
Fort Brockhurst Gosport
Explore a brilliantly preserved Victorian Palmerston Fort with a moat, parade ground, and historical exhibits. Free entry!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Limited opening days

Fort Brockhurst Gosport
Best Time
Limited opening days

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a brilliantly preserved Victorian Palmerston Fort with a moat, parade ground, and historical exhibits. Free entry!
"A great place to visit with lots of history on view, completely free of charge!"

🎯 Check Opening Times First
Only open 2nd/4th Saturdays in summer. Verify on English Heritage website!
🚗 Parking Can Be Tight
If you have a larger car, parking can be a bit challenging to navigate.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Victorian Fort Architecture
Exterior and Ramparts
Explore a brilliantly preserved Victorian Palmerston Fort, complete with a moat and parade ground.

Excavated Treasures
Interior Exhibits
Discover displays of cannons, military equipment, and artifacts from the fort's history.

Repurposed Spaces
Various Areas
See how the fort is used for art installations and community events, breathing new life into historic walls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Days Carefully
Accessibility & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Opening Times First
Only open 2nd/4th Saturdays in summer. Verify on English Heritage website!
🚗 Parking Can Be Tight
If you have a larger car, parking can be a bit challenging to navigate.
🚶♀️ Explore the Ramparts
Enjoy a lovely walk around the ramparts on a nice day for great views.
🧺 Picnic Spot
A great place for a picnic with historical surroundings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Opening Times First
Only open 2nd/4th Saturdays in summer. Verify on English Heritage website!
🚗 Parking Can Be Tight
If you have a larger car, parking can be a bit challenging to navigate.
🚶♀️ Explore the Ramparts
Enjoy a lovely walk around the ramparts on a nice day for great views.
🧺 Picnic Spot
A great place for a picnic with historical surroundings.
💰 Free Entry & Parking
Entry and parking are free, though contributions are welcomed.
🗺️ Find the Toilets
Toilets can be tricky to locate, so ask staff if you need them.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Fort Brockhurst for its well-preserved Victorian architecture and free entry, making it a great historical exploration spot. While opening days are limited and amenities like toilets can be hard to find, the approachable guides and engaging exhibits, including cannons and reenactments, make it a worthwhile visit for history buffs and families.
"Quite a well preserved big castle, shame that it only opens on the second and fourth Saturday during summer, so really limits your dates to visit. Very standard star forts with exhibits of cannons, military equipment and a nice walk up the elevated fort. Would recommend if you have the time to visit during these specified times"
Anthony Chan
"Only open on selected days so check the website before going. Only downside on the day we visited was a lack of toilets on site. But the rest of it was brilliant. The guides on site were very approachable and friendly. Such a fantastic place to spend time. We will definitely return for musket demonstrations and more exploring soon. Free to park and enter although contributions are welcomed."
Philip Rodgers
"A great place to visit with lots of history on view. Built between 1858-62 this is one of Palmerston's forts to defend Portsmouth. There are lots of things to explore, including exhibits, and is a great place to have a picnic too. There is a moat going around the fort that can be fished. There is a car park close to the entrance and was easy enough to park there (please note that there is only the lower parts of the fort accessible to the disabled). A wonderful day out and all completely free of charge!"
Peter Barton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fort Brockhurst is located in Gosport, Hampshire. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, it's accessible by car with parking available nearby.
Yes, there is a car park close to the entrance, though it can be a bit tight for larger vehicles.
While not explicitly stated, cycling is a common way to get around Gosport. There's even a mention of a mechanic near the fort for exhaust repairs, suggesting local transport options.
Gosport is accessible by car and ferry. TikToks show the Gosport Ferry, indicating it's a viable option for reaching the area.
The fort is tucked away behind grassy ramparts, so it might not be immediately obvious. Good signposting for amenities like toilets could be improved.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Fort Brockhurst is free of charge, though donations are welcomed to help with its upkeep.
Fort Brockhurst has very limited opening hours, typically only on the second and fourth Saturdays during the summer months. Always check the English Heritage website for the most current information.
While the fort itself might be visible from the outside, access to the interior and exhibits is generally restricted to the specified opening days.
Some events, like music festivals or art installations, may have separate ticketing or admission fees. It's best to check event-specific details.
While not always advertised, guides on site have been noted as approachable and friendly, offering insights into the fort's history.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the Victorian fort's structure, including its moat and parade ground, and view exhibits of cannons and military equipment. It's also a great spot for picnics and enjoying historical reenactments.
Children can enjoy exploring the fort, and there are often musket demonstrations that would be of interest. The open spaces are good for them to run around.
Toilets are available on site, but they can be a little tricky to find. It's advisable to ask staff for directions.
Yes, the moat surrounding the fort is available for fishing.
The fort hosts various events, including art installations, music festivals, and historical reenactments, often showcasing local talent and community voices.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the imposing Victorian architecture, the circular keep, and the moat. The ramparts offer great vantage points. Look out for art installations that add a modern twist to the historic setting.
Yes, photography is generally permitted inside the fort, allowing you to document the exhibits and the unique interior spaces.
While not explicitly stated, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding photography, especially during events.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful light for capturing the fort's exterior. However, as it's only open on specific days, visiting during daylight hours on an open day is your best bet.
Keep an eye out for historical reenactors in period costume, especially during special events, as they make for fantastic photographic subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for limited facilities; while toilets are available, they can be hard to find, so a quick scout upon arrival is recommended. Also, remember the fort's limited opening days, so plan your visit during school holidays or weekends when it's most likely to be open.
💰 Budget Travelers
To keep costs down further, pack your own lunch and snacks. The fort provides a scenic and historic backdrop for a picnic, making it a delightful and economical way to spend your time. Remember to check the opening days in advance to ensure your visit aligns with their limited schedule, avoiding any wasted travel costs.
🎨 Art & Culture Enthusiasts
Keep an eye out for special exhibitions and installations, such as 'Unlocked,' which uses light and sound to explore local narratives, or site-responsive art projects that engage with the fort's materials and history. The fort also hosts musical performances, adding an auditory dimension to its cultural offerings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Victorian Defence
Visitors can explore the various rooms and passages within the fort, imagining the lives of the soldiers stationed there. The exhibits, including cannons and military equipment, offer a tangible connection to this period of history. The fort's preservation allows for an immersive experience into Britain's coastal defence strategy during a time of potential conflict.
While the fort's primary purpose was defence, it has also found new life as a venue for community events. From art installations that engage with the site's history to musical performances that echo through its walls, Fort Brockhurst is a testament to adaptive reuse, blending its historical significance with contemporary cultural expression.
Community Voices and Artistic Expression
These events transform the historic fort into a dynamic space, inviting visitors to experience it in new and unexpected ways. Art installations, often responding to the site's history and materials, are frequently featured, demonstrating how heritage sites can inspire contemporary artistic practice.
The fort also hosts musical events, bringing together local students and professional musicians. These gatherings not only celebrate the power of music but also foster a sense of community, making Fort Brockhurst a vibrant hub for cultural activities in Gosport.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit