Brighton i360

Compared to other observation towers, the Brighton i360 has a unique design where the actual observation deck moves up and down like an enormous lift as opposed to a conventional design where you would take a lift up to the observation deck level.

The 162m- (531 ft)-tall needle-like tower has a movable passenger pod that is shaped like a giant glass doughnut, which ascends to 138m (453 ft). This is six metres (20 ft) taller than the top of the London Eye and equivalent to the top floor of a 30-storey building. From here you have brilliant panoramic views of Brighton, the South Downs and the English Channel. On a clear day, you are able to see as far as the Isle of Wight.

The passenger pod (the movable observation platform) has a capacity of 175 people and includes a bar, the Nyetimber Sky Bar, which specialises in locally-produced drinks including Nyetimber English sparkling wine, Brighton Gin, Folkington’s juice and mixers and beer from Harvey’s Brewery.

While you’re higher than the London Eye the views of Brighton rooftops are nowhere near as spectacular as the views from the London Eye, the Sky Garden or the Shard in London.

Visiting the Brighton i360

Brighton i360 is on the seafront west of the city centre, which is around a 10-minute walk away. Brighton railway station and Brighton Palace Pier are both a 15-minute walk from here.

Pod ‘flights’ depart every half hour and each ride lasts around 20–25 minutes. It is open all year round, but operating hours vary according to the season with the last flight departing shortly after sunset. The ticket price varies from £18.50 to £20.50 with the cheaper price for a pre-booked ticket with a specific time slot and the more expensive entry fee for the more flexible Anytime ticket.

There are no toilet facilities on the pod itself; however, there are toilets in both the holding area where you wait prior to your ‘flight’ and also in the gift shop/cafe area that you pass through afterwards.

It is possible to book yoga and pilates sessions inside the Brighton i360 pod.

It is fully accessible for wheelchair users (and companions can visit free of charge).

In addition to the bar inside the pod, the Brighton i360 complex has a restaurant and a cafe at ground level. The West Beach Bar & Kitchen has a seafood-based menu and also serves afternoon tea and the West Beach Cafe & Bar offers a more casual dining experience. Both restaurants have outdoor terraces with lovely sea views and combo tickets are available that include both a Brighton i360 flight and either brunch, a two-course lunch or afternoon tea.