Welcome back to our Epic England road trip across the south of England. This week I’ll tell you about our drive from the New Forest to Hastings stopping off along the way at Fort Nelson & Brighton sea front.
During the 50 minute drive from New Forest to Fort Nelson in Hampshire our daughter Orla let out a squeal as we drove past a huge Porsche dealership in Portsmouth (she loves everything about Porsche) so my husband drove round the roundabout and brought her in for to her to see the luxury cars.
Each member of staff was really lovely to her giving her a tour of the forecourt and letting her see the vintage Porsches out back before sending her on her way with an arm load of posters. Thanks very much guys, you made her week!
What is Fort Nelson?
Fort Nelson is a fully restored Victorian Fort dating back to the 1860’s, it’s one of 5 defensive forts built along a 10km stretch of Portsdown Hill, the forts were built to prevent a land attack by the French on the dockyard of Portsmouth. Today it is part of the Royal Armouries and it houses the national collection of artillery. There’s 19 acres of ammunition bunkers, ramparts, outer fortifications, barrack rooms complete with a hospital, a kitchen where you can learn all about what life was like for a Victorian garrison.
We particularly liked exploring the secret tunnels and learning from the interactive exhibitions. Like Edinburgh Castle Fort Nelson have a live fire demonstration everyday at 1pm. Our kids couldn’t believe it when we told them that both my husband & I used to be gun commanders on the 25pdr field gun that was used for the demo during our time served in the reserve defence forces.
How much is admission into Fort Nelson?
Admission is completely free of charge all year round except for special event days. Have you ever wanted to fire a historic artillery piece? Well now you can as Fort Nelson sell vouchers for Gun Firing Experiences, starting from £50 you can be the person who gets to fire the One O’clock gun! For further information click HERE.
Where to eat in Brighton:
After our visit to Fort Nelson we jumped back in the van for a 40 minute drive to Brighton for lunch and some sea air. When I was planning this trip I knew we’d want to eat in Brighton and I immediately decided on JB’s Diner as the kids love rockabilly and all things 1950’s Americana. We luckily got on street parking a block or two behind the diner as it is located right on the seafront overlooking Brighton Pier. Kid’s meals are £5.95/€6.75, consisting of a main, a milkshake & ice cream, perfect to fill little bellies.
I had hot wings & a cold beer which was divine while my husband had a burger & a shake. The food was delicious & the kids took their time eating as they loved the atmosphere of the diner & listening to Elvis & Johnny Cash on the duke box.
We had time for a walk along the shingle beach before we headed for Hastings where we were staying overnight.
Where to stay in Hastings:
Travelodge! Would it be anywhere else on this budget trip?! Travelodge Hastings is located just up the road from Hastings castle unfortunately we got there too late to visit as last admission is 4pm and we were leaving fist thing to drive an hour and a half to Chessington.
The hotel is very well maintained & one of the nicer Travelodge’s we’ve stayed in. At check out I mentioned that the light wasn’t working in the bathroom; the guy behind the desk immediately got up and headed to our room with a bulb. We filled up on the full spread of fresh continental and tasty hot breakfast buffet in the restaurant before we set off for a full day of theme park fun.
We paid £67.50/€76.63 for 1 night B&B for 2 adults & 2 kids.
Check back next week to see what Chessington has to offer!
*** Disclaimer:
There is nothing
to disclose! ***
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