By Katie Wilson
It’s been one of Brighton’s best-known landmarks since it opened in 2016, but the i360 isn’t just an observation tower, it’s the highest bar on England’s South Coast.
Built as the world’s first ‘vertical pier’ in homage to the familiar sight of the burnt out West Pier in front of it, the viewing pod offers visitors a 360-degree view across Brighton, the South Downs and the English Channel.
Best of all, there is a Nyetimber Sky Bar inside the pod, which climbs 450ft off the ground when it reaches the top of the tower.
In a novel nod to the fact it is currently sponsored by British Airways, staff wear the BA cabin crew uniform to welcome you to your ‘flight’.
Once inside the pod you get 25 minutes in the air. Standard ticket prices are £17.50 for an adult.
A ticket which includes a glass of fizz, courtesy of luxury English sparkling winemakers Nyetimber, is £24.75.
Once in the air, you are treated to a bird’s eye view of Brighton you won’t have seen before, even if you’re a local.
Best enjoyed on a sunny day, the ocean looks crystal clear from that height, glistening as the light reflects off it.
While Brighton’s famous stone beach looks like it could be sandy from above and seems to stretch for miles.
In addition to the Sparkling Wine Experience, special Sky Dining nights take place on selected dates throughout the year.
This unique experience starts at sunset where guests receive a welcome drink at ground level before being served a three-course fine dining meal in the starlit viewing pod.
The next Sky Dining event takes place on Friday 30 September 2022 and costs £150pp. The pod can also be booked exclusively for events such as birthdays, proposals and weddings.
Upcoming events include Gin Tasting, Yoga In The Sky and Silent Discos. Check out their What’s On page for the latest news.
Daredevils will love the recently opened Extreme 360, which lets those with a head for heights climb, walk or abseil from the roof of the pod.
Not one for the faint-hearted, this adrenaline-fuelled experience allows visitors to get all the stunning views of Brighton with the added thrill of being out in the elements.
If, like us, you prefer the safety of the bar area, there are experiences closer to the ground too with regular pop ups, including the recent visit of the vintage Nyetimber bus which served afternoon tea.
Find more information and book an experience at British Airways here
All photos courtesy of British Airways i360
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