Spinnaker Tower (Portsmouth)

Name: Spinnaker Tower (Portsmouth)
Item: Spinnaker Tower (Portsmouth)
Author: Andrew Samson

© Image courtesy of Andrew Samson

The Spinnaker Tower, named after the shape of a sail to reflect Portsmouth’s maritime history, is the tallest landmark on the South coast of England. At 170 metres tall (560 feet), it is also the 11th tallest building in Britain being slightly shorter than the BT Tower in London at 177m. It is interesting to note that the BT Tower was once the UK’s tallest building.

As an observation tower across the Solent and the Isle of Wight, the tower is the focal point of the award winning Gunwharf Quays development. Aside from the tower itself, visitors can enjoy the 90 designer shopping outlets, 30 restaurants and numerous other entertainment venues including 10-pin bowling and a multi-screen Vue cinema.

The tower has three observation floors. The ‘Sky Deck’ which is the highest of the three observation floors and is completely open to the elements – it has a wire mesh roof and large glass windows which extend above head height. On the first viewing platform, there is a large glass floor which looks down to the floor 100 metres below. Walk across it if you dare!

Given the Tower looks very similar to the famous Burj Al Arab Hotel in the United Arab Emirates (the third highest hotel in the world), it is rather fitting that the Spinnaker Tower has been sponsored by the Emirates airline since 2015. The tower is now called the Emirates Spinnaker Tower.

Interesting Facts

The Spinnaker Tower was opened in October 2005
The cost to build the tower ran to £36.3 million!
The tower is 2.5 times taller than Nelson’s Column in London
You can see up to 23 miles (37 km) from the top of the tower in any direction
The glass floor is located on the first viewing deck at 100 metres above sea level!

Pricing

This is a very popular attraction so we advise you to book well in advance. Pre-booking online will also secure a 10% discount. The ‘walk in’ pricing (without the online discount) is as follows:

Adults: £11.00
Senior (60+): £9.00
Students (with ID): £9.00
Children (5-17): £8.50
Family (2 adults, 3 children): £30.60

Stay In Britain Tips

Parking in Gunwharf Quays is quite expensive. However, if you combine your visit with a trip to the Vue cinema (also within the complex), you will get a sizeable discount on parking. Just make sure you get your ticket ‘authenticated’ before leaving the cinema.

Spinnaker Tower (Portsmouth)

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