Brighton's British Airways i360 — the world's first and tallest vertical cable car, designed by the couple behind the London Eye, Marks Barfield Architects. Officially opened on 4 August 2016, the slender 138-metre tower stands at the western end of Brighton Beach, replacing the old West Pier (built 1901) as the city's new skyline focal point. Board the 18-metre diameter circular glass observation pod, ascending slowly for 25 minutes to 135 metres high, enjoying 360° unobstructed views of the vast English Channel, the sweeping curves of the Seven Sisters white cliffs, the chequerboard pattern of Brighton's colourful rooftops, and on clear days even the French coastline 60 miles away. The pod houses a fully equipped Aero Bar — sip a glass of champagne or a Brighton craft ale as the city and sea rotate slowly beneath you. This is one of Britain's most romantic urban viewing experiences, and the perfect intersection of Victorian heritage and contemporary Brighton.
From the world's first vertical cable car to exploring the West Pier ruins, from champagne at the sky bar to twilight flights — discover Brighton's most modern city landmark
From Brighton train station, walk west along the seafront for about 15-20 minutes, or take a local bus from Palace Pier to the "i360" stop — you'll see the slender, needle-like silver-white tower from afar. It's 5 metres taller than the London Eye yet impossibly slender, with a tower column diameter of just 3.9 metres supporting the entire structure — an engineering marvel. Upon arrival, start at the ground-floor visitor centre to learn the construction story: designed by Hopkins Architects in collaboration with Marks Barfield Architects, using a 4,500-tonne concrete base and precision hydraulic lifting system. Before boarding, relax at the ground-floor café, then step into the 18-metre diameter circular glass observation pod — maximum capacity 200 people, the floor rotates slowly, ascending to 135 metres over 25 minutes. Standing at the panoramic windows, below you lies Brighton's chequerboard of colourful rooftops and the endless pebble beach; in the distance, the Seven Sisters white cliffs stretch across the coastline like a white curtain; on clear days the French coast is faintly visible. To the north, the green waves of the South Downs; to the east, Palace Pier and beach tents spread out below. After descending, walk west along the beach to the abandoned West Pier ruins — charred wooden piles stand alone in the surf, one of Brighton's most photogenic sights. Return at dusk for another ascent, order a Prosecco or Brighton craft ale at the Aero Bar, and watch the sunset turn the entire channel gold and crimson — Brighton's most romantic moment. Twilight Flights are even more magical, with city lights and stars reflecting off each other, and the tower's LED light show changing colours in the night sky.
Just a 3-minute walk from the i360, this upscale seafront restaurant centres its cooking around a Josper charcoal grill. Signature dishes include whole grilled sea bass with lemon herb butter, charcoal-grilled king prawns and locally caught Brighton scallops. Floor-to-ceiling windows face the beach and West Pier ruins; golden sunset light floods the tables at dusk — the perfect romantic dinner setting. The wine list features carefully selected Sussex wines and champagne. Budget £30-50/person; book a window table in advance.
A classic fish and chip shop on the beach promenade at the base of the i360 tower, frying fresh to order and packing in paper boxes. Using North Sea cod or haddock, coated in golden crispy beer batter, served with thick-cut chips and mushy peas. Sit on a beach bench eating while gazing at the West Pier ruins and i360 tower, with seagulls circling overhead — the most authentic Brighton beach lunch experience. Budget £8-15/person; avoid seagull peak times (they will steal your food!).
A hidden gem gelato shop in The Lanes, just a 5-minute walk from the i360, award-winning since opening in 2011. All handmade, serving 20+ flavours daily — from classic pistachio and Sicilian pistachio to creative options like lavender honey, Earl Grey chocolate, and Brighton's signature sea salt caramel. Expect long queues in summer, but every scoop is worth the wait. Budget £4-8/person; ask for a double or triple scoop cup or cone.
Located on the ground floor of the i360 tower base, with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the beach and West Pier ruins. Serving Sussex locally roasted coffee, fresh orange juice, full English breakfast, avocado toast and a selection of cakes. The décor blends modern minimalism with nautical elements — wooden communal tables and leather armchairs create a warm atmosphere. After descending, stop here for a Flat White and carrot cake to savour the memory of your cloud-level experience — budget £6-12/person, the perfect finish to your i360 visit.