Spinnaker Tower Review
Spinnaker Tower
Portsmouth
Reviewed by Emma Johnston
Being asked to review the iconic Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth was a real treat. Ever since it was completed in 2005 it has been on our list of things to do; finally we managed to cross it off. 2015, being the 10th anniversary of its completion, also means lots of events planned for visitors, more details of which can be found on their website www.spinnakertower.co.uk.
Photo Credit Matt Sills
We were very lucky as the day we chose to visit was a gloriously, sunny day. There were no queues when we arrived although I know that it can get quite busy at peak times. The staff at the front desk were very courteous and welcoming. They offered the children a choice of chocolate bars from a big basket and gave them strict instructions not to open until they reached the viewing deck where they would be able to decorate the bars as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations. Our girls were very impressed by the chocolate! As we made our way to the high speed lift waiting area, a photographer took our family photo, which we would be able to view at the end of the visit and purchase if wanted.
In the lift waiting area we giggled at the posters showing the alternative proposed designs for the tower. It seems strange to think that it could have looked so different. As locals we are so used to the iconic design of an ocean going yacht sail – a spinnaker.
We only waited a minute or 2 before the lift opened and we were welcomed inside by the lift operator. He was very informative and friendly, telling us that we were travelling at 4m per second and that we would be at the viewing deck (100m above sea level) in only 28 seconds!
When we walked through the doors onto the viewing deck 1 our youngest daughters gasp of ‘wow’ pretty much summed it up. What a view! I’d seen photos from the viewing deck but the real thing is so much better! Obviously, being such a clear day meant that we could literally see for miles (23 in fact according to the literature) across the harbour, Solent and beyond. All around the viewing deck are panoramic photos of the landmarks that you can see, all labelled to help you spot them. There are free audio guides readily available in different languages that gave us lots of information about the landmarks visible from the viewing deck, along with a rather helpful and informative member of staff on hand to answer any questions! My daughter particularly liked spotting where the Mary Rose had been discovered in the Solent, the fantastic views of the historic ships in the dockyard and watching the trains snaking their way through the city. The new interactive i-view touch screen experience was also lots of fun, detailing interesting facts about the city’s history. Being able to spot the landmarks spoken about is such a fantastic way to bring it all to life.
The highlight obviously besides the gorgeous 360° view is the sky walk. It tested our nerves to see if we were brave enough to venture across the glass floor and appreciate the view of the 330ft drop below us! Let’s just say that the children put us to shame! Bravely strolling, running and jumping across the sky walk, while we adults carefully and slowly edged our way across, holding onto the handrails for reassurance! Much fun and great photo opportunities to be had!
We dragged ourselves away from the views long enough to help the children decorate their bars of chocolate before heading up the stairs to the second deck and the café in the clouds. A lovely clean and well presented café serving a good selection of fair-trade teas and coffees, cakes, scones, sandwiches and alcoholic beverages coupled with those fantastic views! All very reasonably priced too!
We continued via the stairs to viewing deck 2. This deck at 110m above sea level is open to the elements. The gentle breeze and smell of the seaside all seemed to enhance the experience!
We caught the high speed lift back down to the ground floor after spending just over an hour enjoying the experience. Back on the ground we viewed the family photograph of us all superimposed in front of the tower (which can be purchased for a small fee). We exited through the gift shop which sells a good variety of souvenirs and explored the waterfront café. The café is large and was quite busy, but clean and welcoming, offering a good selection of light meals and snacks.
Overall we had a lovely visit to the Spinnaker Tower. I like the fact that you can return as many times throughout the day to enjoy the views, and quite like the thought of returning later in the year to experience sunset and the views across the city at night.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets: Adult £9.50, Child £7.50, Family £29 (book online to save 15%). Portsmouth residents discounts also available with valid proof of residence.
For more information or to book tickets visit www.spinnakertower.co.uk.
Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3TT
