B

oisterous boys and girls will relish the chance to examine the heavy artillery on show at Fort Nelson in Hampshire.

Accessible by drawbridge, this restored 1890s fort is home to a vast collection of cannons, fortress guns and the huge Mallet’s Mortar, all used throughout history to defend and destroy.

The Royal Armouries have put together an impressive museum brought to life by costumed guides and daily firing demonstrations out on the field. Why not venture beneath the fort and explore the dark tunnels and chambers that provided sheltered pathways for the soldiers who once worked here?

Entrance is completely free, and there’s a busy events calendar, including special battle re-enactments and fort-fun days for children.