Spinnaker Tower

While the top of the tower is 170m- (560 ft)-tall, the highest floor is only 105m (344 ft) above the ground and the roof of the structure is 110m (360 ft). This means that the top observation deck is around the same height as the top floor of a 25-storey building. Although this isn’t a supertall viewing platform, it is high enough to offer panoramic views of Portsmouth and the surrounding area.

What to see at Spinnaker Tower

Spinnaker Tower is not only a major Portsmouth landmark, it is also home to two observation decks where visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Portsmouth and the surrounding area. On a clear day you can enjoy views as far as 37km (23 miles), taking in Portsmouth and the surrounding area including the Solent, the Isle of Wight and the South Downs.

The first observation deck, at 100m (328 ft), has floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic views as well as i-VIEW touch screens that offer more information about the points of interest that you can see from the tower.

The Sky Walk lies at the centre of the main observation deck. This is a 60mm-thick glass floor that can hold up to 1,828kg (288 stone), which you can walk over and look directly down towards the ground 100m (328 ft) below.

Also known as The Clouds, the next level at 105m (344m), the restaurant where you can enjoy two different styles of high tea: a brunch high tea with a breakfast-inspired take on high tea snacks and a traditional afternoon tea.

At 110m (361 ft), the Sky Garden is Spinnaker Tower’s highest observation deck. The Sky Garden has a mesh roof open to the elements so you can feel the breeze and smell the fresh sea air.

Abseiling at Spinnaker Tower

If taking in the view from the observation deck sounds a little tame for you, then there’s also the option to abseil down the tower. However, it is a premium priced experience at £110 (up to £150 if you want the full package with video and photos).

Visiting Spinnaker Tower

Spinnaker Tower is located at Gunwharf Quays, an outlet shopping centre that incorporates some historical naval buildings, and it is only a short walk from Portsmouth Harbour railway station.

The observation decks are open year round but the abseiling experience only operates April to September.

Your entry ticket is valid all day, meaning that you can come and go as many times as you want on the same day. This is ideal if you want to experience the view under different lighting conditions such as at midday and again at sunset. There is also a view guarantee where you can receive a free return ticket (to be used within three months) if weather conditions mean that you cannot see all three Solent forts from the tower.

The tower’s observation decks are wheelchair accessible.

In addition to the high tea experience on The Clouds level, you can also enjoy a bite to eat at the ground-level Spinnaker Kitchen and Bar and its location at Gunwharf Quays means that there are plenty of other options for eating and drinking nearby.