Victorian Christmas at Fort Nelson 2022

About

Step back in time to the Victorian era and join the Fort Nelson garrison community as they get ready for Christmas. The museum's galleries will come to life with a cast of costumed characters preparing for the festive season at the free event on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 December between 10am and 4pm.

Corporal Kirk will lead the festivities, directing visitors to special places in the museum where our Victorian characters will be planning the food and drink, putting up the decorations and rehearsing the entertainment, ahead of the big day. In the kitchen, Cook will have the original Aga fired up, ready to prepare the Christmas feast for the men, whilst Private Taylor will be hanging decorations to cheer up the barrack room.

An officer's wife will be busy rehearsing 'A Christmas Carol' to entertain the troops, and in the hospital gallery, a surgeon will be caring for the wounded soldiers, hopefully nursing them back to good health in time for Christmas. Free craft activities for children will include making Christmas cards, paper chains and decorations, plus there'll be a festive reindeer hunt around the Fort.

Museum admission and all activities are free this weekend, and visitors are encouraged to book their visit in advance at www.royalarmouries.org

As well as enjoying the interactive Victorian Christmas event, visitors can also explore the Royal Armouries' national collection of artillery and historic cannon, with over 700 treasures spanning 600 years of history on display. The Fort's spacious outdoor areas, with paths around the ramparts and spectacular viewpoints, are ideal for getting a bit of fresh air, or why not head underground and explore the tunnels. The museum café and shop will be open too.