Brighton i360 is a moving observation tower in the southern English city of Brighton and Hove that offers stunning 360-degree views of the seafront, the South Downs and the English Channel. It was designed by Marks Barfield, the same architectural company that created the London Eye. It opened in August 2016 and is located at the landward end of the remains of the West Pier, a historic structure that was destroyed by storms and fires. Photographs on this webpage were taken during a visit in April 2023.
The tower is 531 feet (162m) tall and has a circular viewing pod that can accommodate up to 200 people. The pod ascends and descends slowly, giving visitors enough time to enjoy the panoramic views and take photos. The pod also has a bar where visitors can order drinks and snacks. The Brighton i360 is not only an attraction, but also a cultural and educational venue. It hosts various events throughout the year, such as yoga classes, live music, comedy nights and silent discos. It also offers educational workshops for schools and groups, covering topics such as engineering, history and sustainability.
The history of the Brighton i360 is also fascinating. The project was conceived as a "vertical pier" that would revive the spirit of the West Pier and attract more visitors to the city. The construction was funded partly by a loan from the Public Works Loan Board through Brighton and Hove City Council, which the i360 Ltd has to repay over 25 years. The project also received sponsorship from British Airways, which gave it its official name.
The tower has faced some challenges since its opening, such as lower than expected visitor numbers, deferred loan repayments and reduced sponsorship payments. However, the i360 board has been working hard to improve its performance and marketing, and expects to see an increase in visitors in the coming years. The Brighton i360 is a remarkable feat of engineering and design that offers a unique perspective on the city and its surroundings.
Whilst enjoying the panoramic views of the city and its surroundings, some of the sights to look out for whilst taking the ride up and down the tower include the following:
● Parts of the South Downs National Park, a scenic area of rolling hills
and chalk cliffs
● The coastline, including the Seven Sisters, a series of white chalk
cliffs along the coast
● The Royal Pavilion, a former royal residence built in an exotic style.
● The Brighton Palace Pier, a popular attraction with amusement rides
and arcades
● Remains of the adjacent West Pier, a Victorian pier that was destroyed
by fire and storms
● The Brighton Marina, a large harbour with shops, restaurants, and
leisure facilities
Some more photographs from the visit are shown in the thumbnail gallery below (click on an image to enlarge):
Display panels during the ride offer a much more detailed guide to the many points of interest to look out for (the extent of which, naturally depends on how clear a day it is). The official viewing guide for the i360 includes information about the tower itself (including its design and construction), tips for your trip, a panoramic map, facts and stats, and information on 50 iconic landmarks in and around Brighton, which makes for a good general reference of the main things to see and do in the area, as well as a nice souvenir of the visit.
[Photos: 03 April 2023]
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