One of Weymouth’s most popular tourist attractions is on course for another record-breaking year.

Nothe Fort saw a total of 89,000 visitors come through its doors in 2023 – 14,000 more than in 2022 – setting a record for the Weymouth landmark.

However, the latest figures from the fort suggest that 2024 could be another record-breaking year with visitor numbers up by more than a third on this time last year.

So far, since the fort opened in March, the old Victorian coastal defence has recorded 26,565 visitors – up from 19,223 from March to May 2023.

READ: Nothe Fort sets new record for visitors with big year ahead

The news that the numbers are up has been put down to the hard work behind the scenes with the fort becoming a ‘must do attraction’ for visitors of the seaside town.

Chairman of Nothe Fort, James Farquarson, said: “Over the last few years Nothe Fort has been building a reputation as the place for families to visit. 

READ: Acorn Inn & Nothe Fort South West Tourism winners 2024

“With our free annual pass included with our entry ticket and exciting activities, we are seeing our visitor numbers steadily grow.

“Nothe Fort is now seen as a must do attraction when people visit Weymouth.”  

In February, Nothe Fort claimed a Gold Award for ‘Best Small Attraction of the Year’ in the south west.

It is the second time the fort has claimed Gold at the awards and is ‘validation’ for all the hard work that the team has put in, said Mr Farquarson.

Pictures: Visitors step back in time at Nothe Fort WW2 Week

The fort will find out if it has won at the national level after an awards ceremony on Wednesday, June 5.

The tourist attraction is also planning a host of events and activities throughout the year to boost visitor numbers.

It has already hosted a Second World War themed week in February and in
May it hosted a pirate takeover - packing the fort with skulduggery and games.

Mr Farquarson added: "There has already been so much interest for Nothe Fort’s 80th Anniversary D-Day Exhibition which opens Thursday June 6.  

READ: Nothe Fort and Weymouth Town Council mark D-Day anniversary

"Military families in our community see Nothe Fort as an accessible place that represents their relatives service in the armed forces.

"The exhibition will include models, stories, film and photographs to commemorate the sacrifices made by those who fought, suffered and died for our freedom.”

"In early July we shall be opening our large water tank to the general public.

"The local engineering company Randells has contracted a jetting so that visitors will be able to experience the tank for themselves. It is an incredibly atmospheric space."