Spitbank Fort luxury hotel, home or piece of history?
There are several of these forts in the channel. Totally unique and often showing up in the media for one reason or another.
Its been many things but if you are lucky enough to have visited they are certainly unique.
I visited in 2015 and this originally was a travel feature, but some places are interesting whatever they use or neglect, they have a unique history and this is one of those places.
“Aboard the most exclusive private island in Britain”
Its Springtime, love is in the air….
It’s the time of year, where new beginnings prosper and thoughts of heading to the sea. Want something a little different, a place you can be fairly sure your friends will not have been to?
Looking for somewhere to base yourself for Cows Week
Think Spitbank Fort, somewhere beautiful whether in the middle of winter, which is when I first visited or possibly something a little more Rivierra del Portsmouth…
A quirky and unique gun emplacement has been transformed into a luxurious cocoon of indulgence, perfect for exclusive Fort Breaks and delicious Lunch Experiences.
Your own private island
Hold on tight as the thrilling speedboat ride transports you through the waves into a world of opulence and discovery, where everything from the exquisite cuisine to the breath-taking sea views will make your trip to Spitbank Fort an unforgettable one.
Either way, a 24 hour stay at Spitbank Fort, a short boat ride into the Solent from Portsmouth I think would be “just the ticket Mr Book”, name that film in 1 please…
A private island in the sea between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. Built to protect Portsmouth harbour from attack from Napoleon III
Spitbank Fort is an unusual and historic sea fortress in the Solent, between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. Now a luxury exclusive venue and hotel, the fort was formerly home to hundreds of soldiers guarding the approach to Portsmouth. With arms and ammunition long removed, the fort has made room for eight luxury bedroom suites, three bars, two restaurant areas and spa facilities for guests to enjoy. Available for private parties, wedding receptions, corporate events and themed weekend retreats, Spitbank Fort is its own private island offering guests exceptional exclusivity. Spitbank Fort has accommodation for 18 and function space for up to 60 guests. This exclusive venue is also home to the UK’s only Laurent Perrier champagne bar.
Spitbank Fort’s unique features:
• Eight bedrooms, sleeping up to 18 guests
• Rooftop hot pool and sauna
• Unbeatable fishing spot
• 360° Views of the Solent
• Shisha pipe smoking area
• Unique activities such as sabrage, fort fishing, RIB rides
Travelling there from London, you take the Portsmouth Harbour train. I was picked up at 12.15 at Gunwharf Quays which is just a few minutes’ walk from the station.
The Spitbank Fort Express, “that’s just my name” has a couple of stops in the harbour which is a wonderful place to see the old and the new from The Royal Navy and also watch the multiple pleasure craft do their thing.
You can partake in a dram on board or sit inside in creature comforts. Myself I preferred to stand on deck and breath in the sea air and hark back to the glorious and illustrious naval days of my family…..well there was a Vice Admiral Sir Richard Grenville in the 16th century….so I must be connected ?
After a pleasant few minutes at sea you will arrive at Spitbank Fort, where either you will get out onto the gantry if the sea is calm or the hoist will just pick the boat out of the water, which I thought was super cool….. sorry I know that sounds a bit like “The Secret Seven” but boys will be boys…
Your bags are taken and all you have to do is use your legs, not for long before you are welcomed by a glass of bubbly.
A few bits of history …..
The Spithead forts were built in the 1860’s to prevent warships bombarding Portsmouth Dockyard.
They played defence roles in the 1st world war with their 6-inch and 4.7inch guns.
Defence for The Second World War was there role, though no action was seen.
In 1956 the forts ceased to have any military value.
In 1963 they were put up for sale – sold in 1982 to Shaun & Pauline Maguire, who added a new landing stage, largely restored the building and opened this to the public.
In 2012 Amazing Retreats opened Spit Bank after restoration.
ARRIVAL – yes Grenville you said champagne, that I did me Lord….
Into the “Victory Bar” we head with my merry gang, “sorry sounds like I have gone into Pirate mode now” to partake in a libation and enjoy the glorious feel and décor, which is genuinely superbly done.
Complete with its very own Lauren-Perrier Bar, perfect for champagne receptions where the toasts just keep on coming! Equally, this is the perfect space to sit back, relax and enjoy our cosy sofas, with a mug of hot chocolate in hand whilst listening to live acoustics.
Then onto
LUNCH IN THE CROW’s NEST
A modern and contemporary room with breath-taking sea views across the Solent and back towards the mainland, which is accentuated by the floor to ceiling glass walls. We enjoyed a wonderful fresh lunch and enjoyed meeting our fellow passengers, whilst taking in the beautiful sea views.
THE TOUR & THE HISTORY
The tour of the fort is wonderful, not only because the guide had done his degree in fort history, so could not have landed a better job, and really spoke with passion. They have restored the fort so sympathetically, creating a living history and on the tour this is all brought to life with anecdotal storytelling. There are walks, rooms, games and more involving the forts history that guests can involve themselves with during their downtime.
TEA IN THE VICTORY BAR – Tea and Scones
Nothing more need be said, except I felt very relaxed, looking through my port window, enjoying a lovely cuppa with some fresh scones…mmmm
THE CREW
One thing that is really nice is that the staff or crew are multi skilled. Though several do cover specific roles, the feel is like being on a ship with a crew.
MY ROOM
All the rooms offer something unique, converted from the old gun placements, the ceilings still show the ironmongery from former times.
DINNER IN THE OFFICER’s MESS
Vaulted brickwork and incredible views. A stunningly atmospheric room with original vaulted brickwork ceilings, gorgeous views towards Portsmouth Harbour and the Spinnaker Tower, and modern furnishings to complement the whole look. The food is spot on, nothing radical but that was not what I was after.
EVENING DRINKS IN THE VICTORY BAR
After a good meal, some lovely red wine it was time to adjourn to The Victory Bar with the wind howling outside, I thoroughly enjoyed sitting round and partaking in more wine and exchanging stories with my fellow fort mates.
There may have been a sea shanty or two as part of this.
MY SLEEP
With some good food, a good long discussion, putting the world to rights I happily returned to my huge bed and enjoyed looking out of my window with the wind howling outside and the lights of Portsmouth in the distance. It was genuinely romantic.
The next morning
BREAKFAST, a good English Breakfast served with all the trimmings was exactly what “The Butler” wanted.
There was then about an hour before the boat left, perfect to take in a gloriously sunny morning up on the deck.
With our thanks made to our excellent hosts, our bags taken, all we had to do was step into the boat whilst still hoisted.
Lowered into the water and then high speed to Portsmouth.
A really special, romantic and highly original luxury getaway.
Perfect.
