building of the fort, and also its role as a nuclear bunker during the cold war, a role it kept until 1990. The nuclear bunker is in the basement (of course) and is visitable, and there is an exhibition about the cold war. Also part of the basement are Victorian and WWII exhibitions, and a WWII air raid shelter- and Mum's favourite- a NAAFI shop with wax work figures!

There is a large cafe just off the Parade Ground, which despite being busy had a lot of seating so there was no trouble finding space to sit. The food was delicious and very reasonably priced. Other facilities at the fort include toilets and a gift shop.

The overall impression of the Fort today is that it is very well cared for (mostly by some dedicated volunteers) and a lot of thought and effort has been put into making visitors have a fantastic experience. For example, they have introduced a 'Quiet Hour' which takes place twice a month (check website for details) which might be of interest to some families. There is even a lift up to the ramparts for those who are infirm or have prams/buggies, which impressed the C4K team no end! 

Outside the Fort is surrounded by some lovely gardens with lots of trees for shade when it gets hot. There is also a stone pier nearby which is mainly used for fishing but makes a pleasant walk, with views of the fort in one direction and the big blue sea in the other.

Of course there is also a beautiful stretch of sandy beach in Weymouth, this is about 20- 30 minutes walk from the fort but it takes the route of the harbour so there is lots to see. The beach is fantastic for children and there are plenty of facilities in Weymouth town should you need anything. It was a shame we were only there for a day as it would have been nice to have lingered longer on the beach front. 

More info:  Nothe Fort