No Man's Fort, Solent, Portsmouth

No Man’s Fort – a Victorian-era fort which was originally built between 1867 and 1880 to protect Portsmouth from an attack from Napoleon III – has been turned into a luxury hotel, with 22 bedrooms, a lighthouse penthouse suite, nightclub, hot tub and laser quest arena.

 

The historic forts have become quite possibly the quirkiest accommodation in Britain, for those who are happy to splash the cash on creating some very unusual memories.

Where soldiers once slept and gun practices were carried out, there are now luxury bedrooms, while former lookout points are now perfect spots to relax with a gin and tonic.

There are four forts in total, built between 1861 and 1880 after being commissioned by former Prime Minister Lord Palmerston. He was a little late in his bid to defend Britain from Napoleon.

Louis Napoleon, nephew of Bonaparte, declared himself Emperor Napoleon III in 1852, and there were immediate fears he may make good on the plan that his uncle never quite managed.

The 22 rooms are decorated in a playful nautical theme, with everything from old shipping trunks to naval pictures in frames.

No Man's Fort finally opened its doors this April as a hotel, with 22 bedrooms, a helipad, hot tubs on the roof, a spa and its own green so you can hit special biodegradable golf balls straight into the Solent - as long as the Harbourmaster gives you permission (you are, after all, in the middle of a busy shipping lane).

The third is currently being left in its desolate state, with a view to offering possible tours so visitors can see how the defences looked when they were in use by the Ministry of Defence.

A night at No Man's Fort doesn't come cheap - prices start from £450 - but there seems to be no shortage of people signing up for a weekend stay or one of their themed party nights (nothing beats a Blitz Party on an actual fort). Advance bookings are strong, even though No Man's only opened in April.