Fly high on BA’s Brighton Eye
I send a snap of the steely Atlantic crashing against the shore and in the distance, the leaden skies of a classic British summer.
“Ah,” replied a friend 450ft below, “50 shades of grey”.
That’s Brighton for you. I was on a sneak peak of the BA i360, the city’s new observation tower, which opened this week.
It already has a rich collection of nicknames, none of them suitable for a family newspaper.
It’s also a huge technical achievement, the world’s tallest moving observation tower with an observation pod built around a central column.
It has been built on the site of the derelict West Pier, which was opened 150 years ago. “Just as the West Pier invited Victorian society to walk on water, so British Airways i360 invites visitors to walk on air,” said David Marks, one of the architects responsible for the new tower – and for the London Eye. It’s a smooth ride to the high point, taking just six minutes to rise up, slowly and gracefully; the antihesis of a funfair ride.
One top tip; during daytime, it’s in the air for 20 minutes, but delay a bit and you get 30 minutes in the evening for exactly the same price.
On a good day, you’ll be able to see across the Downs to the Nyetimber vineyards, and then sip a glass of their sparkling best. Yes, of course there’s a bar in the i360. This is Brighton, never afraid to embrace the new and make it fun. Tickets are from £13.50 for adults, £6.75 for children with under-fours free. For the best deals, book in advance.
britishairwaysi360.com