Brighton 30 Minute i360 Viewing Tower Ride

staff is very polite and the view is amazing. you can see so much from the height it goes up too and take in the amazing views. i also recommend it if you're trying to get over a fear of heights as it is perfectly safe and stable. well worth it. xxxxx

Easy booking on line easy access Staff excellent on check in However in these Covid times I expected stricter ruling Once inside the pod and elevating People removed masks and were walking around I asked If I could move around and was told as long as I observed social distancing I left my friend in our "allocated area " - areas marked by blue lines but on returning there were at least 3 people congregating by us not 2m away as they were taking photos by the window We maintained our distance but this cannot be said of others Not sure if the blue lines are always there or just because of current situation - if so they are not being observed and staff not enforcing masks or spacing

We visited the i360 Viewing Tower in Brighton during an overnight stayover in the city. We had checked in to our accommodation on a Monday afternoon in June and decide we would take the opportunity to travel on this iconic landmark. The viewing tower is located at the former entrance to the now derelict West pier and the ticket office is in one of surviving landward buildings of this. We were able to turn up at the ticket office around 1PM and purchase a ticket for the 1:30PM flight so did not have to wait long. We can imagine that on busy periods, perhaps out of school term time, this attraction can be quite busy and there are facilities available to buy advance tickets online. Passengers waiting to travel are admitted to a private area at the foot of the tower and here you will find seating and views out to the remains of the West pier. The descending car on the tower looks very futuristic, almost like a flying saucer and after unloading the previous passengers intending passengers are invited to board. The interior is like a giant donut and very bright being mostly glass outside and with a bar area round the core. Seating is available if you wish to use them but most visitors tend to stand at the rails around the outside to appreciate the view. At the four compass points of East, West, North & South you will find a wide angle picture of your view identifying various landmarks which is particularly helpful if like us you are not native to Brighton. The journey time for the ascent and descent of the tower is about 10 minutes in each direction allowing for a 15 minute stopover at the top and there is plenty of time to move around the car and take photos both inside and out. On the day of our visit. The sun was shining brightly with little haze and in addition to aerial views of Brighton seafront, we could see as far as Portsmouth to the west and Eastbourne to the south. The return journey back to the ground first stops under the area from whence you boarded and passengers alight into a spacious and pleasant shop area where there are all manner of souvenirs of your visit available to purchase. Toilet facilities are also available here. We really enjoyed our trip on the i360 Viewing Tower and would recommend it to visitors to Brighton to experience.

Great views across the city of Brighton, along to the South Downs and out to sea. It's a large pod, much bigger than I expected, though there were only about 15 of us on our visit (mid morning on a Monday). It was a mixture of sunny/cloudy weather, and when the sun shone it was more difficult to see out of the pod - surely this should have been a consideration in the design stage?? Despite the sun, the views were great, and it was an enjoyable 1/2 hour - well worth a visit if you are in Brighton

Wife and I had a flight on the i360. Fantastic views. She’s not keen on heights but flight is so smooth she found it fine. As I said amazing views and we went at sunset so even better with the sun going down. Drinks prices quite steep but captive audience, you expect that. Well worth the entry fee, miles better than the View from the Shard and the London Eye.

We visited the tower at dusk, although they advise booking - it was very quiet and we took the 4.30 pm ‘flight’. The rise up was incredibly smooth and we treated ourselves to a drink from the ‘in flight’ bar (£10 each so pricey) . The view from the top was amazing even though it was dark. The lights from the city were mesmerising and we were able to freely walk around. It would be perfect for anyone with mobility issues. Very atmospheric in the capsule and not at all claustrophobic (if you suffer)

Visited for my birthday celebration. Great experience with amazing views over Brighton and beyond. Very interesting history on how it was built and definitely worth splashing out for a drink on board if celebrating something special. Make sure it’s a clear day though!

