Last updated: 10/08/2020
Learn details to visit the Spinnaker Tower, one of the main attractions in the seaside city of Portsmouth, England.
THE SPINNAKER TOWER
Spinnaker Tower has become the postcard of the seaside town of Portsmouth and one of its main attractions. Opened in 2005, it is an observation tower 170 meters high (from the ground to the tip of the spire). The construction of the Spinnaker Tower was part of the Port of Portsmouth redevelopment project and its design was chosen by the city's residents from a selection. The design is similar to the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, whose structure is almost twice that of this tower (321 meters). Following a commercial sponsorship agreement with Dubai-based airline Emirates, the tower was renamed in July 2015 to the Emirates Spinnaker Tower.
The tower was designed with the intention of reflecting Portsmouth's maritime history and its name "Spinnaker" is an homage to its past as it is a reference to sails billowing in the wind, through two large white metal arches.
At the top is a triple observation deck, providing a 360° view of the city of Portsmouth. On the first observation floor, part of the floor is transparent and it is possible to get an idea of the height of this tower. Upstairs is a cafe/restaurant, and above it, a top observation floor, smaller than the first.
During the night, the tower is lit up with colored lamps and the show starts about 15 minutes before sunset and goes off at 11pm.
SOME FACTS ABOUT SPINNAKER TOWER
- The interior elevator travels at 4 meters per second, taking visitors to the observation decks in just 30 seconds.
- The concrete used to build the tower would fill 5.5 Olympic swimming pools.
- The Tower is founded on 84 pillars, the longest is 50 meters deep.
- At 115 meters high, the tower was built to be resistant to high winds and therefore can flex approximately 150 millimeters.
- The Spinnaker Tower's spire is 27 meters high, weighs 14 tons and was placed in place with a crane.
- The tower arches were made from 1,200 tons of structural steel.
- From the base of the tower to View Deck 3, the Sky Deck is 56th steps.
Read more: England: What to do in Portsmouth – 1+ day itinerary
HOW TO VISIT SPINNAKER TOWER
Then, check out ways to see and enjoy during your visit to Spinnaker Tower, which can include a few different experiences.
1. STANDARD VISIT
Standard Tower Entrance Tickets are valid for the entire day and you can visit the tower as many times as you like on the date printed on the ticket. Also, if the weather that day is bad and visibility is so affected that you can't see what the observation decks offer, simply speak to an employee to inquire about your free return visit at a later date. A tip is to make your reservation online and guarantee a 20% discount on the box office price.
>> THE VIEW
The viewing decks are 100 meters high and feature floor-to-ceiling glass walls and offer views that can reach over 35 km away on an open-weather day. At the The View Deck 1, are touch-sensitive screens that provide information on the many points of interest, from historic sites to current attractions. The views are always changing with warships and cruise ships coming in and out of the harbor, as well as events that may be taking place in the city. At the View Deck 2 is the Café The Clouds, accessible for those who book a delicious High Tea Experience (see more information below). The highest of the three observation decks, the Sky Deck, has only a wire mesh roof, so visitors have an open view to see the landscape.
>> SKY WALK
The Sky Walk is an area inside the tower that has an amazing glass floor! You can walk along it (barefoot or with socks) and look out over Portsmouth harbor 100 meters below your feet.
2. HIGH TEA EXPERIENCE
For those who want to combine a visit to Spinnaker Tower with a traditional English afternoon tea in the heights (105 meters), there is nothing better than enjoying the High Tea Experience. High Tea Experience includes a traditional selection of afternoon tea sandwiches, a variety of pastries and fruit scones with cream and jam, plus a selection of teas or coffee and includes a ticket to explore the tower. You can include a bottle of Prosecco or Champagne for an additional fee. It's needed Reserve at least 48 hours in advance, so that the team can prepare everything to receive you. Reservations can be made for 2 or 4 people and a maximum of 10 people. engCheck all terms and conditions in this link.
- Price: from £30 per person
3. ABSELING
Abseiling is an adventure-loving experience. Through it it is possible to make a descent of 100 meters down the side of the Spinnaker Tower, providing wonderful views of the surroundings. To participate in this adventure, you must be over 14 years old (under 18 years old need a legal guardian to sign the disclaimer), less than 130 kg and cannot be pregnant. Check all terms and conditions in this link. Watch the official video below and make your reservation at official site.
- Price: from £100 per person
WHERE TO EAT IN SPINNAKER TOWER
The Tower has two signature cafes, the Waterfront Café located on the ground floor and The Clouds Café located on View Deck 2.
- WATERFRONT COFFEE: With floor-to-ceiling glass windows and an open layout, the Café on the ground floor offers beautiful views of Portsmouth Harbour. The Café serves breakfast options, rolls, stuffed potatoes, potato pigs and sandwiches. Check the menu here. Schedules: Thursday to Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm
- COFFEE CLOUDS: Situated at the top of the tower, 105 meters high, the space is decorated with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and has an open layout, offering panoramic views of Portsmouth. The venue offers a relaxing and intimate experience to sit and enjoy the view on a sunny day. This is where the High Tea Experience, which we mentioned earlier. Watch the official video below about the experience:
HOW TO REACH SPINNAKER TOWER
The Spinnaker Tower is located in the city of Portsmouth, on the coast of England. And getting there from London is pretty easy. The city has 2 train stations: Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour. I recommend that you take the train at the station London Waterloo or London Victoria and go to Portsmouth Harbor, which is next to the tower. The trip takes between 1h40 and 2 hours, depending on the train route. To buy train tickets, we recommend the website TrainLine. see more Tips for traveling by train in England. Arriving at the station, turn right and enter the underpass to gain access to the Gunwharf Quays, a complex with more than 90 premium stores and waterfront restaurants. Walk until you find the sea and turn right again. The tower will be in front of you.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Spinnaker Tower
- Address: Portsmouth PO1 3TT, England
- Schedules: daily from 10:00 am (last entry at 5:30 pm) / between late July to early September from 9:30 am (last entry at 5:30 pm)
- Entrance (Standard Visit):
- Adults: £14.95 at the box office | £11.95 online
- Children between 4 and 15 years: £11.95 at the box office | £9.50 online
- Family (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children): £49 at the box office | £39 online
- Free for children under 3 years old
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