Historic Ships and Forts Tour

This 90-minute tour departs from Camber Dock and circles three Victorian-era forts (Spitbank, Horse Sand, No Man's Land) in the Solent approaches. A specialist guide narrates 19th-century naval defence strategy and the 2020 restoration of Spitbank Fort. You'll see the forts' distinctive diamond architecture and learn why they were built against French invasion threats. It's designed for history buffs and photographers wanting in-depth context. Best for history buffs and photographers. This is a easy activity lasting 1.5 hours. Group size: max 120. You meet at Camber Dock. Key highlights: Close-up views of Spitbank Fort's restored Victorian architecture, Detailed commentary on 1860s-era fort construction and strategy, Three forts visible in one tour (Spitbank, Horse Sand, No Man's Land).

Price: £24

Duration: 1.5 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: max 120

Minimum age: all ages

Best for: history buffs and photographers

Best time: May to September for best sea conditions and visibility. Avoid July–August school holidays for smaller groups. Calm seas improve fort photography quality.

Meeting point: Camber Dock

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

0-5 min Board at Camber Dock - Meet at Camber Dock near Old Portsmouth. Check in 10 minutes early at the ticket kiosk.

5-20 min Depart and cruise into Solent - The boat heads southeast into open Solent waters with initial historical commentary on Portsmouth's naval role.

20-45 min Circle Spitbank Fort at close range - Navigate directly alongside the restored Victorian fort. Guide explains 1860s construction, 2020 renovation, and its role defending Portsmouth from French invasion threats.

45-65 min View Horse Sand and No Man's Land forts - Pass the other two forts in the defensive chain. Commentary covers architectural details and comparisons between the three structures.

65-85 min Return toward Camber Dock - Cruise back into Portsmouth Harbor with final context on fort history and modern preservation efforts.

85-90 min Disembark at Camber Dock - Return to the dock near Old Portsmouth. Time to explore the historic streets or grab refreshments.

The whole experience takes 1.5 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Camber Dock.

• Close-up views of Spitbank Fort's restored Victorian architecture
• Detailed commentary on 1860s-era fort construction and strategy
• Three forts visible in one tour (Spitbank, Horse Sand, No Man's Land)
• Specialist guide with deep naval defence history knowledge
• Photography from starboard side (fort-side) of vessel
• Accessibility: Limited wheelchair boarding due to narrow pontoon access. Notify operator in advance. No accessible toilet. Moderate seasickness risk on open Solent; bring motion sickness medication if prone.

What is included: 90-minute guided boat tour, Specialist commentary on 19th-century naval history, Life jacket (provided), View of all three Solent defensive forts.

Not included: Landing at the forts (view only from boat), Food or drinks onboard, Hotel pickup or transport. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Camera with telephoto lens (200mm+ for sharp fort details), Waterproof jacket (spray likely on Solent approaches), Polarizing filter to reduce water glare, Binoculars for architecture detail, Sun protection and wind-resistant layers. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: May to September for best sea conditions and visibility. Avoid July–August school holidays for smaller groups. Calm seas improve fort photography quality..

Tip: Best views from starboard side

Tip: Tours cancelled in rough weather

Accessibility: Limited wheelchair boarding due to narrow pontoon access. Notify operator in advance. No accessible toilet. Moderate seasickness risk on open Solent; bring motion sickness medication if prone..

Operator: Blue Funnel Tours | Phone: +44 (0)23 9286 5968

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Old Portsmouth (3 min walk)
• Round Tower (4 min walk)
• Portsmouth Cathedral (6 min walk)

This activity is run by Blue Funnel Tours.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure. Cancellations within 48 hours lose 50% of fee. Tours cancelled due to rough weather receive full refund or rebooking..

Accessibility: Limited wheelchair boarding due to narrow pontoon access. Notify operator in advance. No accessible toilet. Moderate seasickness risk on open Solent; bring motion sickness medication if prone..

Best time to go: May to September for best sea conditions and visibility. Avoid July–August school holidays for smaller groups. Calm seas improve fort photography quality..

Can I photograph inside the forts or just from the boat?

Photography is only from the boat; landing on the forts is not permitted for safety and heritage reasons. The tour circles at 50–100 meters, giving clear shots from the starboard (right) side. A telephoto lens (200mm+) captures fort architecture details. Bring a polarizing filter to reduce water glare for sharper images.

What is the history of Spitbank Fort?

Spitbank Fort was built in 1867 as one of three diamond-shaped forts to defend Portsmouth against French invasion. It housed 90 soldiers and 20 cannons. After falling into disrepair, it underwent a £3.3 million restoration (2017–2020) and now operates as a visitor destination. The tour guide explains the fort's Victorian defensive strategy.

Will the tour be cancelled due to weather?

Tours cancel if seas exceed Beaufort Force 4 or visibility is severely compromised. Rough conditions are common on the Solent; check the forecast before booking. If cancelled, you receive a full refund or can reschedule for another date at no extra cost.