Fort Cumberland stands on the eastern tip of Portsea Island, a 19th-century fortification built to defend Portsmouth Harbour. Constructed between 1859 and 1873, the fort was part of a broader defensive programme designed to protect the naval base and dockyard from potential enemy attack. The distinctive star-shaped structure remains one of the most recognisable military landmarks in the Portsmouth area, commanding views across the harbour mouth and the Solent.
Today the fort operates as a visitor attraction, offering guided tours that reveal its underground tunnels, gun emplacements and barracks. The surrounding grounds provide open access for walking and photography, making it a popular stop for those exploring Portsmouth’s maritime heritage. The location sits within easy reach of Southsea seafront and the naval attractions clustered around the city centre, accessible by local roads and public transport links serving the eastern waterfront.