Fort Brockhurst

Fort Brockhurst
Aerial view (c) English Heritage

One of a number of forts built in the 1850s and 1860s to protect Portsmouth and its vital harbour against a French invasion. Largely unaltered, the parade ground, gun ramps and moated keep can all be viewed. The fort currently stores a treasure trove of objects from English Heritage's extensive reserve collections.Objects on display have been excavated from sites in the South East and South West. They include stonework, textiles, jewellery and furniture from many periods, as well as rarely-seen treasures on tour from stores in the North and East. The Collections Access Centre offers pre-booked adult and schools groups a hands-on experience of English Heritage's rich and varied collections of artefacts, under the guidance of a curator, conservator or trained educator.

Portchester Castle - which acted as a prison during the Napoleonic Wars - is nearby (see p. 72).

Opening Times:

April 2009 to March 2010Opening TimesOpening Days
The fort is open on the 2nd Sat of every month from 1 Apr-30 Sep inclusive, from 11am-3pm. The Collections Resource Centre will also be open.   Sat.

How much does it cost?

Adult:
Please call for details
Children:
Please call for details
Concession:
Please call for details
English Heritage Members:
Please call for details - Join English Heritage

How do I get there?

Address:
Hampshire - PO12 4DS
Road Access:
Off A32, in Gunner's Way, Elson; on N side of Gosport
Train Access:
Fareham 3 miles
Bus Access:
First 81-7 Fareham - Gosport Ferry (passes Fareham; also GosportFerry links with Portsmouth & Southsea railway stations)
Map Location:
Telephone:
02392 581059

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Suitable for people with disabilities Dogs allowed on leads Picnic area Hazardous Male Toilets Female Toilets
Facilities Details:
Exhibition: Level access.
Toilets: Adapted WC across parade ground; up one step.
Access:
Access to Fort: One step up to ticket point. Cobblestoned entrance area and gravel parade ground. Access to ramparts is via a grassed slope which may be hazardous in wet weather.
Grounds: Mainly gravel surfaces which are deep in places. Other paths can be slippery when wet.
Parking:
60m from entrance; uneven surface at far end. Disabled visitors may be set down within the fort; please telephone in advance.

What facilities are available for groups?

Group Discount:
15% discount for groups of 11 or more visitors paying together. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader.
Coach Parking Facilities:
Car park outside the site can hold up to 3 coaches.
Group Booking:
Contact the site for a Group Booking Form and for opening times and prices from 1 April 2010.
Average Length of Visit:
40 minutes
Guided Tours:

The Secret Life of Objects
Built in the 1850s to protect Portsmouth and its vital naval base, Fort Brockhurst is now used by English Heritage to store objects from its extensive reserve collection. 
Take a behind-the-scenes tour and gain hands-on experience of the collection with an expert.  Displays illustrate English Heritage’s approach to collecting and conservation.  Demonstrations of gilding are available on request.

Duration: 1.5 hours

Availability: Monday-Friday

Minimum - maximum pax: 11-25

Advance booking required: Yes

Call for prices and to book: 02392 581059

Further Info

Dogs on leads only in restricted areas
Disabled access (grounds and ground floor only).