Our visit to the Brighton i360

If you’re camping near Brighton (or just a visitor to the seaside city) and looking for something exciting to occupy a few hours. As long as you aren’t scared of cities, you could do a lot worse than visit the Brighton i360.

We wanted to experience this new Brighton landmark and provide you with an honest appraisal.

So we made out like tourists and last weekend, we nipped into Brighton to have a look and try a short trip on the i360.

The tower

The Brighton i360 is an enormous tower with a doughnut shaped capsule that slides up and down every half an hour. This clear capsule is beautifully designed and inside there is seating all around the perimeter. On the inner wall is a simple bar where you can buy hot drinks cold drinks and light refreshments as well as ice creams.

One person on our flight was sipping champagne and seemed to be celebrating something not very significant with her family.

Being slightly nervous of heights, the clear panels at floor level around the perimeter of the doughnut are a touch unsettling. But, I composed myself and held on to the handrail. This had a very calming affect.

The pod was busy, but not at all crowded, so you could take in the breathtaking views out to sea, over to the wind farm, built 10 miles off the shore. Very impressive.

Looking North, we couldn’t quite see the Secret Campsite which is only 12 miles from Brighton. Its hidden by the South Downs. Gazing East, you are drawn to the amazing and very beautiful Seven Sisters . Finally, turning West, Bognor or Selsey seem to be the furthest place visible.

But, if you chose to ditch the camping and head into Brighton for the views, you are likely to be disappointed. These are likely to stop at the Brighton promenade and Hove lawns.

Nice though they both are you can see them from one of the hotel cafes or bars instead. This approach will save you a few pounds and provide some sustenance to boot.

The Brighton i360 is sponsored by BA so everything including baggage checks have an airport feel. I quite liked that part of the trip, and its great for reducing your air miles.

Brightons West Pier

The i360 is located on the seafront where the West Pier would have struck land. Sadly, all that remains of the West Pier is part of its skeleton. It burnt down some years ago after falling into disrepair. Now its just a whopping great roost for a starling colony, a murmuration to the expert.

Its a great form of upcycling, albeit a rather expensive way of getting a bird roost.

I wouldn’t be tempted to go again, but it was a fun way of spending a bright autumnal sunday morning.