
Spinnaker Tower
Soar to breathtaking heights for 360° views of Portsmouth Harbour, the Solent, and the Isle of Wight from this iconic landmark.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxing

Spinnaker Tower
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Soar to breathtaking heights for 360° views of Portsmouth Harbour, the Solent, and the Isle of Wight from this iconic landmark.
"Gorgeous views all round, it was fun watching ferries and other shipping coming in and out."

🎯 Book Online 24hrs Ahead
Get a discount by booking tickets online at least a day in advance. :ticket:
☀️ Check Weather Forecast
Clear skies mean spectacular views! Don't miss out on the best vistas. :sunny:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Viewing Decks
Multiple levels
Experience breathtaking 360-degree views of Portsmouth Harbour, the Solent, and the Isle of Wight.

The Glass Floor
Viewing deck
Dare to walk on the transparent floor, offering a thrilling view straight down to the ground below.

Sky Garden
Top level
An open-air observation deck providing a unique perspective and a breath of fresh air.

Afternoon Tea Experience
Cafe
Indulge in a delightful afternoon tea with unparalleled views from high above the city.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Savings
Weather is Key for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Online 24hrs Ahead
Get a discount by booking tickets online at least a day in advance.
:ticket:☀️ Check Weather Forecast
Clear skies mean spectacular views! Don't miss out on the best vistas.
:sunny:☕ Enjoy Coffee & Cake
The coffee lounge on the middle deck is a great spot for a break.
:coffee:🚶♀️ Consider a Day Ticket
Allows re-entry, perfect for enjoying views at different times of day.
:walking:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Online 24hrs Ahead
Get a discount by booking tickets online at least a day in advance.
:ticket:☀️ Check Weather Forecast
Clear skies mean spectacular views! Don't miss out on the best vistas.
:sunny:☕ Enjoy Coffee & Cake
The coffee lounge on the middle deck is a great spot for a break.
:coffee:🚶♀️ Consider a Day Ticket
Allows re-entry, perfect for enjoying views at different times of day.
:walking:🎶 Avoid Loud Music
Some visitors found live music too loud for conversation.
:musical_note:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Spinnaker Tower for its spectacular panoramic views and the unique thrill of the glass floor. Many recommend booking tickets in advance for cost savings and suggest visiting on a clear day for the best experience. While some find it a bit pricey, the overall consensus is that it's a worthwhile attraction for its breathtaking vistas and memorable moments.
"I was lucky with the weather and had gorgeous views all round. It was fun watching ferries and other shipping coming in and out. One ferry had some nail biting moments entering a narrow port area! Next time I will book an afternoon tea up in the clouds."
Kate Arnett
"Great venue but totally closed with lights off until they reopen at 7pm. Views were amazing but the live saxophone was way too much. Had to leave early. We were yelling across the table to converse"
Russell Martin
"Worth booking at least 24hrs in advance on line to get a discount. Pay on the day is £18.95 adult price. Get the lift to the viewing gallery and see great views across Portsmouth Harbour, the Solent and the Isle of Wight. There is a section of glass floor you can walk over looking all the way down to the ground. There are stairs leading further up to the outdoor garden. There is a cafe in the tower or plenty of eating places in the surrounding area."
Shaun Jasper
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Spinnaker Tower is easily accessible on foot from Portsmouth city centre, located at the waterfront. If you're arriving by train, it's a pleasant walk of about 15-20 minutes from Portsmouth Harbour station. Taxis are also readily available.
Yes, there are several car parks near the Spinnaker Tower, including the nearby Gunwharf Quays shopping centre. Be aware that parking charges apply.
To get to Spinnaker Tower from Gosport, you'll need to take a ferry across Portsmouth Harbour. The ferry will drop you off within walking distance of the tower.
Absolutely! The tower is well-served by public transport. Buses stop frequently near Gunwharf Quays, and Portsmouth Harbour train station is a short walk away.
The closest train station is Portsmouth Harbour. The main bus routes also serve the Gunwharf Quays area, making it very convenient to reach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
On-the-day adult tickets are around £18.95. Booking online at least 24 hours in advance offers a significant discount, making it much more affordable.
While you can buy tickets on the day, it's highly recommended to book at least 24 hours in advance online to secure a discount and guarantee your entry time.
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to check the official Spinnaker Tower website for the most up-to-date information. Some reviews mention it being closed with lights off until a specific evening reopening time.
Yes, the best discount is achieved by booking your tickets online at least 24 hours before your visit. Look out for special offers or family packages.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the Spinnaker Tower on the day of your visit, but be prepared for a higher price compared to advance online bookings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At the top, you can enjoy panoramic views from the viewing decks, walk on the thrilling glass floor, and visit the open-air Sky Garden. There's also a cafe for refreshments.
