Step Into the Great War's Story
An immersive journey through history. Featuring realistic trench recreations and rare artefacts, it provides a poignant, hands-on learning experience.
Immersive Trench Life
Step into meticulously recreated frontline trenches, providing a sensory encounter with the Great War. This realistic environment helps youngsters understand the scale and daily routine of those who served, making history tangible beyond textbooks.
An immersive educational journey featuring realistic trench walk-throughs, rare artefacts, and personal war storiesEducation Destination
The World War I Remembrance Centre offers students a profoundly moving and immersive encounter with one of the most significant periods in global history. Located within the atmospheric setting of a Victorian fort, the centre moves beyond traditional museum displays to provide a sensory experience that brings the past to life. Pupils can walk through meticulously recreated trenches, feeling the scale and enclosure of the Western Front, which serves as a powerful catalyst for understanding the daily reality of life for those who served.
The collections housed here are extensive and unique, featuring rare Inventions & Technology alongside deeply personal items like letters and diaries. Youngsters are encouraged to engage with history on a human level, discovering the Edwardians who became soldiers and the families they left behind. This focus on first-hand accounts and authentic artefacts helps youngsters develop empathy and critical thinking, making the concepts of sacrifice and remembrance tangible rather than abstract.
A visit is expertly tailored to support curriculum goals in World War I studies and Local History, highlighting Portsmouth’s vital role as a military hub. The hands-on nature of the exhibits ensures that students remain captivated throughout, whether they are examining the evolution of transport or discussing the impact of the conflict on civilian life. It is an essential stop for any school group on a residential trip, providing a memorable and educational experience that resonates long after they return to the classroom.
Rare Historic Artefacts
The centre houses an extraordinary collection of personal kit and Inventions & Technology. From gas masks to letters home, pupils can handle authentic items that tell the poignant stories of the Edwardians who transitioned into modern soldiers.
Local Hero Stories
Discover Portsmouth’s vital role as a military hub through the eyes of those who lived it. Pupils explore Local History by connecting with the specific impact the war had on the dockyards and the families residing along the South Coast.
Baston Bunker Site
Located within the historic Fort Widley and the Baston Bunker, the venue itself is a lesson in Castles & Defences. Students explore atmospheric underground spaces that served multiple roles across both World War I and World War II.
Meaningful Remembrance
Youngsters are encouraged to reflect on the legacy of the conflict through interactive displays. It is a powerful way for students to engage withwar poetry and creative writing, fostering a deep sense of empathy and historical understanding.