Nothe Fort The fort is situated beside Weymouth harbour . Nothe Fort is a fort in Weymouth , Dorset , England . The fort is situated on the shore beside the northern breakwater of the military Portland Harbour , and at the mouth of civilian Weymouth Harbour . The fort was built in 1860 to protect Portland 's harbour , which was then becoming an important Royal Navy base . The fort played an important role in World War II , when the harbour was used as base by the British and American navies . In 1956 , the fort was abandoned , and in 1961 it was purchased by the local council . It is now a museum , featuring models , World War II memorabilia as well as original cannons and guns and British and American WWII vehicles . The museum received 12 , 042 visitors in 2002 . External links Official Nothe Fort website Information on the attraction from Weymouth and Portland Borough Council The Heritage Coast : The Nothe Fort Note Fort & Gardens , Weymouth & Portland Tourist Guide The Nothe , Nothe Fort and Portland Breakwater References ↑   Dorset County Council , Visitor Numbers at Selected Attractions 1998 to 2002 Categories : Buildings and structures in Dorset | Visitor attractions in Dorset | Forts in England | Museums in England | Military museums visitors visitors 