Evacuee Experience

Over 3000 pupils visit Nothe Fort each year and enjoy a programme of activities based on the life of an evacuee sent to Weymouth during World War 2. The programme is packed full of realism, role-play, 1940s discipline and the dreaded times tables.

The evacuees are encouraged to arrive dressed in World War 2 clothing and carrying their gas mask box. They are usually split into groups of between 6-12 and participate in the following activities:

• Lessons in the Fort’s schoolroom, including lessons on pound, shilling, and pence and sending a post card home to parents telling them about their new lives in Weymouth.
• Visiting the Fort’s 1940s shop and experiencing rationing and the difference between the range and quantity of food during World War 2 and the vast range of foods found in today’s supermarkets.
• Visiting a 1940s kitchen and experience the pleasures of wash without the use of a washing machine and cooking without fancy kitchen gadgets and microwaving fast foods.
• Receiving air raid precautions instructions before taking cover in an air raid shelter and using a stirrup pump to put out a fire; the fire may not be real but the water is.
• Visiting the Weymouth at War exhibition that show the differences between the life of an evacuee and the life of today’s visitor to Weymouth.
• If time allows touring the Fort and visiting the Nothe Fort Shop.

For more information regarding this comprehensive World War 2 experience, please download highlighted files below.

Guidance Notes  Background Notes for Teachers  Booking Form  Emergency Procedures

Risk Assessment Identity Card  World War Two Songs  Location Map

Schools & Colleges

School & College groups are also welcome for self or guided tours.

The educational value of Nothe Fort is both extensive and rewarding to school groups, please see history and museum sections for background information, as well as files highlighted below to download and print off if required.

If you would like a guided tour on a particular period in history or general overview, please contact to arrange. Please allow sufficient time for your visit to see the many displays on offer. A guided tour will cost £1 per person.

Hunt out the mice who have taken up residence and causing riot in the many rooms and passageways that make up the fort.  If you seek them out you can get a certificate from Reception.

School Information Pack   Brief History  Worksheet  School's Risk Assessment

For any other enquiries please ring the Administration Manager on (01305) 766626