By Lyn Funnell
On a day trip to Portsmouth, the first thing that we noticed was the Spinnaker Tower.
It dominates the skyline wherever you walk and it can be seen from more than 23 miles away.
The shape of the Spinnaker is based on a spinnaker sail. It’s over 170m (557.7ft) high.
It took four years to build and it was opened to the public on the 18th October, 2005.
From the top you can stare down at one of the most historically important views in the world.
We couldn’t miss a once in a lifetime trip to Portsmouth without going up the Spinnaker.
The high speed internal lift travels at 4mts per second. It takes 30 seconds to reach the View Decks, which are 100mts above sea level.
Kirk the friendly Lift Man calculated that he makes 100-120 trips up and down per day!
Of course you could use the 587 steps instead.
350 degrees of views greet you through the glass windows. And there are interactive touchscreens which tell you what you are looking at.
In the centre of the room is a glass floor with views down below of the harbour – if you dare to walk across it!
The next viewing level, at 105 mts, is home to The Clouds; a café/restaurant with fantastic views through the floor to ceiling windows.
You can even hold a wedding there. The bride and groom can say ‘I do’ with the magnificent view of Portsmouth Harbour in front of them. Then they descend to Level 1 for the Wedding Breakfast, and finally head down to the Waterfront Café to dance the night away.
Other private events can be booked there, and live music and comedy events are held there throughout the year.
Up a few stairs is the open viewing level which is at 110mts. It can be quite breezy up there, and on windy days, the Tower can sway approx. 150mms.
But the views are memorable!
To pre-book a viewing or to arrange an event, call the Spinnaker Hospitality Team.
023 9285 7524
Email hospitality@spinnakertower.co.uk
