Take Mother in Law and put her down in the middle of the Solent!! (Spitbank Fort)

Member Name: Pearl Davison

Product:	Spitbank Fort
Date:	24/07/01 (1676 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: completely different

Disadvantages: Your enjoyment could be dependant on weather

If you look out across the Solent from Portsmouth you will see a series of circular forts.

You might think that doesn't sound so unusual but you'll think again if I tell you that they are built in the middle of the sea.

These forts are part of a chain of coastal defences built to put a stop to any ideas Napolean may have had about invading Victorian Britain.

He didn't. The Forts have been known ever since as 'Palmerston's Follies'.
One of which is Spitbank Fort an unusual
tourist attraction and function venue all rolled in to one.

Situated a mile out to sea you reach Spitbank Fort by boat from the Portsmouth or Gosport side of Portsmouth Harbour.

It can get a bit choppy out on the water and sea-sickness tablets are a must if you are that way inclined.

If its too rough the boats don't go.

The Fort offers 360 degrees of view around the Solent and out into the English Channel as well as the chance to explore some of the 50 room which include an original Victorian kitchen.

Replica guns are on display in this water-bound fort with its own freshwater well.

Its great for us locals when we need to find things that the in-laws and friends might enjoy doing and haven't done before when they come to stay so we take them out to the Fort for a mouthwatering spit-roast chicken Sunday lunch and spend the afternoon discovering what lies inside the Fort.

You are free to explore the rooms as you wish, and roam the passageways by candlelight.

Last time we went (over the Easter holidays) Katherine completely forgot about being a stroppy pre-teenager and thoroughly enjoyed herself, taking charge of little Joe and the visiting twins and leading them through the passageways on adventures that could only happen inside children's heads.

I think they killed several sea-monsters and defeated countless pirates as us adults sat in the circula
r courtyard enjoying that refreshing bracing feeling you get when out at sea.

Boats leave Gosport pontoon at 12 noon and the Historic Dockyard at 12.15pm. It costs £15 for adults and £8 for children and includes the meal. A vegetarian meal is available but you need to arrange it beforehand.

Wednesday night is Pig Roast night.

Boats leave Gosport Pontoon at 7.15 pm and 8.30 pm and Portsmouth Hard at 7.30 pm and 8.45 pm. Return times from the Fort are 9.15 pm and 10.30 pm.

The Price is £15 for adults and £8 for children and includes lashings of roast pork and crackling, accompanied by a jacket potato and salad and followed by a sweet.

Again a vegetarian meal is available by prior arrangement.

Friday and Saturday nights are party nights on Spitbank Fort. The boat leaves Gosport Pontoon only at 8 pm and the return boat leaves the Fort at Midnight.

The price is £20 per head and is inclusive of a 2-course supper and disco. Bar prices are reasonable and about the same as a normal pub.

If you just want to visit the Fort and not eat Afternoon visits are available on Wednesdays and Sundays. Boats depart from the Historic Dockyard and Gunwharf Quays at 2.45 pm. But you are advised to check these details when booking.

The afternoon trips cost £6.95 for adults and £5 for children.

Perhaps there is a group of you that is looking for somewhere a little less run of the mill than the local theme pub for a night out in which case Spitbank Fort is ideal.

The Group Social nights take place on Tuesday and Thursday nights and cost £15 per head, which includes a spit-roast chicken supper. (Or vegetarian option by arrangement). Boats leave Gosport pontoon at 7.30 pm and Portsmouth Hard at 7.45 pm.

Group bookings only are accepted on these nights.

You are advised to book your trip or night out on the Fort in advance.

Unfortunately the Social evenings are n
ot something you can just do on the spur of the moment you have to pay a 20% deposit on booking and need to have paid at least 21 days in advance, and the deposit won’t be refunded if you cancel with less than 14 days to go to your intended visit.

Sunday lunches and pub nights require a £2.50 deposit for groups of 8 more. But any other payments are accepted on the boats.

Spitbank Fort also offers a venue with a difference if you are looking for somewhere to celebrate that special occasion. Its available to hire right through the year.

For bookings and further details :-

Something Different Leisure Ltd
9 Mumby Road
Gosport
Hamsphire

Telephone 02392 529952

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