St Helens Fort

St Helens Fort is a stone fortress built on a circular platform in the Solent waters, featuring solid walls and watchtowers that rise above the surrounding sea. The entire structure was designed as a defensive position to direct gunfire at approaching naval vessels.

The fort was built in 1867 under Colonel Jervois's direction as part of a defense system protecting Portsmouth and the southern British coast. Its construction came during a period of rapid change in naval defense technology.

The structure shows how people once imagined protecting a coastline through military engineering during the Victorian period. Standing on the beach, visitors can see the practical thinking behind its design and layout.

To visit the fort, you need special permission from the local authorities, but the exterior can be viewed from St Helens beach or by boat. Tidal conditions change how easy it is to approach, so checking the tide schedule beforehand makes planning easier.

Once a year during the lowest annual tide, people walk across an exposed causeway from the beach to reach the fort. This traditional event draws locals and visitors who take advantage of this rare chance to access the structure.

Location: St Helens

Inception: 1867

Part of: Portsmouth Palmerston Forts

GPS coordinates: 50.70510,-1.08390

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:23