Very polite staff from purchasing the tickets to departing the i360. Pleasant experience with good views although if your planning on taking photos you do get a lot of glare off the windows (See photo attached) and they needed a good clean . That's why i gave it a 3*

love taking a flight in the i360 to see the stunning views.by walking around the pod. Great picking out land marks which you can identify from their commentary and also the leaflet available free at the bar. Very strict bag checks etc before boarding makes it just like taking a flight.

I visited earlier this week with my children during a trip to Brighton. Unfortunately the weather was very cloudy so the view wasn’t great. However we still thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Check in was smooth and efficient, staff were helpful and informative. There were only a few other people booked at the same time as us (possibly due to the weather!) but this meant that we were able to move around freely and take lots of photos. My son noticed that one of the windows was smashed which scared him a little, especially as it was so windy. I had a 2-for-1 National Rail voucher which I was unable to use online - disappointing that the technology isn’t there to support this as everywhere else seems to accept these vouchers for online bookings. I ended up paying full price so that we could book a time slot in advance of our trip. I thought this was quite an expensive activity, but a unique experience and something I’d recommend to others. Hopefully next time the weather will be better and we’ll get a good view!

Against my better judgment I was obliged to join some visiting friends to join them on a ride on the BA i360. The ride was smooth and the staff efficient and friendly, but why anybody would want to pay £25.00 basic for a view that 50 % of which is full of water is beyond me. For the cost of a local bus ride, you can travel to the 'Devil's Dyke' on top of the South Downs, and not only get a far better panoramic view of the city and the South Coast, but also a 180deg view across the beautiful Sussex Vale. Further, I appreciate it is an engineering marvel, but to my mind it is an eye sore which spoils the view of the sea front.

We pre booked the 8.30pm flight to see the sunset as per our daughters request. We were advised to arrive 20 mins beforehand. You have to go through metal detectors, have your temperature checked and a quick scan of handbags on entry. Staff are friendly and professional. The pod is spacious with plenty of room to walk around and keep you distance. There is seating available. My husband and I saw how the pod and structure was made on a TV documentary and I was not disappointed and amazed at high it was. I’m scared of heights but it is worth going up and seeing all the views. Those with a nervous disposition have nothing to worry about, the ride up and down is smooth and you don’t even have to stand on the edge to see the views. A gift shop and exhibition is available to see when disembarking.

The ride is comfortable, air-conditioned and has a snack bar. It is just about the right length, giving you time to see up and down the coast as well as the countryside around Brighton and Hove. There are stations throughout the observation deck explaining what you can see. I was concerned that a couple of the glass panels had big cracks in them.

Staying at Brighton for a few days, we gave the i360 a whirl. Staff and facilities are excellent and friendly, although we could have done without the photo pressure. Ride very smooth and there were only 5 of us in total on the trip, so plenty of room to wander round and enjoy the views. There is a bar, but we didn't use it. A great alternative to the semi-ubiquitous wheels in many cities. Ride length was about right. Worth a go - do it!

I was really excited to go up and see the sunset as booked the sunset flight. In the end we went up late as they kept letting people buy tickets and then we had to wait for them all to pass checks. By the time we went up the sun had already set so we didn’t get to see the sun setting which is why we booked this. The view was nice but not worth the money spent in all honestly. Also there was a big crack in the glass which is something I think should be replaced in something like this so I didn’t really feel safe as if this hasn’t been replaced I wonder what else might not be kept on top of… The staff were friendly and approachable as you went in through security and everything so that was one good thing.

