About
Fort Brockhurst is one of the great Victorian forts built to defend Portsmouth and its naval harbour against a feared French invasion. Dating from the 1850s and 1860s, it remains largely unaltered, with a moated keep, parade ground, gun ramps, washrooms and armoury revealing the practical workings of a garrison. On an interior opening day, the scale of the defences becomes clear as you move between the different spaces. Reviewers praise the approachable guides and recommend checking dates carefully, because access inside is limited. The official exterior circuit follows the moat and woodland, offering views of the fort beyond its interior opening days. Bring a picnic, and keep in mind that wheelchair access is limited to the grounds and ground floor. Dogs on leads are welcome in permitted visitor areas.
Check today’s timesSee all times
- Visitor accessSee opening notes
Opening times may change at short notice.
Level access from the car park. Disabled access is limited to the grounds and ground floor; interior openings are restricted to selected Saturdays.
The exterior of the fort is open any reasonable daylight hours all year round. A circular walk around the moat and into woodland gives views of moat, the back of the fort and its defences. The interior of the fort is open on the following dates in 2026: 11 and 25 April, 11am-3pm 9 and 23 May, 11am-3pm 13 and 27 June, 11am-3pm 11 and 25 July, 11am-3pm 8 and 22 August, 11am-3pm 12 and 26 September, 11am-3pm 10 and 24 October, 11am-3pm
Ordinary recorded admission is free for everyone; membership is not required.
Dogs at the location: Allowed with restrictions. Dogs on leads are welcome at the fort.
Dog walks in the grounds: Allowed with restrictions. Dogs on leads are welcome at the fort. Free exterior/grounds access during advertised times.
PricingFreeFree for all visitors
Free entry for everyone
Entry
Free for everyone
Pricing details
Free for everyone. Separate attractions, tours and parking may have their own charges.
ParkingFree for members
Free for EH members; £2 for non-members
Parking details
Car park 60 metres from the entrance, with a level accessible approach. Non-members pay £2 by text or through the official parking payment link. English Heritage members park free with a valid EH car sticker displayed.
Walking routes1 route
Fort Brockhurst moat and woodland circuit(opens the full route on the National Trust site)
WalkDogs, with restrictions
Exterior circuit around the moat and woodland during reasonable daylight hours. Interior access is limited to selected dates and car-park availability should be checked separately. Dogs on leads at the fort.
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Checked 2026-09-14
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