A year ago No Man’s Fort, one of the world’s most unusual and unique hotels, opened its doors as a luxury hotel and fast became a bucket list destination.

Twelve months on the hotel has seen 56 marriage proposals, been taken over for exclusive events 22 times – even hosting a Fort du Soleil party with acrobats hanging from the Atrium roof on silks – and been named as a venue most likely to be the lair of a Bond villain.

The 22-bedroom hotel is part of The Solent Forts, a trio of once armed forts built 150 years ago in the late 1800s between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, to defend the country against French invasion.

With a Lazer Battle Arena in the depths of the fort and open air hot tubs on the roof top next to the heli-pad it is definitely a venue like no other.

Mark Watts, General Manager at The Solent Forts (made up of No Man’s Fort, Spitbank Fort and Horse Sand Fort), said the first year had been very exciting for everyone involved.

“Since opening in April 2015 we’ve seen thousands of people make the crossing from Portsmouth to our location out in The Solent,” he said.

“Of those 56 people have popped the question! It goes to show that a lot of our visitors plan a stay for a special occasion, and what’s more special than a wedding proposal.

“For me another highlight has been the number of people who make the trip for a Rule Brittania Sunday Lunch. We regularly have 150 people from Portsmouth and the surrounding area tucking into some delicious food on a Sunday.

“We’ve also achieved 4.5 star review status on Trip Advisor, which gives us an Award of Excellence.”

A year after the launch of No Man’s Fort and almost three years since the luxurious Spitbank Fort opened, the last of the forts owned by hotel group Amazing Venues – is also opening to the public.

Horse Sand Fort can now be visited as part of a special Trio of Forts package, giving guests the ultimate fort experience. Remaining in close to its original condition, complete with a central tower to survey the surrounding waters, the fort is only open to explore for a short time to visitors.

No Man’s Fort is also extending its own openings, and is now open for lunch guests on the first Saturday of each month.

Mark added: “Over the past year we’ve noticed guests really enjoy some of the more unusual facts about No Man’s Fort – for example, when the forts were occupied my armed forces Commandos were sent to the gantry as a test of their nerve. They were told to jump off and climb back on it three times as an initiation.

“We love sharing this information with guests on the tours and everyone learns something new when they visit.”

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