The Brighton i360 is the tallest moving observation tower in Europe, a needle-thin steel mast on the seafront beside the skeleton of the old West Pier. Designed by the architects behind the London Eye, it lifts a huge glass pod slowly up to about 450 feet, giving a bird's-eye view over the Regency terraces, the Royal Pavilion's domes, the rooftops of the Lanes and the long sweep of the coast. On a clear day you can look inland to the South Downs and along the shore towards Beachy Head, and sometimes much further. The pod carries a crowd but has a bar in the middle and wide windows on every side, so the view works from anywhere on board. Flights are gentle and unhurried, which makes it a good first-day orientation for new visitors and a relaxed treat after sunset, when the city lights come on and the pier glows along the shore.
Choose the flight that suits your plans. The standard View 360 ticket gives you a single flight of about half an hour, while the Anytime ticket lets you pick your slot more freely. For something special, the City Lights flight and the Sky Bar flight include a welcome drink, with a glass of champagne or a soft drink, and run for around 25 minutes. Opening hours are generally later at weekends than on weekdays, and the tower can pause or close for high winds, so check the day's status if the weather looks rough.
Where to look
The Royal Pavilion's domes are easy to pick out inland, the Palace Pier stretches out to the east, and the West Pier ruin sits right below you. Inland the South Downs form the horizon, and on a very clear day the view stretches to the Seven Sisters cliffs and beyond. Visibility makes all the difference, so a bright cold day in winter can beat a hazy summer one. The pod is fully enclosed, so wind and rain do not affect comfort, but misty days can spoil the view.
The tower stands at the western end of the seafront, near Regency Square and the Kings Road arches, so it fits neatly into a seafront walk. Allow time to arrive early for security and boarding, and expect a short queue at peak times. The base has a cafe and a shop. Families find the flight easy because children can move around the pod, and the experience is step-free for most visitors. Pair it with a walk along the promenade towards the Palace Pier, which is about a mile to the east.
What to expect
The experience
A slow glass-pod flight up the tower and back, with a central bar and wide windows, plus drink options on the City Lights and Sky Bar flights.
Best time
A clear day for the longest view, or just before sunset for light over the sea and the city lights afterwards.
How long
About 25 to 30 minutes for the flight, plus a short wait to board.
Tips
Check the day's status in high winds, pick a clear day if you can, and arrive a little early to pass through security.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want to see how the city, the coast and the Downs fit together.
- Families
- Easy for children, who can move around the pod and enjoy spotting landmarks.
- Couples
- Book a City Lights or Sky Bar flight with a drink and go at dusk.
- Pair with
- A promenade walk to the Palace Pier, or a seafront dinner nearby.
- Time needed
- Allow about an hour including the queue and boarding.
Good questions
How long is the i360 flight?+
The standard flight takes about 30 minutes, and the drink flights run for about 25 minutes. Allow extra time for boarding.
How high does the pod go?+
It rises to about 450 feet, which gives views over the city, the Channel and the South Downs. On a very clear day you can see far along the coast.
Does the i360 close in bad weather?+
It can pause or close in high winds. Check the day's status before you travel if the weather looks rough.
Is it worth going on a cloudy day?+
You will still see the city and the sea, but the long views depend on visibility. A clear day gives much more for your money.
Can I buy a ticket with a drink?+
Yes, there are flights that include a welcome drink, such as a glass of champagne or a soft drink. They run at set times, so book ahead.
