LifecanbetoffWhen it comes to unusual destinations for an afternoon tea, Solent Forts No Man’s Fort has to be up there as being quite unique.
No Man’s Fort is a historic naval fort off the coast of Portsmouth. It’s home to a truly unique hotel and offers day trippers afternoon tea and a tour of the historic naval fort.
Solent Forts is made up of three private islands on the Solent. Spitbank Fort is the smallest of the forts with eight suites used for romantic getaways and for groups of friends.
No Man’s Fort is three times the size of Spitbank Fort and the one we visited. It is a luxury hotel with 22 bedrooms and also offering day trip experiences such as the Afternoon Tea at No Man’s Fort, discovery day’s and Sunday lunch and dinner experiences.
Horse Sands Fort is the same size as No Man’s Fort and was added to the collection as a museum. Preserving the history of these amazing armour plated islands, which have a 150 year British Naval History.
Our Day at No Man’s Fort
A couple of months ago, Mum and I decided that during some time I had off work, we would have a girly day, me, her and my Nan. We scoured the internet looking for something to do, before settling on something all ladies do, an afternoon tea.
I remembered that I had always wanted to visit one of Solent Forts and suggested it to Mum. That same day she booked our afternoon tea and we swore ourselves to secrecy that we wouldn’t tell Nan and that it would be a surprise.
On the day of our trip, I set sail (like what I did there?) from the Cotswolds at 7am to get to Mum in Gosport for 9.30 latest, we had to be at the Solent Forts boat transfer at Gunwharf Quay’s an hour before we were to set off at 12pm.
Shortly after arriving at Mum’s we set off to pick up Nan who had been told to wear comfy shoes and bring her walking stick as we would be doing lots of walking and climbing stairs. Nan didn’t know I was visiting so it was a real surprise!
Such a surprise that she came over all emotional upon seeing me, even though I had only seen her the week before (bless her!).
We arrived a little early at Gunwharf and without getting distracted by the shopping (if you’ve ever heard of Gunwharf it’s a really cool designer outlet village!) we settled for coffee and croissants, whilst Nan continued to try and guess what it was we were doing.
Shortly after 12, we joined several other day and overnight trippers on our 30 minute boat ride across the Solent to No Man’s Fort.
Afternoon Tea at No Man’s Fort
During our (slightly choppy) boat ride we sailed past the smaller Spitbank Fort before eventually sailing towards No Man’s Fort.
It was here Nan had cottoned on to where we were going and we all got excited for the day ahead!
We were also joined by a group of glamorous ladies on the trip, a birthday outing but with the birthday girl not knowing what was in store for her – to say she was emotional when she found out was an understatement. It was a pleasure to be part of her day and as the day went on and as the champagne flowed, we knew she was having the time of her life!
As we came closer to the fort, there were “oohs and aahhs” from our companions – It really is incredible, on a sunny day, seeing this naval island in the middle of the Solent.
Upon our arrival on the fort we were greeted by the very friendly and knowledgeable Craig who was our host and tour guide for the afternoon.
We were brought up into the atrium (which was bloody hot on a humid day) where we will advised of the set up for the day. We were split into our respective groups (afternoon tea, spa visits and over night guests) and Craig took us on the tour of this historic site. (More about the history of the forts below!)
After our tour we had a short amount of time to enjoy a drink in the atrium before our afternoon tea would be served.
At precisely 2pm (gotta love that naval precision!) the doors to the restaurant opened and we took up our tables for our tea.
As a smaller group of 3 we were joined on our table by lovely family visiting from London who had free time available before a trip to the Isle of White the next day.
Interestingly, the Fort is situated less than 2 miles from the Isle of White and after tea, as we relaxed on the top deck garden, we enjoyed the view of the Solent and the Isle of White – I have it as one of my UK Travel Wishlist Destinations.
The Afternoon Tea arrived and was so colourful. On initial inspection I was happy, macaroons, sandwiches, scones with jam and cream (#JamFirst) and unlimited refills of tea or coffee.
After we had scoffed our tea, ordered extra cream (being a regular in Cornwall it was disappointing this wasn’t clotted cream, but hey, I’m just being fussy) we had some free time before our ship would set sail at 5pm.
As we explored the upper deck of the fort, sat on a bench and got attacked by weird bugs which seemed to be insanely attracted to my yellow shirt we enjoyed the sunshine and the view.
We took the short walk around the perimeter of the fort, being careful not to stare into any bedroom windows (oooer missus!) and just generally enjoyed a chinwag and each other’s company!
We released some roses into the sea for our missing loved ones which was a peaceful moment to think about them, my granddad, the recently passed Maddie and other family members who were no longer with us.
With full bellies and tired legs, we were pleased to aboard the boat for our trip back to Gunwharf Keys.
The History of the Forts
When Napoleon III feared we would be invaded by the French, a set of five forts were built as sea based defences. They were commissioned in the 1860’s by then Prime Minister, Lord Henry Palmerston.
With Portsmouth dockyard considered a target, the forts were designed with 15ft of granite walls and armour plating. The 15 years it took for the forts to be completed meant that the threat of invasion had disappeared and the forts became known as ‘Palmerston’s follies’.
During the First World War the ideal location to fend off enemy ships, the forts were equipped with heavy guns.
The cannon hooks are still in place today and the museum contains lifesize replica’s of the artillery.
Weighing up to 800lbs each it took an army to lift the ammo into the cannons!
The windows were once open ports for the fort cannons – and what big cannons they were!
During WWII the forts came into their own as defences for Portsmouth dockyard. Life was tough on the forts, with several men occupying the sites at any one time. Their hammocks hung amongst the cannons and artillery and there were basic facilities available – a far cry from today’s luxury hotel bedroom suites.
Today, the lower level of No Man’s Fort is used for laser tag for stag and hen parties, complete with zombie zone! I have to go back to try this!
In 1956, the coastal artillery was abolished leaving the forts abandoned. It wasn’t until 1963 they were put up for sale but were not purchased until the 1980’s. Solent Forts purchased Spitbank Fort from a couple who had turned it into a museum. The company set about transforming the fort into a luxury hotel in 2009 which then opened in 2012. No Man’s Fort and Horse Sand followed shortly after.
A return trip
One day, I’d love to go back for an overnight stay at the Fort, or perhaps the smaller, more intimate Spitbank Fort.
With the Spa, various water based activities, hot tubs, saunas and good food it’s definitely worth it. Filled with historic artefacts and gems it’s difficult not to love this place!
The afternoon tea cost £60 which included the generous tea, boat trip and tour.
You are paying for the experience and unique location, the tea itself I felt could have been a little better, but it was varied and plenty of it to go around – we didn’t finish ours and opted against a doggy bag, but others did take their leftovers home.
I would recommend it if you are ever in the area as we really did have a fantastic day and the rooms look really luxurious if you’re looking to splash out on a unique night or two away. Definitely consider the weather, given its location it is hugely reliant on being able to sail.
Overall, a brilliant experience and highly recommended!
Peace out!
Jangles x
This trip is not sponsored or in partnership with Solent Forts, I am simply sharing a unique afternoon tea experience with my readers!
This is so interesting – I want to stay there too! One day, one day!!
It would be such an amazing overnight stay! The rooms looked really luxurious and the staff were so friendly and helpful.
This sounds so cool – a real afternoon tea with a difference!
It really was different! Fantastic to hear all about the history of the fort too.
I absolutely love afternoon tea! I’m always looking for the weirdest and most wonderful, and this certainly ticks all the right boxes!
It definitely fills that criteria! Well worth considering in future!