Our vision is to make Nothe Fort a place where the stories of the past continue to connect with the communities of today, keeping stories alive for future generations.
Our mission is to conserve Nothe Fort and its collection, increase public accessibility and engage everyone in its history.
We aim to realise the fort’s potential as a cultural hub.
Nothe Fort is proudly operated by Weymouth Civic Society, a long‑established local charity dedicated to preserving and enhancing the heritage, character and cultural life of Weymouth and Portland. WCS plays a vital role in protecting important landmarks, promoting local history, and supporting projects that strengthen pride in our community.
As the lessee and governing body responsible for Nothe Fort, WCS provides the strategic direction that ensures the Fort remains at the heart of Weymouth’s heritage landscape.
Nothe Fort is a Registered Charity 1148603 – operated by Weymouth Civic Society.
1970’s Nothe Fort – taken by Stuart Morris / Nothe Fort Today, by John Grindle, 2024
The Fort you see today, full of life, learning and activity, exists thanks to the extraordinary dedication of Weymouth Civic Society and its volunteers. When the site fell into dereliction during the 1960s and 70s, it was WCS that stepped in to save it.
Working closely with passionate local volunteers, the Society restored the structure, preserved its historic features, and gradually transformed it into the thriving visitor attraction and community hub it is today. This spirit of stewardship and community involvement still shapes everything we do.
“The building was amazing and we learnt so much, loved how you’ve also included the stories of the community who reclaimed it as their own when it was derelict.
Thank you for a great day and for protecting this piece of history.”
Visitor Feedback, August 2025
Nothe Fort operates at a significant scale as one of Dorset’s leading heritage attractions.
Between April 2024 and March 2025, the Fort welcomed a record 98,231 visitors, supported by a dedicated team of 6 full‑time and 6 part‑time staff, and an exceptional community of 128 volunteers who contributed over 12,500 hours during the year.
As a major cultural asset for Weymouth and Dorset, the Fort makes a substantial contribution to the local economy and community wellbeing. In 2024–2025, Nothe Fort generated a gross economic impact of £3,958,310 and a net additional impact of £1,938,940.
Local partners recognise the Fort’s importance, with strong testimony to the way it enhances the area’s visitor offer and supports local communities.
Today, the Fort is run on behalf of Weymouth Civic Society by the Nothe Fort Management Committee, (NFMC) a team made up of WCS representatives, the Fort’s Co‑General Managers, and specialist leads in areas such as collections, events, education, visitor services, artillery, conservation and building maintenance.
The NFMC oversees the Fort’s day‑to‑day operation, ensuring we:
These responsibilities are set out clearly in the Committee’s Standing Orders, which guide how the Fort is managed on behalf of the charity and in line with its lease and statutory obligations.
Through the combined work of Weymouth Civic Society, the Nothe Fort Management Committee, our staff and dedicated volunteers, Nothe Fort stands today as a living reminder of our past and a vibrant place for discovery, creativity and community connection.
15th December 2025 – 13th February 2026 – we are CLOSED for essential maintenance work.
14th – 22nd February 2026 – we are open daily 10.00am – 4.00pm for half term holiday activities.
28th February – 29th March 2026- open weekends only 10:00am – 4:00pm
30th March – 1st November 2026 we are open daily, 10.00am – 4.00pm
Adult £10.50
Concession * £8.95
Child 5-16 £4.50
Under 5 Free
Family 2+2 £25.50
Small Family 1+2 £15.00
Barrack Road
Weymouth
Dorset
DT4 8UF
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