Portsmouth, off the south coast of England, has been a key maritime and trade hub for centuries, known for its naval history and seafaring adventures.
Amidst this historic city, a modern marvel stands out with its sail-shaped design.
This architectural gem offers stunning views of the sky, ocean, and city, inviting visitors to experience a new kind of journey beyond Portsmouth’s storied waterfront.
This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets to Spinnaker Tower.
Top Tickets
It is better to buy your tickets online in advance to avoid last minute disappointment.
# Spinnaker Tower Entry Ticket
# Portsmouth Spinnaker Tower Abseiling Experience
Things to know before booking tickets
Spinnaker Tower tickets are available online and at the attraction.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.
When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.
Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, they may sell out during peak days. Booking early also helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
To book tickets, visit the booking page, specify your travel date, time slot, and number of tickets, and then book.
Once you complete the booking process, the tickets will be mailed to you.
You do not need to carry printouts.
Show the e-ticket to the staff on your smartphone. Carry a valid ID.
Spinnaker Tower tickets
Here are two options for you to choose from when booking tickets to this attraction:
Portsmouth Spinnaker Tower entry ticket
With this ticket, you gain unlimited same-day access to the Spinnaker Tower’s viewing platforms.
Experience the south coast’s most spectacular views from this 170-meter-tall landmark, including breathtaking sights over Portsmouth Harbour, the Solent, and the Isle of Wight.
Walk the thrilling glass Sky Walk 100 meters above sea level and enjoy the open-air Sky Garden at 110 meters.
Enhance your visit with touch screen view interpretation.
Ticket Prices
Adult (16 to 64 years): £18
Child (4 to 15 years): £14
Senior (64+ years): £17
Student (with valid ID): £17
Infant (up to 3 years): Free
Portsmouth Spinnaker Tower Abseiling Experience ticket
With this ticket, you will get access to the tower’s viewing platforms and a fully trained team that will facilitate an hour-long adventure sporting experience.
An expert team will provide you with all safety equipment and instructions during the abseiling (rappelling) experience.
The experience is limited to a maximum of six people at a time. It isn’t suitable for children under 14 years old or pregnant women.
Ticket Price: £110
Buy This TicketSpinnaker Tower restaurants: The Clouds Cafe
Savor a delectable treat while admiring the inspiring views of the ocean from The Clouds Cafe eatery, perched 105 meters (345 feet) above the ground.
The Clouds Cafe is a restaurant famous for its high tea experience.
High tea is a traditional British meal consisting of scones with jam and clotted cream, a selection of small sandwiches, and a range of sweet pastries and cakes.
Usually, it is served in the early evening or late afternoon.
Dietary requirements and allergies must be confirmed when booking, as no alterations can be made on the day.
The restaurant is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm.
Opening hours
Spinnaker Tower stays open to all visitors Monday to Thursday from 10.30 am to 6 pm.
The opening hours change to 10 am to 6 pm from Friday to Sunday.
The Spinnaker Kitchen and Bar is open from 9 am to 6 pm.
How long does the tour take
The Spinnaker Tower tour usually lasts for an hour.
For those interested in the abseiling adventure, it is advisable to allocate an additional hour for the excursion, for a total of two hours.
Best time to visit
To make the most of your visit to Spinnaker Tower, plan to arrive before sunset.
This way, you can witness the exquisite harbor bathed in sunlight, experience the enchanting sea sunset, and watch as the city lights slowly twinkle.
However, the sunset hours draw in a large number of visitors. If you prefer a more tranquil experience, allowing you to stroll around leisurely, the optimal time to visit is 10 am.
FAQs
Here are a few frequently asked questions that visitors usually have before visiting Spinnaker Tower:
Yes, the attraction is wheelchair accessible except for certain areas. The viewing deck is 100 meters (328 feet), and the Clouds Cafe is 105 meters (345 feet), which can be accessed by the elevator.
However, its highest viewing deck, the Skydeck, can only be accessed by stairs.
General admission tickets include the Sail of the Solent introductory film and access to the main viewing platform, which also features a glass floor.
We recommend booking tickets online to avoid last-minute disappointments as tickets tend to sell out fast.
No, the high tea and abseiling experiences must be pre-booked separately.
If the weather impacts the view to the extent that you cannot see the 3 Solent Forts just beyond the Harbour from the viewing deck, you will be offered a free return visit for another day.
Yes, but any allergies must be mentioned while pre-booking.
What to expect at Spinnaker Tower
Admire the ambitious architecture of the Spinnaker Tower, designed to resemble the billowing sails of a yacht.
Created by HGP Architects, this 170-meter-tall structure features three sail-like viewing decks offering unparalleled panoramic views of Portsmouth, the Solent, and the Isle of Wight. At night, the illuminated sails create a striking spectacle along the waterfront.
Take a high-speed elevator to the View Deck, 100 meters above sea level, and enjoy 360-degree vistas of the city, harbor, and sea.
Test your courage on the Sky Walk, a glass floor providing a dizzying view of the harbor below. Interactive touchscreens offer insights into Portsmouth’s history and landmarks.
For thrill-seekers, a guided abseiling experience from 100 meters up is available.
After exploring, relax at the Spinnaker Kitchen and Bar or enjoy afternoon tea at the Clouds cafe, 105 meters above ground, with stunning views of Portsmouth’s waterfront.
