HANDS-ON visitor attractions, a new audio tour and interactive displays have been unveiled at the re-vamped Portland Castle.

English Heritage, the custodian of the historic coastal fort, has invested a ‘significant amount’ to make the Castletown attraction more accessible, engaging and fun for visitors.

On Tuesday, members of the public experienced the new and improved features for the first time.

The story of the Henry VIII fort’s 450-year history has been brought to life through fancy dress opportunities, interactive games that include a firing canon puzzle, a new audio tour, new artefacts and information boards.

Paul Pattison, senior historian at English Heritage said: “Virtually every room now has something in for visitors.

“This is a beautiful, fantastically-preserved place.

“The main thing we did was try to reflect the history of the castle all the way through the early 1540s to when it was last occupied in the 1950s.”

Holidaymaker Richard Brookes, 56, who visited with his wife Lorraine from Sheffield, said: “It was really interesting, really hands on.

“When children can dress up and play games, it really brings it to life.”

This Bank Holiday Sunday and Monday, from 11am to 5pm, there will also be additional attractions with performances from actors playing historical roles and teaching the art of junior jousting, a show and tell of artefacts and time-travelling antics, Prices are £4.70 adults, £4.20 for concessions, £2.80 for children and £12.20 for family tickets.

English Heritage members go free.