The Brighton i360 has re-opened. WeLoveBrighton’s Sharanya Chakraborty went on the first flight
I remember being able to see the i360 from my bedroom window at my first home in Brighton and it was a view I loved waking up to. However, since then I never had the time or opportunity to actually get on the i360 and reversely, get a view of my home from there. Hence, when I heard that it was closing down, I was saddened to think that maybe now I have lost my chance.
Imagine my joy when a few months later, I heard it was reopening! This time, I had to snatch my opportunity before I was too late.
The weather in Brighton has been sunny and warm lately, and it was lucky that the launch was scheduled for a Saturday when everybody wanted to be out and about. I imagined the views would be predictably gorgeous from up there.
We were greeted with a warm welcome in front of the pod, where there is a lovely cafe and seating area in case you might have to wait while in a queue for the tickets. After getting through ticketing, we were asked to wait in the pre-departure lounge that was beautifully decorated with photos and descriptions of the process through which the i360 came about. There was also another bar in the area for refreshments.
I am pleased to say it was not too long before we could board the pod that was going to take us 450ft up in the air. We were welcomed with glasses of bubbly that made this occasion even more celebratory.
Sarah Willingham, CEO of Nightcap and the new owner of the i360, gave a quick welcome speech before we proceeded on our first flight. For someone who was a bit nervous about being so high up in the air, it was actually pretty relaxing because the pod transitions smoothly from the bottom at the beach to the highest point it can reach on the tower.
Before I knew it, the people became tinier and the whole of Brighton was visible to me. In fact, I could also see as far as the Beachy Head cliffs which looked spectacular on this sunny morning.
We could also see the South Downs in which the city is cradled. Funnily enough, our Brighton pebble beach seemed like a sand beach from the height we were at and I think that says a lot about why you should visit the newly relaunched i360 as it renews your perspective of Brighton.
We then proceeded back to the ground level and exited through the gift shop that boasted lovely and unique creations from local artists, which would be amazing souvenirs or memorabilia from your time or stay in Brighton. In the era of booking flights and not feelings, I would recommend booking one up the i360 for sure.
book your i360 tickets today
Online adult tickets are £18.50, children’s tickets (ages 4-15) are £9, senior tickets (ages 60+) are £16.50, and children under 4 can enter for free!
Please note that you must arrive 20 minutes before your timeslot to pass security checks.
If you are a local, living in postcodes BN1, BN2, BN3 or BN41, then you will be eligible for a locals offer. Tickets will be just £5 for adults and £2.50 for children! Make sure you book your local tickets online and bring proof of address with you, such as a driving licence or a utility bill.
Although pre-booking is recommended for a guaranteed timeslot, the i360 also welcomes walk-ins. Be sure to visit and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Address: Brighton I360 King’s Road, Brighton and Hove, Brighton, BN1 2LN
Website: Brighton i360 | Brighton i360