Despite a fear of heights I really enjoyed the journey. We boarded with a massive group of school kids so was a bit loud but the whole experience was great would recommend! Will note though there was a big crack in the glass on one side which a bit wording especially as someone with a fear of heights 🙈 (I’m sure it was perfectly safe)

Well, all I can say is wow. From the moment we entered we were treated as guests and not just another member of the public. The actual views you get are breath taking. What made this extra special for us was the way we were treated by staff, they could not do more for us to ensure our trip was that extra bit special. I would personally like to think Jack who was behind the bar. His customer skills were second to none and even went out of his way to put my daughters favourite song on. In this day and age people are quick to moan and not give praise where it is due. I would like to thanks Jack and his team for going that extra mile. It makes a difference it really does and if anyone is reading this I hope you get to go here with this team as they were amazing. Thanks so much

Generally a very pleasant experience. There were, however, a couple of things which I fully understand the reason for but could be better. I purchased an anytime ticket in advance for £19.95 pp. (excellent value) so we would not have to rush around for the timed option. We went through the security check (the only reason for this check, that I could see, was to ensure that we were not carrying any glass containers with alcoholic drinks) I decided to visit the loo prior to our "flight" but was told to "Hurry Up" by the attendant, at this time there were ten minutes to departure. When I returned from the loo we were directed to the waiting area where we stayed for ANOTHER ten minutes before we were asked to board. We entered the capsule (There were only 4 people on this "flight") to be greeted by Sam, the steward (there was also another Sam serving at the bar). During the upward journey I decided to buy a drink for myself and my wife, both in out late 60's, to my horror there were only plastic glasses, a very limited number of drinks (no Scotch!!!) and every short had to include a mixer already poured into the drink which to me, who only drinks straight shorts, was not on. Sam #1 explained that it was a condition of the licence to serve drinks this way! The all round views were fantastic given some light mist but gave us an all new perspective of Brighton especially the West Pier. The ride was smooth with minimal wind buffeting so if anyone is concerned please don't be. The 25 minutes flew by and in what seemed no time we were descending to terra firma. As I said a very pleasant experience with just a couple of niggles which will soon be forgotton.

First time on the i360. We had beautiful clear skies for it and the views are beautiful. We could see all of Brighton, and the downs, the marina, seven sisters and we were so pleasantly surprised to see Beachy Head! It moves so slow and gentle you can’t even feel it! David and Tom were fantastic hosts. They walked around offering to take pictures and pointing out all the sights. And David made me a delicious Brighton gin and tonic! Recommend to all!

We had booked on to a 12:30 "flight" on our last day in Brighton. I got a phone call on the morning of our booked "flight" saying they were having technical difficulties and may not be operating. We had booked lunch as well as the tower so agreed to go and see at the booked time. All the staff we spoke to, particularly Stephanie and Katie were excellent, very professional, informative and most importantly caring. We decided to have lunch first then take the trip if it was working. Fortunately it was and we got in 90 minutes after our booked time. Thanks again to Stephanie. The lunch was good, if a little slow in coming, loss of staff hanging around but did slow coming out of the kitchen. The trip was good and a great experience.

Booked online and received a super group discount. Made plans for our group to arrive at the i360 for midday on a sunny Sunday. All present and accounted for, we entered into the flight departure, went through the customary bag search, two of our group had sneaky cocktail cans within their bags so these were removed and labelled up with a raffle ticket for later collection - makes a change as normally in venues you are asked to either put them in the bin or drink them there and then - good effort by i360 with this one! We ventured out onto the viewing platform before 'take off' and ample photo opportunities with both the sea view, the previous flight taking off and super selfies on the oversized and little deckchairs provided. We then boarded the flight and were all surprised how spacious the 'doughnut' was, lovely clear windows (mind the reflections for those keen photographers) and ample seating around the centre. Take off was mild & gentle, you don't even realise you are moving until you look at the surrounding buildings. The views are superb with a 360 panorama and on a clear day (which we were grateful to have) you can see for miles around. The onboard bar is well stocked but from what I could see, only alcohol was available - it would have been nice to have a coffee!! Coming down was more noticeable but only due to the wind outside, otherwise as smooth as possible. Exit is made at ground level so you don't mix with the next ride and you come out into the shop, cafe and photo collections area (if you partook in the initial photos). The shop had some interesting souvenirs if that is you thing and the erstwhile members of the group went to retrieve their cocktail tins - and came back with them - another star in the book for excellent customer service. Will definitely return and look to book the evening flights - to watch the sunset from that height would be superb!!