The Brighton i360 is one of the most distinctive and modern attractions on the south coast of England, standing as a sleek, futuristic counterpart to Brighton’s historic landmarks like the Royal Pavilion and Brighton Palace Pier. Officially opened in August 2016, the i360 is a 162-metre-tall observation tower located right on Brighton’s seafront, offering breathtaking panoramic views across the city, the Sussex coastline, and, on a clear day, even as far as the Isle of Wight. Known for its innovative design and impressive engineering, the Brighton i360 has become a symbol of the city’s ambition to blend its rich heritage with a forward-looking vision for tourism.
In this post, we’ll explore the history, construction, design, and experience of visiting the Brighton i360, as well as its cultural significance and impact on the city.
Origins and Concept
The idea for the Brighton i360 was conceived by the same architects who designed the London Eye — Marks Barfield Architects. Their vision was to create a “vertical pier,” a modern-day equivalent of Brighton’s historic West Pier, which had fallen into disrepair and was eventually destroyed by fire in 2003. The i360 was positioned directly in line with the remains of the West Pier, both as a tribute to its legacy and as a statement of renewal for the seafront.
The concept was bold: a slender steel tower supporting a circular glass observation pod that would slowly ascend and descend, allowing visitors to enjoy uninterrupted views in all directions. Unlike a traditional observation tower with a static viewing deck, the i360’s moving pod would create a sense of gentle flight, offering a unique, serene experience high above the city.
Design and Engineering
The Brighton i360 is an example of cutting-edge engineering. The tower itself is the world’s tallest moving observation tower and is made of tubular steel segments joined together to create a perfectly straight vertical structure. At just 4 metres wide, the tower has a remarkably slender profile, giving it an elegant, almost needle-like appearance against the sky.
The observation pod is a large, circular, glass-enclosed space 18 metres in diameter. It can hold up to 175 people at a time, offering plenty of room to move around and take in the views from different angles. The glass walls are curved, providing an uninterrupted 360-degree panorama, while the floor-to-ceiling design ensures that even children and wheelchair users can enjoy the vistas.
The i360 uses a counterweight system and electric motors to move the pod smoothly up and down the tower. The journey is quiet and steady, allowing visitors to focus entirely on the scenery rather than the mechanics of the ride.
The Building Process
Construction of the i360 began in 2014 and was completed in mid-2016. The process involved significant logistical challenges, particularly given the location directly on the seafront and the need to transport and assemble large steel sections. Each piece of the tower was lifted into place using cranes and carefully bolted together, with precision engineering ensuring that the structure remained perfectly aligned.
The pod itself was built off-site, then assembled and tested before being installed onto the tower. The project also included the construction of a stylish beach-level building at the base, housing the ticket office, gift shop, and café, as well as function spaces for events.
The Viewing Experience
A visit to the Brighton i360 begins at the base building, where guests can purchase tickets and learn a bit about the tower’s history and engineering. Once inside the pod, the ascent begins. The journey to the top takes about 5 minutes, during which the landscape gradually expands beneath you, revealing new details with every metre of height gained.
At the highest point — 138 metres above ground — the views are truly spectacular. To the south lies the endless blue of the English Channel, often dotted with boats and the occasional cruise ship. To the north, the rolling hills of the South Downs stretch across the horizon, their green fields and winding paths contrasting beautifully with the urban sprawl of Brighton below. To the east and west, the Sussex coastline curves away into the distance, with other seaside towns visible on clear days.
The descent is equally peaceful, giving visitors time to absorb the scenery one last time before returning to ground level. The entire experience lasts around 25 minutes, though many visitors choose to combine it with a drink at the onboard Sky Bar, which serves locally sourced beverages, including Sussex sparkling wine and craft beers.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
One of the strengths of the Brighton i360 is its accessibility. The pod is wheelchair-friendly, with step-free access and space for multiple mobility aids. Large glass panels ensure that everyone, regardless of height or seating position, can enjoy the full panoramic view. Staff are trained to assist visitors with different needs, making the experience inclusive for all.
Events and Special Experiences
Beyond its regular viewing flights, the Brighton i360 hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. These include yoga sessions in the pod, live music performances, and seasonal celebrations such as Christmas-themed flights. The venue is also available for private hire, making it a popular choice for weddings, corporate events, and parties.
Night-time flights are particularly popular, offering a completely different perspective as Brighton’s lights twinkle below and the coastline glows against the dark sea. Sunset flights are another highlight, with the pod offering one of the best vantage points in the region for watching the sun dip below the horizon.
The i360 Base Building and Facilities
At ground level, the Brighton i360’s base building offers more than just ticketing. The West Beach Bar & Kitchen serves locally inspired food and drinks, making it a great place to enjoy a meal before or after your flight. The gift shop stocks a variety of Brighton-themed souvenirs, many made by local artists and artisans.
The building also houses an exhibition space where visitors can learn more about the history of Brighton’s seafront, the legacy of the West Pier, and the engineering marvel that is the i360. This helps to place the attraction within the broader context of the city’s evolution and identity.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
From the start, sustainability was a key consideration in the i360’s design. The attraction is powered using 100% renewable energy, and the pod’s movement system is highly efficient, requiring relatively little power compared to traditional lifts or rides. The base building was designed with eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems, aligning with Brighton’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Reception and Cultural Impact
Since opening, the Brighton i360 has received mixed reviews. Supporters praise it as a bold and innovative addition to the seafront, a modern landmark that complements Brighton’s reputation for creativity and forward thinking. Critics, however, have questioned its aesthetics and cost, noting that it has had to work hard to establish itself as a must-visit attraction.
Regardless of these debates, the i360 has undoubtedly become a talking point and a recognisable part of the city’s skyline. Its alignment with the remains of the West Pier adds a layer of poignancy, symbolising both remembrance and regeneration.
Why the Brighton i360 is Worth Visiting
The Brighton i360 offers something unique: the chance to see Brighton, the South Downs, and the Sussex coast from a perspective you simply can’t get anywhere else. The smooth, tranquil ride and spacious, elegant pod make it a relaxing experience, whether you’re a first-time visitor to the city or a local seeing your hometown from a new angle.
It’s also an attraction that can be enjoyed in any season. On bright summer days, the views stretch for miles under blue skies, while in winter, the crisp air and low sun create dramatic light over the sea. Even on cloudy days, the shifting patterns of weather and waves make for a captivating scene.
Final Thoughts
The Brighton i360 is more than just an observation tower — it’s a statement of ambition, a feat of modern engineering, and a reminder that Brighton is a city that embraces both its history and its future. By offering panoramic views from one of the tallest observation platforms in the UK, it gives visitors a fresh perspective on one of England’s most beloved seaside destinations.
Whether you ride it during the day to see the rolling landscapes of Sussex, at sunset for a romantic experience, or at night to watch the city sparkle, the Brighton i360 is an attraction that delivers a memorable, uplifting experience — quite literally.
