Fort Leicester

Trinity, Jersey

This fantastic holiday home sits in a magnificent 19th century fort in Jersey.

Sleeps 8
2 bedrooms
1 bathroom

SAVE TO WISHLIST 1

from £190 per night

Please note: minimum stay for this property is: 2 nights low season & 7 nights high season

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How to book

Fort Leicester is listed with us by the managing agent Heritage Lets.

You can book online now at their website. Just click the button and we'll send you there to see more info and to book...

from £190 per night

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The highlights

Enjoy a stay in a magnificent fort that overlooks the sea.
Dine inside or in the warmer weather dine alfresco whilst taking in the coastal views.
Light the wood burner in the bedroom and stay cosy and warm in winter.
The apartment is a nice base from which to explore this beautiful part of Jersey.

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You should know

Borehole water, which is not suitable for drinking but can be used for cooking or bathing.
Dogs allowed. £10 per dog per night up to a maximum of £50 per dog per stay.
There is no disabled access.

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The detail

Spread over three levels, this magnificent 19th century fort sits above the picturesque harbour of Bouley Bay and has a private garden and terrace.

Named after the Earl of Leicester, a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, Fort Leicester has military history dating back to the late 16th century. The Fort sits above the picturesque harbour of Bouley Bay in Jersey’s National Park and has been restored to reflect its diverse military history.

The Fort housed single cannon when it was constructed in the 16th century, nearly 50 years after an invasion attempt on Jersey from France. Another half a century later a boulevard and battery platform was installed as part of Jersey’s northern defence plan but was deemed inadequate by the Island’s Lieutenant Governor who instructed the battery to become a fort. Numerous guns were positioned at the Fort which required the site to house around 30 of the Island’s militia up until it was rebuilt in 1836, when the Fort was considered ineffective due to the threat of steam navigation.

The property has stayed much the same since it was rebuilt, with the guardhouse converted to the main bedroom with one double bed and two single beds, and a wood burning stove. The lower level magazines have also been transformed into a cosy bunk room and a bathroom. One of Fort Leicester’s most quirky features is that it is built into the surrounding rock face and so has been built into three different levels, requiring guests to move outside from one room to another, with sections of grass between. If you’re lucky, you may see some of the resident wall lizards basking in the sun, which are unique to Jersey.

A later addition to the Fort is the searchlight housing constructed by Occupying German forces during the Second World War, which now houses a fully fitted kitchen with a lounge and diner. There is also a terraced area where a gun emplacement once stood, which is perfect for watching the local fisherman go in and out of the harbour.

With the picturesque setting and sound of the waves in the harbour, there is no need for a television or WiFi. The Fort gives your family the perfect opportunity to explore the small beach below or take in the winding coastal paths to the nearby, equally scenic, bays.

A beach café is located in Bouley Bay which is also home to one of Jersey’s diving schools. Although nothing is too far in Jersey, due to its more secluded location we would recommend hiring a car to get around. The Fort also has one parking space at the harbour for sole use of guests.