Nothe Fort — Attraction in Weymouth

This is one of Palmerston's Forts, built as a defence against the perceived French threat in the mid 19th century. The fort is on a hill overlooking Weymouth harbour and Portland Bay. We visited on a Sunday and didn't arrive until around midday, despite there being several car parks and on street parking we struggled to find a space and ended up parking a little walk away. The headland is largely parkland now with lots of walking paths and beaches as well as the beach area and the fort is separated from the by a moat.

After seeing no action against the French, either because the string of forts built put them of or because there was no intention to invade anyway, the fort did see action in WW2. Weaponry had changed so that the original 9.5 inch muzzle loading guns of the fort were replaced with 12.5 inch breech loaders and then 6 inch quick firing guns located on the ramparts. By the Second World War the fort's role was air defence and a battery of 3.7 inch AA guns were fitted and the fort acted as a supply depot for AA ammunition and stores for the south west. By 1961 the fort had no military role and was abandoned, subject to vandalism and decay until the Borough Council took over in 1981. A Cold War bunker was built in the fort's depth but and with various grants the fort has now been turned into a tourist attraction.

The entrance process is slow as your visit allows you to return anytime within the year so various details have to be taken and also information for gift aid. The annual pass means that the fort is very popular with families as they can revisit for events at no cost.

Our first stop was the cafe though and we had some excellent Dorset apple cake with clotted cream and a coffee. We then walked along the ramparts to look at the Bofors gun, 3.7" and a Hotchkiss gun as well as the observation deck before going in to the lower levels. There is a useful route through the building so you can see the various sections and there are excellent write ups with plenty of information. The guns are just massive and the shells too and the process for firing them explained the slow rate of fire.

The section on military life in the fort was interesting and the recreated barracks area showing the total lack of space and privacy the Victorian soldiers had, along with wages on a par with an unskilled farm labourer and abysmal food! There was also a large section on the Fort's role in the preparations for D-day and the impact that had on local lives. The museum as a whole was fabulous and we probably spent a couple of hours exploring the fort before walking into the gardens outside to look at the exterior. Well worth the...

We make a point of visiting Nothe Fort every time we’re in Weymouth — usually every 3–4 years — and it just keeps getting better. Years ago it was just my wife and I, then three years ago we brought our eldest daughter, and this time our 2-year-old joined us and loved it too. Our eldest is now old enough to read all the information boards, which was amazing to watch as she learned about the history.

There’s so much to enjoy here. The sheer size of the fort and its location are impressive, with fantastic views from the ramparts. There are loads of interactive activities for kids, like trying morse code with radios and light signals, building an arch, dressing up, or even firing a cannon. The Ghost Passage was another highlight, along with learning about the history of the Whistling Gunner — well worth a read!

The Mouse Hunt game is a stroke of genius and a must if you have kids. While they’re eagerly searching the rooms for mice, the adults get a chance to take in all the fascinating information on the displays — such a clever idea.

My personal favourite was the Amnesty area, which shares short interviews from locals telling their stories of breaking into the fort when it was abandoned — a great touch that adds real character.

Every member of staff we met was brilliant: knowledgeable, friendly, and always willing to help. The café is also well stocked with plenty of food and drink options.

We honestly can’t wait to come back again and see what new experiences they’ve added to this amazing...

It isn't often that I can say I have been honestly surprised by how much a historical building has done for access for the disabled. After all they weren't designed for wheelchairs access but Nothe fort is the exception to that though . To start with they have installed a lift so all three levels of the fort are assessable. unfortunately the lift had mechanical problems the day we were there but the fact they have actually got one is very refreshing. Because the lift was out of order they said no charge for for either the wheelchair user or carer. Two levels were still assessable without the lift if not completely. Secondly it was clearly aimed at families and had planned accordingly with ramps in all applicable places. I highly recommend the café which serves amazing cake at very reasonable prices. There is a hunt the mice game for the younger ones and so little mice, in different colours and in some cases hair appear everywhere. Great fun to spot and even now I think we missed a few. The history of the fort is fascinating and the staff friendly and helpful. We spent a great day there and enjoyed every second. It's nice to see a well run attraction that really seems to put education and information...