Fort Brockhurst
Gosport, Hampshire
A largely unaltered Victorian fort built against a French invasion that never came, with a flat enclosed parade ground for your dog in the middle of Gosport.
One of Palmerston's follies, and one of the best preserved. Fort Brockhurst was built in the 1850s and 1860s as part of a chain protecting Portsmouth from a French invasion that never materialised. What makes it worth seeing is how little has changed: the keep, parade ground, gun ramps, washrooms and armoury are all still there and largely unaltered.
Whilst you work through the moated keep and the gun ramps, your dog gets the wide open parade ground, which is a surprising amount of flat, enclosed, grassy space in the middle of Gosport, with water around the keep.
Free to enter, though opening is limited to certain days, so check before travelling. There are no posted dog rules here, so keep your dog on a lead around the moat and the gun ramps and under close control on the parade ground. English Heritage specifically prohibit fires and barbecues of any kind. There are no facilities on site, but Gosport and the Solent shore are close by for a longer walk.
At a Glance
- Site Type
- Castle & Fort
- Entry
- Free
- Members
- Free for English Heritage members
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Planning Your Visit
Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fort Brockhurst dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Fort Brockhurst. The highlight for dog owners is the parade ground — a surprisingly large, flat, enclosed grassy space that gives your dog plenty of room to stretch their legs in the middle of Gosport.
Are dogs allowed at Fort Brockhurst year round?
The fort is free to enter, but it only opens on certain days rather than every day of the year, so it's worth checking before you make the trip. There's no indication that dog access varies by season, but confirming opening times in advance will save a wasted journey.
What should I know before visiting Fort Brockhurst with my dog?
There are no posted dog rules on site, but it's sensible to keep your dog on a lead around the moat and the gun ramps, and under close control on the parade ground. There are no facilities at the fort itself, though Gosport and the Solent shore are nearby if you want to extend your outing. English Heritage also prohibit fires and barbecues of any kind, so leave the camp stove at home.
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