Our Brighton i360 review…
Brighton i360 is a very slick and well-organised attraction with fantastic panoramic views across Brighton and the coastline. However, although the experience itself is impressive, the actual time spent inside the viewing pod feels quite short considering the ticket price and the fact you can visit the likes of the Sky Garden for free. .
As somebody always looking for bespoke on a budget experiences that feel memorable and genuinely worth the money for families, Brighton i360 had been on my list for quite a while.
We visited as part of a family holiday in Brighton and, overall, I can completely understand why it has become one of the city’s best-known attractions. The views are spectacular, the whole process feels very modern and professional, and it is a really unique way to see Brighton from above.
At the same time though, I also think it is one of those attractions where expectations and pricing really matter.
What is Brighton i360?
Brighton i360 is a large observation tower located directly on Brighton seafront near the old West Pier. Visitors enter a huge glass viewing pod which slowly rises up the tower to give panoramic views across Brighton, the coastline and out towards the South Downs.
It was designed by the same team behind the London Eye, which explains why the experience feels very polished and well organised. (brightoni360.co.uk). I enjoed reading the background to how the tower was built on the wall displays in the departure lounge.
From a visual perspective, it is undeniably impressive and has become one of the recognisable landmarks on Brighton beach.
The arrival process was actually really good
One thing that genuinely impressed me was how organised everything felt.
You cannot just turn up whenever you like. Tickets are timed carefully and visitors are only allowed to enter within a fairly short arrival window, which actually helps the experience run smoothly.
When you arrive, there is airport-style security with scanners and bag checks before you enter the boarding area. It all feels very slick and professional rather than chaotic.
There is also a really interesting waiting area with information about how the tower was built, which helps build anticipation before you go up.
As somebody who has done plenty of family attractions over the years, especially with boys now aged 8 and 12, I really appreciated how efficiently everything was managed because poor organisation can completely ruin these types of experiences. However, at the Sky Garden you are in control of your visit and how long you spend enjoying the viewsm whereas here you are whizzed up and then straight back down again.
The views are spectacular
Once inside the pod, the views are fantastic.
On a clear day, you can see:
- Brighton beach
- the remains of the West Pier
- the Brighton coastline
- the South Downs
- Brighton Palace Pier
- the city itself stretching behind the seafront
Because the pod is entirely glass, you get uninterrupted panoramic views in every direction.
For photography and content creation, it is actually brilliant. I took loads of photos because the angles over the coastline are really unique compared to normal Brighton viewpoints.
If you enjoy city viewpoints and observation experiences like the London Eye or Sky Garden, you will definitely appreciate the visual side of Brighton i360.
My biggest criticism – it feels over too quickly
This was probably my main issue with the overall experience. Although the actual ascent is smooth and enjoyable, the amount of time you spend at the top feels surprisingly short for the ticket price.
You rise slowly, spend a fairly limited amount of time at maximum height, and then descend again before it really feels like you have fully settled into the experience.
That slightly rushed feeling is what stopped it becoming a complete “must-do” recommendation for me. I think if tickets were cheaper, or if visitors had more flexibility with the duration, it would feel much better value overall.
Is Brighton i360 good for families?
Yes, I do think it works well for families, especially if:
- your children enjoy views and landmarks
- you are already spending the day in Brighton
- you want something weatherproof
- you are looking for a memorable experience rather than a full-day attraction
My 12-year old enjoyed it and the novelty factor definitely helps.
That said, younger children who are expecting rides or interactive entertainment might lose interest quite quickly because the experience is mainly about the views rather than activities.
Is Brighton i360 worth the money?
This is where I feel slightly conflicted.
The actual attraction itself is:
- clean
- modern
- professional
- visually impressive
- very well run
But I do think the price versus duration balance is slightly off and I dont think its good value.
Tips for visiting Brighton i360
Book ahead
Timed entry slots can become busy during holidays and weekends.
Pick a clear weather day
The views are the entire point of the attraction, so visibility matters massively.
Arrive on time
Because entry runs on strict timed slots, arriving late could affect your experience.
Combine it with other Brighton attractions
This works best as part of a wider Brighton itinerary including:
- Brighton beach
- The Lanes
- Brighton Palace Pier
- beachfront restaurants
- shopping
- arcades
- family attractions
My verdict
I’m glad we visited Brighton i360 because the views genuinely are impressive and the whole experience feels very polished and premium.
However, if I’m being completely honest from a “bespoke on a budget” perspective, I do think the experience feels slightly too short for the ticket price.
Would I recommend it?
Yes, especially for first-time Brighton visitors and those who cant visit the free places in London like the Sky Garden and Horizon 22.
Would I necessarily rush back and pay again immediately?
Probably not.
For me, this is one of those attractions that works best if:
- you book a good deal
- the weather is clear
- and it forms part of a wider Brighton day trip rather than the sole activity
FAQs about Brighton i360
How long does Brighton i360 last?
The actual pod journey itself is fairly short, with the full experience usually lasting around 20 to 30 minutes including boarding.
Is Brighton i360 worth visiting?
Yes, particularly for the views and overall experience, although some visitors may feel it is expensive for the duration.
Is Brighton i360 suitable for children?
Yes. Families and children can enjoy the attraction, especially older children interested in views and landmarks.
Do you need to book Brighton i360 in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended, particularly during school holidays and weekends.
What can you see from Brighton i360?
You can see Brighton beach, the coastline, Brighton Palace Pier, the South Downs and the city skyline.
