We are big fans of the the Jurassic Skyline observation tower situated on Weymouth Pier, which offers brilliant views over the Jurassic coastline, so when I found out that Brighton had their very own version, I was keen to visit.
Although the Brighton skyline is very different to Dorset, I was brought up locally in Worthing and spent many a weekend enjoying everything that Brighton had to offer.
The first thing that strikes you about the BA i360 is just how high it is – a staggering 450ft above Brighton and Hove seafront and directly opposite the old pier.
The entrance is just off the beach and takes you through a security check and then into a waiting area with displays telling you how the tower was built as well as activity areas to keep the kids occupied whilst you wait for your flight.
From the waiting area, we were then ushered into the futuristic glass viewing pod, which has been transformed with eco-friendly decorations.
The pod offers 360-degree views across Brighton & Hove, the South Downs National Park, the UNESCO Biosphere and, on the clearest days, all the way along the coast to the Isle of Wight.
The glass POD glides up the tower so slowly that you don’t feel any motion from it at all and the kids loved staring out the window to see what they could spot.
The pod was full of excited children waiting to see Father Christmas, but we chose not to join the queue and waited until later in the flight to see him, so we could make the most of the views.
In the pod is also the Nyetimber Sky Bar which offers a range of locally produced food and drink which you can enjoy during your experience – the Gingerbread shapes were delicious!
It was then time for the kids to meet Father Christmas and pose for a photo with the i360 official photographer and get a small gift.
As each flight is only 30 minutes, there wasn’t much time to chat to Santa but the kids both liked their activity book gifts.
We also got to pose with the elf helpers who both admired Sebby’s elf hoodie.
If you are after a full day of fun, then I would not recommend this Santa Experience experience, however, it is perfect for a treat on a festive trip to Brighton, or for local children as they can see if their can point out their chimney so Father Christmas knows where they live.
Santa Flights are available at 4pm and 5pm on Fridays after school and 2.30pm and 3.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays from Saturday 30th November to Tuesday 24th December 2019. Book online, in advance for the best deals – £9.90 for children aged 4-15, £4.95 for children aged 0-3 and Adults are £14.85.
We rounded our visit to Brighton off with a visit to the upside down house, which is situated next to the i360 and the arcades on the pier.
Have you visited Brighton before?
Disclaimer: We were offered tickets to the Santa Flight aboard the BA I360 for the purpose of a review. All thoughts and opinions are our own
Would this appeal to an 11 and 13 year old … those ‘too cool for Santa’ now? I’m struggling this year
Probably not the gifts, but it a lovely experience and older kids would appreciate the views
Looks like you had a great time. I love Brighton, such a great beach town.
Oh wow, this sounds like it would be such an awesome trip for kids who adore Santa. It seems so well thought out and the treats and presents are fun! Brighton always seem to have some great things on.
We haven’t been to Brighton yet but it is on our travel list. My twins would love this.
Sounds like a super fun experience to pass some time if in Brighton! My kids would love it.
Oh we live in Brighton and I didnt know anything about this. Such a great review we’ll be checking it out. Thank you xx
I’ve never been to Brighton, never been on my radar before but now i want to visit it. The place is gorgeous.
Oh wow! I’ve never visited there, but I would love to. It looks like so much fun!
The view from the top is amazing and the costumes were so cute and made a fun and memorable picture.
That looks amazing! Especially to the kids, they will surely enjoy the atmosphere and the view.
Wow great informmation share by i am planning to visit at this place near christmas
This place looks amazing! What a fantastic view!
I’ve never been there before but I would love to go and take the family! Looks like fun!
This looks like such a wonderful place to visit. That view is incredible. Your pictures with Santa turned out adorable!
This must be fun flight. With all the thrill and great view. Adorable pics of kids, loved all.
That looks like so much fun. I need to plan a visit
What a special place to build and enjoy the holiday spirit! And the views are of course amazing.
This is such a cute idea! My kids would have loved this when they were younger.
Omg how fun!!!! We just love doing Christmas activities such as this! My daughter just loves all things Santa
I have never looked at the airport as cool places. My mistake
I have to go to Brighton someday.