The latest, somewhat controversial, addition to the iconic Brighton seafront has now opened and,as the 100,000 people who have already taken a “flight” on the British Airways i360 have discovered, it is amazing.
At 162 metres (531 feet) high it is the world’s tallest moving observation tower, although the “pod” in which the visitors travel stops at 138 metres (450 feet) as the top portion of the tower houses the incredible machinery that enables this vertical cable car to travel so smoothly.
Throughout the day, flights take place every 20 minutes, with evening flights lasting 30 minutes, which includes about 12 minutes when the pod is stationary at the top to enable visitors to get superb views of the sunset and of Brighton by night.
The decking area at the bottom of the tower offers a great vantage point to get a view of the attraction before it is time to board. Boarding is quick and easy because, much like Dr Who’s Tardis, once on board, the pod is a lot larger inside than it appears from the outside.
The maximum number of people on each ride is 199 and, even when it is running at maximum capacity, there is more than enough room for everyone to make the most of the 360 degree views. The air conditioning on board ensures that time on board is spent in comfort and there are even some very comfortable seats for those who cannot stand, or for anyone who finds that the height gets the better of them.
As the doors close and, without a single jolt, the pod starts on its journey the views along the seafront start to impress. To the West we can see Hove Lawns, Shoreham Harbour, Devil’s Dyke and, on the clearest of days, Worthing Pier and the very edge of the Isle of Wight. To the East there are The Lanes, Brighton Dome, The Palace Pier, the Marina and onward to the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head.
The pod slows down and stops at the top of the tower, waiting there long enough for everyone to be able to take pictures in every direction, including straight down, before starting on its way back down the incredibly slender tower. The counterweight mechanism of the tower is so smooth that it is almost impossible to notice when the pod starts to move and there are no issues with feeling the motion of the pod at all.
As the pod reaches ground level it continues to travel until the entire pod sinks gracefully below the decking area and, once the brakes are secured, the doors open to reveal the gift shop, filled with souvenirs of the trip and of Brighton in general.
The whole experience lasts for about an hour and, as we walk away from the British Airways i360, turning to watch the pod gently rising again, we marvel at the technology involved and remember the amazing views of this incredible city and beyond.
