The best view of Brighton isn’t possible unless you fly over it by plane. The chalky cliffs that make up the Sussex coast can be seen to the east. Below the West Pier’s carcass can be seen in the sea of milky green. The Royal Pavilion and Brighton Wheel are visible above the architecture network that surrounds it.
These breathtaking views are possible, how is that possible? The Tower Top Climb is a British Airways i360.
It is an exciting experience to ascend the BA i360 Viewing tower. The pod – which opened in 2016 – glides upward and rests a dramatic 450ft (138m) in the sky, offering 360-degree views of the city, coast and beyond.
MailOnline Travel’s AilbheMacMahon stands at the top of British Airways i360 Tower Top Climb. It was open to the public in January.
Ailbhe ascends the interior of the tower to reach the summit. It is located at an elevation 531ft (162m). Officially, the Tower of Brighton is the highest point at which there’s a light red (pictured right).
The pod in the BA i360 Viewing Tower – which opened in 2016 – reaches a maximum height of 450ft (138m)
The public now has the opportunity to take on a more challenging challenge. Visitors can climb up a series of internal ladders to the apex of the tower – a route primarily intended for technicians – and take in a bird’s-eye view of Brighton from 531ft (162m) in the air.
When I am offered the opportunity to climb the mountain, it is not a daunting task.
This nonchalance continues when I arrive at the tower’s base, where two technicians – both named Josh – guide me through a safety demonstration and we make our way upwards in the doughnut-shaped pod.
Only when we reach the interior and the pod stops in the middle, does fear really set in.
My mistake is looking down. With a dramatic drop beneath my feet, the ladder within snakes down the tower. I was told by technicians that only one person had ever been hesitant about climbing the tower, despite having to face this huge drop. My legs start to quiver.
Ailbhe said that she made the error of looking down during the climb. The view from the observation pod is shown in the picture
Climbers can see what remains of Brighton’s West Pier when they reach the top of this tower.
Climbers have the opportunity to admire the ‘network of architecture stretching all around’ observation tower
Ailbhe describes this view as “To the east”, meaning that the chalk cliffs on the Sussex coast are visible to the east.
This is the western view looking from the tower. The tower’s top is topped by silver tanks that act as ballast. They keep the tower stable in strong winds.
The British Airways i360’s Tower Top Climb costs £99, and it’s open to ages 12-plus only
The technician secures me in my harness and it is terrifying.
As I climb up the ladder I feel like my arms and legs are shaking so I can’t hold on to my hands. But I make it to the mezzanine where I find the second technician. The first pitstop of the climb is this one, which has 105 rungs total.
I am near the top when one of Josh’s informs me of the workings of this viewing tower. I am allowed to press the huge red button that activates the observatory’s brakes. It makes the entire tower squeak with this sound.
Engineers working at the i360 Viewing Tower often have to climb the tower using the ladder system.
Ailbhe says the trip back up is “significantly less nerve-racking”
The walls are lined with silver tanks at the top. They are filled with Australian rainfallwater, according to the technician.
They act as a ballast to keep the tower upright in heavy winds. Stormy days can cause the tower to swing as high as 3.3ft (1m) from the top. This creates a rocking feeling similar to riding on an ocean boat.
Engineers working on repairs or maintenance often have to climb the tower, from the base to the apex, using ladders. They are also meticulous about timing their climbs.
Josh claims his fastest time is 19 minutes. However, Josh reveals that another technician can climb up the mountain in nine minutes.
A red light is located at the summit of the tower. With the wind whirling around me, I reach up and touch the beacon – which is officially the highest point in Brighton. The beautiful views are worth the wait. It is time to descend.
The return trip down is much less stressful, however the final stretch causes more jitters.
When I return inside the pod my nerves instantly feel soothed. But, it’s when Nyetimber champagne wine is handed to me that my nerves become calmer.
Brighton becomes larger as it floats down. It is no longer visible from the bird’s eye, but more like life. I’ve enjoyed every minute of the climb – and feel I have even conquered a fear of heights I didn’t know I had.