Fort Darnet, a 150-year-old Victorian sea fort in the River Medway near Hoo, Kent, has been purchased by a new owner who intends to convert it into a tourist attraction. The fort, built between 1870 and 1872, was originally designed to defend the Medway and Thames estuaries and could accommodate up to 100 men. It later served as a gunnery practice site and an observation post during the Second World War.
Plans for the Fort
The new owner, Mick Jennings, plans to open the island to visitors for activities including music events, wellbeing retreats, and ghost hunts. The project is in its early stages, with safety work being the main priority before any events can take place. Jennings told the BBC that his interest in sea forts began after visiting one on the south coast. He said: "I said to my wife 'we've got to have a fort - it's something we have to bid on'. We did and were successful."
Safety Concerns
Fort Darnet is currently closed to the public due to safety hazards, including unstable structures, hidden drops, and water-filled areas. Jennings stated: "We are going to drain the water out and get some safety features in place. There are some massive holes. It is a dangerous place at the moment." Despite its condition, Jennings believes the island has significant potential, describing it as "magical" with "views, eerie, magical, it's got all those things." He also noted that musicians have already approached him about filming at the fort, citing its "fantastic" acoustics.
Eco-Tourism and Wildlife Protection
The fort is located near abandoned ships in the Medway estuary, some dating back to the Second World War and deliberately sunk as coastal defences. Medway Council has welcomed the proposals, provided development is carried out responsibly. Simon Curry, Medway Council's portfolio holder for climate change and strategic regeneration, visited the site with Jennings and commented: "This is all about eco-tourism. It is an amazing site, going back to the Victorian era. The new owner wants to bring people out to hold events. There is a lot of potential for that, but it has to be done in a sustainable way, protecting the wildlife and protecting the river habitats. It is very exciting."
