We checked in at the Solents fort office in Gunwharf Quays and boarded the boat close by, adored the Spinnaker Tower, and as I mentioned we were lucky it was a beautiful day with calm seas and the sun was shining.
360 degree sea views and hot tubs on the roof. What it's like to visit a Victorian fort in the middle of the sea, a mile from Portsmouth and 1.4 miles from the Isle of Wight.
Where soldiers once slept and gun practices were carried out, there are now 22 luxury bedrooms for overnight stays but we were just visiting for the afternoon.
Four forts were built between 1861 and 1880 after being commissioned by former Prime Minister Lord Palmerston. They are great hulking forts that emerge from the sailboat-dotted waters of the Solent like Bond villain hideaways.
Black, iron-plated and standing strong against the tide for 150 years, they were designed to protect the Naval hub of Portsmouth and the south coast of England from the French.
But these days the Solent Forts spend less time looking out at our neighbour across the water and more time pre-occupied with entertaining guests. The historic forts have become quite possibly the quirkiest accommodation in Britain, for those who are happy to splash the cash on creating some very unusual memories. Where soldiers once slept and gun practices were carried out, there are now luxury bedrooms, while former lookout points are now perfect spots to relax with a drink.
There are four forts in total, built between 1861 and 1880 after being commissioned by former Prime Minister Lord Palmerston. He was a little late in his bid to defend Britain from Napoleon. Louis Napoleon, nephew of Bonaparte, declared himself Emperor Napoleon III in 1852, and there were immediate fears he may make good on the plan that his Uncle never quite managed. Despite the huge forts being commissioned in a hurry, by the time they were built, the threat of invasion had subsided.
They became known as Palmerston's Follies, a name that has stuck even though they were manned during WW1 and WW2 (although, thankfully, there was never a shot fired from any of them in anger).
The journey to No Man's Fort stopped off at Spitbank Fort first where some passengers disembarked (The third fort, Horse Sand Fort, is currently being left in it's desolate state, with a view to turning it into a museum so visitors can see how the defences looked when they were in use by the Ministry of Defence).
The fort truly is in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by nothing but sea and shipping lanes, where pleasure yachts and huge container ships sail by. Phil a keen sailor, who has passed the Forts many times was very interested to see inside.
Then it is on to No Man's Fort, rising ominously from the sea in front of us.
Clambering aboard, we are whisked up a set of metal stairs and emerge into a nautically-themed reception. From the water, No Man's may be all black iron plates and concrete walls, but inside creams, blues and nautical touches (there are a lot of knots) dominate. Metal beams in the ceiling remind you of the fort's history.
The huge central atrium is kept light by a glass roof. The atrium does have a temperature issue due to the limited flow of air - it was pretty hot - but it was also 30 degrees outside.
We were then escorted to the Roof and given a glass of bubbles. The roof is carpeted in artificial green grass, with hot tubs, a fire pit, and lots of picnic tables and benches so everyone can enjoy the view - when the sun is shining - which, fortunately, for us it was.
This was then followed by a tour which was headed up by Justin, who did an amazing job in bringing all aspects of the fort to life.
Afternoon tea was then served in the Mess Hall, a spacious area decorated with sailors' uniforms handing from hooks and set up similar to a wedding venue with a seating plan. Staff were very efficient and friendly and it was nice to sit with other people and chat to them.
Afterwards, we were able to look around in our own free time. The fort is amazing to explore, a mix of modern, old history and luxury. Lots of opportunities to take fabulous photos and relax.
The top of the lighthouse, constructed on the roof of the fort, offers spectacular 360-degree views.
No Man's Fort is simply unique and we spent a stunning July afternoon here. If you get the opportunity, take it, it's a memorable experience. Thank you Emmie, Alun and Gemma for a wonderful Christmas present.
No comments:
Post a Comment