Cool Place of the Day: Solent Forts, Hampshire

Every day, a new place to discover or explore in the UK, from coolplaces.co.uk

If you've ever been on the ferry from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight, you'll have passed the Solent Forts, built offshore during Napoleonic times to defend the south coast from attack.

If, like us, you were intrigued by these places, you'll be glad to know that you can now not only visit but also stay overnight in one, making it arguably the most unique exclusive-use venue for a wedding, conference or party you could find anywhere in the UK.

How do you get there? Just show up at the Departure Lounge in Gosport for boats to whisk you off to the fort. And what do you when you're there? Well, they are very comfy indeed, refurbished to a high standard with not a hammock or ship's biscuit in sight. There are nine suites available, all of them spectacular, with super king-size beds (one has a waterbed), amazing bathrooms and uninterrupted views of the Solent.

Naturally it's a slightly odd feeling knowing that you can't just up and leave, but that's really the point. Food is whatever you want it to be, given that you basically hire the place and its crew, and afterwards you can relax in one of several bars or gather on deck around a fire pit and gaze out to sea or just relax in the fort's large hot tub. It’s basically your own private island for a weekend – just make sure you go with some people you like!

Martin Dunford is Publisher of Cool Places, a new website from the creators of Rough Guides and Cool Camping, suggesting the best places to stay, eat, drink and shop in Britain (coolplaces.co.uk)