My interest in forts, bunkers and castles is well-documented, and recently I managed to squeeze in a visit to another place of interest that falls into this category. Somehow, it is both fort and castle, as Hurst Castle on the south coast was initially a Tudor dwelling, converted into a sea defending fort during the war. The castle is at the end of long shingle walkway that takes it out of you if you try and walk it.

My love of all things bunker/fort/island led me to googling everything I could find about Spitbank Fort. Aside from the fact that it’s not the greatest name ever, it’s also a round concrete fort situated off the South Coast that’s been turned into a hotel. It’s amazing! Photo credit: Anthony Abbott As the website states: “Spitbank Fort is the most exclusive venue on the south coast, and is its own private island for hire, available for exclusive use, special events, private parties, wedding receptions, music videos and corporate hire.

When we were watching Mission Impossible II, Mr C and I were very taken with the fort that featured at the very end of the movie. Whilst we were meant to be enjoying the big motorcycle sequence, we were busy saying “Where is that? We need to live there.” Because, whilst an underground bunker is the ideal, there is also a lot to be said for living on a bit of an island, in a military designed fort.