Mystery at the Fort

Mystery at the Fort runs at Fort Nelson from 15 to 19 February, a family spy hunt set in February 1942. It's built around the fort's own history: it started as a Victorian fort, was taken over by the War Office, and spent years as a British Army ammunition store. Much of that Victorian character is still there, including the Officers' Mess, so the setting does a fair bit of the heavy lifting for the period atmosphere.

The story kicks off on the night of 11 February, when the fort's most prized possession—Robert Cartwright's painting Nelson's Victory—vanishes. You and your family step in as the detectives, questioning suspects and searching for the hidden work. The whole thing takes about 90 minutes, and the actors stay in character throughout, so you're dealing with people who believe it's 1942, not just playing a part for a few lines. It's designed for all the family, so it works as well with kids as it does with adults.

Admission is free, though pre-booking is advised. Everyone over the age of three needs a ticket, and there's a suggested donation of £2.50. It runs from 15 to 19 February at Fort Nelson in Portsmouth.