Solent Forts FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

• WHERE DO WE PARK?

  The nearest public car park is at Gunwharf Quay’s shopping centre (postcode for sat nav is PO1 3TZ).

• HOW DO WE GET TO THE FORTS?

  Transportation to and from the fortis by boat which departs from the Commercial Pontoon at Gunwharf Quays. The size of the boat will vary depending on the number of guests and staff travelling at that particular time. It takes approximately 10-15 minutes to get to Spitbank.

  Guests who wish to travel to the Fort on their own boats are asked to contact the team before doing so to arrange this.

• WHAT TIME DOES THE BOAT DEPART?

  For any guests visiting the Fort for an overnight stay or day experience, we ask that you check in no later than 11:30am, the boat will then depart at 12pm sharp from our commercial pontoon.

  For any guests joining us for a Dinner Experience, we ask that you check in no later than 6pm. The boat will then depart promptly at 6:30pm.

• WHAT HAPPENS IF WE MISS THE BOAT?

  We run a tight ship and cannot guarantee being able to get you to the fort if you do not arrive within the specified time frame. To avoid keeping your fellow guests waiting (and missing out on precious time onboard), we’re afraid the boats must leave at the scheduled departure times which is why we recommend you arrive at check-in 60 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

• WHERE CAN I FIND THE ITINERARY FOR MY VISIT?

  Please click here to find your itinerary for your experience on board.

• ARE CHILDREN OR PETS ALLOWED ONBOARD?

  For health and safety reasons, children under the age of 12 years old are strictly not permitted onboard. Children aged 12-17 are welcome for day experiences such as lunches and afternoon teas but due to licencing laws, we are unfortunately unable to welcome guests under the age of 18 years old for an overnight stay. Please see additional details in our terms and conditions which can be found on our website. With the exception of guide dogs, we do not accept pets on-board.

• I HAVE RESTRICTED MOBILITY – IS THE VENUE ADAPTED?

  The fort is classified as an ‘ancient monument’ and as such, we are limited in what we can do to adapt this unique venue to be suitable for all. As well as getting to, on and off a boat, access to the fort is via a landing stage where guests must walk up a two storey ramp.

  The original staircases on the fort are relatively narrow and steep which may prevent access to all levels for those with mobility restrictions. If you are planning on visiting us and have reservations about mobility and access, please do contact us to discuss.

• CAN YOU CATER FOR MY DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?

  At Solent Forts, we are proud to say that we can cater for most dietary requirements that you may have and recognise the following allergens: Cereals containing gluten, Crustaceans, Molluscs, Eggs, Fish, Peanuts, Soya, Milk, Nuts, Celery and Celeriac, Mustard, Sesame, Sulphur Dioxide, Sulphites and Lupin. Please ensure you inform our reservations team of any allergens or dietary requirements at time of booking, or at least 48 hours before your visit to ensure we have enough time to source alternative ingredients for you if required.

• IS THERE A DRESS CODE?

  Whilst there is no official dress code, we do ask that you wear flat shoes to steady your sea legs on the boat and advise wearing something warm for the boat transfers as all good sailors will know, it can get a bit breezy on a boat in the middle of the Solent!

  Most of our guests do opt for smart casual attire but if you prefer to go all out or even visit us dressed as Nelson or even Napoleon, you will be equally welcome aboard!

• WHAT HAPPENS IN BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS?

  Access to the Fort is of course subject to weather conditions and the safety of our guests and staff is our primary concern. We keep a very keen eye on the sea state, wave height and wind gusts and are regularly advised by the Harbour Master plus both our boat captains who have over 50 years’ experience sailing the Solent. Whilst we have a good track record cancelling only 7% of our trips, should it become necessary to postpone or cancel boats to and from the fort, we will let you know as soon as we possibly can and do our very best to offer you an alternative date to visit or failing that, a full refund.

  We have created multiple partnerships with other hotels and venues in the local area so, should your corporate event, meeting or EU with us be affected with us in anyway, we will do everything we can to find an alternative venue to host you.

• I’M PLANNING A SPECIAL CELEBRATION. HOW CAN YOU HELP MAKE IT EXTRA SPECIAL?

  Here at Solent Forts we understand that with any event, it’s the little things that count. Whether you want to impress friends or clients with champagne Sabrage, surprise a guest with a personalised cake at dinner or have a bottle of champagne waiting in someone’s room, we are on hand to make every event extra special. For the ultimate celebration, you can even hire a whole fort. Please visit our Solent Forts Celebrations page for more information.

• HOW DO I MAKE CHANGES TO A BOOKING?

  Due to the additional logistics and planning involved with such an unusual venue, we do not allow changes to be made to any bookings within 28 days of your visit. However, we are happy to change a booking due to extreme unforeseen circumstances. Please let us know as quickly as possible if you wish to make a change to you booking and we will see what we can do to accommodate.

• WHAT HAPPENS IF THE BOAT TO THE FORTS IS CANCELLED

  If we have to cancel your trip, we will usually cancel within 24/48 hours and rebook you on the next available boat. Being a Napoleonic Fort in the middle of the sea, the weather can cause havoc meaning boats cannot take guests out to the fort.

• HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO REFUND MY TRIP TO THE FORTS?

  If we cannot rebook you, we will refund you, with funds being back in your bank account within three working days.