Spitbank Fort
A circular Victorian sea fort in the Solent, now a boutique hotel; non-residents can book boat trips and lunch tours to visit.
In the 1860s Britain built a ring of circular sea forts in the Solent to defend against a French naval invasion, nicknamed 'Palmerston's Folly'. Spitbank Fort is now a boutique hotel, with a heated swimming pool and viewing terrace on its roof. Non-guests can book Sunday lunch or afternoon tea cruises in summer, sailing to the fort from Gunwharf Quays in about 15 minutes. You can also see these sea forts from the Southsea seafront.
Opening hours
Reservation required; mainly in summer
Nearby sights
- Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth
- Southsea Castle
- The D-Day Story
- Southsea Common & Seafront
- Clarence Pier
- Royal Garrison Church
- Old Portsmouth & Round Tower
- Portsmouth Cathedral