The Spinnaker Tower Looms Above Portsmouth Offering Beautiful Views of the Solent

While my daughter and I were waiting in line to enter the Historic Dockyard in Portsmouth, she asked me what else was on the agenda for the day. I informed her that after the Dockyard; we were going to go to the top of the Spinnaker Tower and look out over the city. She followed up with another question: “How far away is the tower?” I turned her around and pointed. Looming above the city and looking down at us was the Spinnaker Tower. “Ahh,” she replied. “That’s big!”

Escaping the Rain by Staying in Lovely Queen’s Hotel in Portsmouth

Driving into Portsmouth, I could already tell I wouldn’t need Google Maps to find the tower. At 170 meters, the Spinnaker Tower is hard to miss. The stark white building arches its way towards the sky, resembling a mighty sail blowing a ferocious ship out to sea.

The Spinnaker Tower began its ascent in 2001. Work was being done in Portsmouth to mark the Millenium and revitalize the city’s waterfront. The City Council wanted a structure to celebrate the city’s maritime past and a beacon for the future. In 2005, the tower was open for business.

After we finished touring the Historic Dockyard, which was an amazing tour, we started walking towards Gunwharf Quays. Gunwharf Quays is a shopping area with many restaurants. If I had more time, I would have perused the stores, looking for great sales. I was told later at the hotel that it is a great place to find deals on clothing and accessories.

As we were walking, the skies opened up on us and pelted us with rain. We ran toward the skyscraper, looking to escape the storm. Thunder boomed above us, and lightning lit up the sky. We arrived in the lobby soaked and ready for some respite. We took a photo and soon we’re being zipped away to the top.

We left the elevator and opened up doors, revealing an incredible 350-degree panorama view. Rain streamed down the windows, but it didn’t stop us from witnessing gorgeous scenery. I walked towards the glass and looked over at the dockyards. I turned to point it out, but my daughter had already found the glass floor. She had kicked off her shoes and was sliding across the floor in her socks, stopping occasionally to look down. I let her run wild across the glass, while I stared out across the water.

The tower has three observation decks. The first one is where people arrive and get their first look at the incredible views. The second observation deck is home to a café, where people can have cake and tea, or sit back and relax with a beverage. If you book in advance, you can add an English High Tea time. The third deck is open, and one can feel the wind whipping through the building.

My daughter and I enjoyed tea and cake in the café to break up our time. It was a great way to enhance the experience and have a conversation as we peered through the water streams.

Portsmouth is a beautiful city by the sea that I instantly fell in love with. Getting a bird’s-eye view added to my appreciation for the Solent town. While driving around southeast England, I made notes about the places that I want to come back to, but not as a travel writer. Portsmouth spoke to my sea-loving soul, and the Spinnaker views added to the visit.

If you are visiting Portsmouth, stop by the Spinnaker Tower for amazing views of the area. It doesn’t matter if it rains or not; you’ll enjoy the sight no matter what.