Name: Nothe Fort
Rating: 5.0

Nothe Fort

Nothe Fort, Barrack Road, Weymouth, UK

1-90 Years

Paid

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Description

Nothe Fort is a multi award-winning historic sea fort and museum located on the Jurassic Coast in Weymouth. Built to protect the Naval Harbour at Portland, the fort offers a fascinating journey through military history from 1860 to its decommissioning in 1956. It is a family-friendly attraction with underground tunnels, gun decks, interactive displays and stunning coastal views.

Visitors can explore the maze of underground tunnels, including the spooky Ghost Tunnel, and discover the secret Cold War Nuclear Bunker through special talks and tours. You can visit the Victorian Gun Deck, see the WW2 gun on the ramparts, take part in the popular Mouse Hunt, enjoy interactive activities like dressing up, sending morse code and firing a canon with a stomp rocket, and watch the Nothe Fort Artillery fire on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. Guests can also relax in the Family Room, enjoy the picnic areas and terrace, explore Nothe Gardens, and visit the Fort View Café for homemade light lunches and cakes.

Admission prices are £10.50 for Adults, £8.95 for Concessions, £4.50 for Children aged 5–16, and Under 5s go Free. A Family 2+2 ticket costs £25.50, and a Small Family 1+2 ticket is £15.00.

With its mix of history, hands-on activities and breathtaking 360-degree views of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, Nothe Fort offers something for all ages. From exciting artillery demonstrations to fun family trails and peaceful picnic spots, every visit is both educational and enjoyable. It is a must-visit attraction for families, history lovers and anyone looking to experience Weymouth’s unique heritage.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Mouse Hunt: Nothe Fort is renowned for our Mouse Hunt which has been enjoyed by generations of our visitors. We have a dedicated Mouse Desk where our team will explain the Mouse Hunt to your family and issue Mouse Hunting Certificates! Our mouse hunt is really popular with children of all ages – even the grown up ones!
Artillery: The Nothe Fort Artillery fire on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the Month. While it is a great, fun experience to watch the cannons fire, they are very loud. We have a limited number of ear defenders, and we recommend that you bring your own if you have them. If your children are unhappy with loud noises, we recommend that you utilise the downstairs Magazine Levels.
Ghost Tunnel: An added extra which all the children remember is our Ghost Tunnel! Infact, Nothe Fort has been voted one of the spookiest locations in the UK. We recommend to use your phone torch if you children are a bit nervous.
Nothe Gardens: Nothe Fort is situated in the stunning Nothe Gardens often referred to Weymouth’s hidden gem! We highly recommend that you enjoy the gardens after visiting Nothe Fort.
Hands On Fun: There are opportunities throughout the Fort to engage with interactive displays. Some of our activities include dressing up, sending morse code or firing a canon by jumping on a stomp rocket.
Family Room: We appreciate that walking around the Fort can be tiring and many families bring picnics with them. We have a designated Family Room for you to eat, rest and play. We also have a dedicated picnic area on our Ramparts and benches around the Fort. You will be able to sit, relax, and admire the Fort’s stunning views while enjoying your lunch.
Cold War Bunker Talks & Tours: Uncover the hidden secrets of Nothe Fort’s Cold War Nuclear Bunker! Join us for a special tour and talks of the Fort’s Cold War Nuclear Bunker! Learn about the secret system that was put in place during the Cold War era that enabled a select number of people to survive a nuclear strike. In 1983, unbeknown to the local community, part of Nothe Fort was secretly converted into a local authority emergency centre as part of the UK’s defence preparations for nuclear war.

Facilities

Parking: Parking available.
Food & Drinks: Fort View Café has achieved the Kids in Museums Family Café Standard. This rates museum cafés on their facilities, website, choice, sustainability, cost & more.
Toilets: Toilet with 2 baby changing areas available.

What to see

Nothe Fort is proud to be Weymouth’s Multi Award-Winning Museum & Visitor Attraction. There is so much to do at the Fort! You can explore the maze of underground tunnels; visit our Victorian Gun Deck; sit on our impressive WW2 gun high up on our Ramparts; discover our secret underground Nuclear Bunker or simply enjoy our stunning 360 degree views of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.
We pride ourselves on our top quality visitor experience with friendly volunteers on hand to help, and fun trails to keep the children busy. We recommend that you visit our fantastic cafe and enjoy our reasonably priced home made light lunches and cakes.
We run a schedule of fun and educational events throughout the year, as well as hosting specialist community events, open air theatre and concerts.
Enjoy the stunning views of the Jurassic Coast from the picnic areas on the ramparts and newly-opened terrace, or go underground and explore the many tunnels and secret passageways beneath the fort, including the spooky ghost tunnel.
Learn more of the fort’s historical past and it’s role in protecting the Naval Harbour at Portland from 1860 and how advances in military technology changed the fort until its decommissioning in 1956.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Admission Prices

Adult: £10.50
Concession: £8.95
Child 5-16: £4.50
Under 5: Free
Family 2+2: £25.50
Small Family 1+2: £15.00

Pricing URL: https://nothefort.org.uk/visit/#admissionprices

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

14th – 22nd February 2026 – we are open daily 10.00am – 4.00pm for half term holiday activities.
28th February – 29th March 2026- open weekends only 10:00am – 4:00pm
30th March – 1st November 2026 we are open daily, 10.00am – 4.00pm

Address: Nothe Fort, Barrack Road, Weymouth, UK

Post Code: DT4 8UF

Council: Dorset

County: Dorset

By Car: There are 3 Council operated pay and display car parks in Nothe Gardens,. Charges are applicable between 8am – 6pm. Just Park location No. 6208. We recommend 2/3 hours for a visit to Nothe Fort.
By Bus: Buses stop at Boot Hill, with a 10-minute walk to the Fort through Nothe Gardens. Bus Number 10 – from Dorchester / Bus Number 1 – from Portland
By Train: Great Western Railway (GWR) and South Western Railway (SWR) run a regular service from Bristol and London to Weymouth. It is a beautiful 20-minute walk along the seafront and harbour to Nothe Fort.
By Ferry boat: There is a local ferry rowing boat that runs during the summer months from the harbour side, on Custom House Quay, to the bottom of Nothe Fort. It is the most fun way to visit Nothe Fort!
By Land Train: Travel on the iconic Weymouth Land Train, on the Route 1 Harbour Tour. Hop off at Hope Square and take a short walk to Nothe Gardens.