The glass floor offers a unique and exhilarating experience, allowing you to see directly down to the ground. It's a highlight for many visitors, but can be daunting for those with a fear of heights.
The views are spectacular and extensive, offering 360-degree vistas of Portsmouth Harbour, the Solent, the Isle of Wight, and the surrounding coastline, especially on a clear day.
Kids often enjoy the novelty of the glass floor and the expansive views. The tower can be busy with school groups, indicating it's a popular educational and fun outing for children.
The main viewing experience is across multiple levels, including the main decks and the Sky Garden. You can move between these areas to experience different perspectives.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a coffee lounge on the middle deck offering drinks and snacks, and it's noted for its good service. Afternoon tea is also available for a special treat.
The cafe typically offers coffee, tea, cakes, and light refreshments. For more substantial meals, there are numerous dining options available in the surrounding Gunwharf Quays area.
Absolutely! Spinnaker Tower offers an 'afternoon tea up in the clouds' experience, which is a popular choice for a special occasion or a leisurely visit.
Yes, the Spinnaker Tower is located within Gunwharf Quays, a large shopping and dining complex with a wide variety of restaurants and cafes to suit all tastes.
While specific prices aren't detailed, reviews suggest the cafe is a pleasant spot for a break. Dining at Gunwharf Quays offers a range of price points.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views from the top decks are incredible for photography. Don't miss shots of the harbour, the glass floor, and the cityscape.
Yes, you can take photos from the glass floor, but be mindful of other visitors and ensure your camera is secure. It offers a unique perspective looking straight down.
Cloudy days can offer softer light, which can be good for portraits. However, for expansive landscape shots, clear weather is definitely preferable for maximum visibility.
Yes, some visitors mention purchasing photos taken by the tower's staff, which can be downloaded later.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can offer beautiful light. However, daytime on a clear day provides the best visibility for wide-ranging shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To manage the visit, consider booking tickets in advance to save money and potentially secure a less crowded time slot. Visiting in the late afternoon might be less hectic than the morning, which can be busy with school groups. The cafe offers a convenient spot for a snack or drink, and the surrounding Gunwharf Quays area has plenty of family-friendly dining options for before or after your tower visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save further, consider packing your own snacks and drinks, or opt for the more affordable cafe options rather than a full afternoon tea. Exploring the surrounding Gunwharf Quays area offers a wide range of dining choices, allowing you to find more budget-friendly meals outside the tower itself.
💑 Couples
Consider a day ticket to enjoy the views at different times, perhaps a daytime visit followed by a sunset or evening experience. The unique perspective from the glass floor can be a fun, shared thrill. Afterwards, explore the many restaurants and bars at Gunwharf Quays for a romantic dinner or drinks.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing the Views
Beyond the main viewing decks, the Sky Garden provides an open-air element, allowing you to feel the breeze and experience the views from a different vantage point. The tower's design ensures that no matter where you stand, the expansive scenery is the star. It's recommended to check the weather forecast before your visit, as visibility is crucial for enjoying these breathtaking sights to their fullest.
For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the coffee lounge on the middle deck offers a chance to relax and enjoy the views with a drink and a snack. Some visitors also opt for the special afternoon tea experience, combining culinary delights with the spectacular backdrop. The tower also provides opportunities for photography, with many visitors capturing stunning images of the maritime activity in the harbour and the coastline.
Planning Your Visit: Tickets & Timing
Timing your visit can greatly impact your experience. While sunny days offer the best visibility, they can also be busier, especially with school groups during peak times. Visiting in the late afternoon is often recommended by travellers as it tends to be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. If you're interested in a day ticket, which allows re-entry, this can be a good option to capture views at different times of the day, perhaps enjoying the daylight and then returning for evening city lights.
Consider the weather when planning. While the views are spectacular on a clear day, even on a slightly overcast day, the atmosphere can be dramatic. However, for the most expansive and detailed views, a bright, sunny day is ideal. Some visitors have noted that live music, while potentially enjoyable, can sometimes be too loud for comfortable conversation, so factor this into your timing if you prefer a quieter experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit