Spitbank Fort, Sea fort in Southsea, England.
Description
Spitbank Fort is a sea fort in Southsea, England, located about 525 feet (160 meters) offshore in the Solent. The circular structure shows thick granite and brick walls with multiple gun decks facing the open water.
History
Construction began in 1861 following government plans to counter enemy ships. Completion took until 1878, and the fortification saw service during both world wars before being abandoned in the 1950s.
Culture
The name comes from the original sandbank in the Solent that served as its foundation. Together with two other forts, it forms a defensive line that visitors can observe from the water today.
Practical
Boat connections from the mainland depend on weather and tides, so checking conditions in advance is helpful. The open-sea location means access may be limited during stormy weather.
Did you know?
The entire facility has been converted into a private hotel with accommodation and dining spaces, open only to booked guests. Those not staying overnight can still view the fort from boats passing through the Solent.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Southsea).
Southsea Castle
1.1 km
Clarence Pier
1.7 km
South Parade Pier
1.8 km
Queens Hotel
1.7 km
The D-Day Story
1.2 km
Portsmouth Pyramids Centre
1.4 km
Portsmouth Naval Memorial
1.4 km
Knight & Lee
1.8 km
Southsea Castle lighthouse
1.1 km
Church of St Simon
2 km
Crimean Monument
1.2 km
Peel Or Shannon Naval Brigade Monument
1.6 km
Aboukir Memorial
1.3 km
Flint Lodge And Attached Conservatory And Wall
1.7 km
Chesapeake Monument
1.6 km
Autumn Vale
1.7 km
Trafalgar Monument
1.6 km
Trident Memorial
1.4 km
Strathearn Hotel
1.7 km
The Friary
1.9 km
Statue of Bernard Montgomery, Southsea
1.3 km
38-42, South Parade
1.8 km
Tram Shelter (Adjacent To Blue Reef Aquarium)
1.2 km
Lamp Columns To Pavement On South Side
1.2 km
Three Lamp Columns To Esplanade, South Of South Parade
1.8 km
12, Villiers Road
1.7 km
Seafront Shelter At Sz 6487 9807
1.5 km
Dover Court
1.9 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes