The fort was constructed using locally quarried Portland stone.
During World War II, the site was occupied by the 113th Coast Regiment of the Royal Artillery.
The tunnels were originally designed to protect ammunition stores from enemy bombardment.
The fort's massive ramparts provide a vantage point covering the entire Portland Harbour and Weymouth Bay.
It is frequently used as a filming location for television dramas due to its authentic Victorian architecture.
The site hosts a series of 'ghost tunnels' tours highlighting local folklore and history.
Extensive restoration work has preserved the original 19th-century brickwork and ventilation systems.
Nothe Fort is a Palmerston-era coastal artillery fort constructed between 1860 and 1872 to protect the Portland naval base. The structure is built into the headland of the Nothe Peninsula and features three levels of magazines, barracks, and gun emplacements. It served as an active military installation through both World Wars and functioned as a command post for the D-Day landings in 1944. Today, it operates as a museum documenting military history and the local maritime heritage of Weymouth. Visitors can explore a labyrinthine network of underground tunnels and ramparts. The site displays historic weaponry, including heavy artillery pieces and anti-aircraft guns. Exhibits also cover civilian life in Dorset during wartime and the development of the Weymouth harbour. The fort is designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
The upper ramparts facing the sea provide an expansive panoramic view of the Jurassic Coast and the Portland Breakwaters.
Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear to navigate the steep, uneven ramps and narrow tunnel passages.
Bring a light jacket, as the underground tunnels and lower magazines remain significantly cooler than the surface temperatures.
Check the fort's event calendar before arrival, as they frequently host historical re-enactments and living history days.
Do not attempt to explore the cliffside perimeter outside of the marked museum pathways, as the terrain is unstable.
The fort typically follows a seasonal operating schedule with extended hours during the summer months and reduced operations in the winter.
Avoid leaning on historic masonry and follow all posted safety signage within the confined tunnel areas.
