Spinnaker Tower

About Spinnaker Tower

Spinnaker Tower is an iconic landmark situated in the heart of Portsmouth’s historic waterfront. Standing at an impressive 170 meters tall, this striking structure offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, harbor, and beyond. The tower’s unique design, resembling a sail billowing in the wind, pays homage to Portsmouth’s rich maritime heritage.

Visitors can ascend to three observation decks, each offering a unique experience. The View Deck at 100 meters provides panoramic vistas of up to 23 miles on a clear day. For the daring, the Sky Walk features a glass floor, allowing guests to “walk on air” high above the city. The Cafe in the Clouds on the third level offers a relaxing spot to enjoy refreshments while taking in the scenery.

One of the tower’s most thrilling attractions is The Drop, a virtual reality experience that simulates base jumping from the top of the tower. For those seeking a real adrenaline rush, the Emirates Spinnaker Tower Abseil allows visitors to descend 100 meters down the side of the tower under expert supervision.

The tower hosts various special events throughout the year, including yoga sessions, afternoon teas, and seasonal celebrations. During summer months, visitors can enjoy sunset experiences with extended opening hours and live music performances.

Spinnaker Tower is fully accessible, with lifts to all levels and wheelchair-friendly facilities. The on-site gift shop offers a range of souvenirs, while the ground floor cafe provides additional dining options. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to avoid queues and secure preferred time slots.

Portsmouth

Facilities

  • Accessible
  • Suitable for kids
  • Guide Dogs Accepted
  • Cafe
  • Restaurant

Opening Times

March to October: 10:00 – 18:00

November to February: 10:30 – 17:30 (closed Christmas Day)

Ticket Price

Adult £18

Child (4-15) £14.20

Family (2+2) £62.5

There are often offers if you book online a day in advance of around £5 per ticket.

How long do people typically spend here

1-2 hours

How to get here

Address

Gunwharf Quays

Portsmouth

PO1 3TT

By Car:

From London/M25: Take M3 south, then M27 east. Follow signs for Portsmouth, then Gunwharf Quays. From Brighton: Take A27 west, follow signs for Portsmouth, then Gunwharf Quays.

By Bus:

Park & Ride service available from M275 entrance to the city. Regular buses connect to Gunwharf Quays.

By Train:

Portsmouth Harbour station is a 5-minute walk from Spinnaker Tower.

Best Hotels Nearby

  1. Fortitude Southsea
  2. Queens Hotel
  3. Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth – Gunwharf Quays

Best Restaurants Nearby

  1. Abarbistro
  2. Restaurant 27
  3. Becketts Southsea

For the Kids

  • Interactive touchscreens with local history
  • i-VIEW interactive telescopes
  • The Drop virtual reality experience
  • Sky Walk glass floor challenge

Why you should visit

Spinnaker Tower offers an unparalleled perspective of Portsmouth and the surrounding area. I found the views absolutely stunning, especially on a clear day when you can see for miles. The glass floor was a bit nerve-wracking but exhilarating. The cafe at the top is a nice touch, allowing you to relax and soak in the atmosphere. While it’s not the cheapest attraction, the unique experience makes it worthwhile for most visitors.