THE ULTIMATE BRIGHTON EXPERIENCE | BRITISH AIRWAYS i360

Brighton is a seaside city in East Sussex, which gives a slight bustle of a city and the relaxing calm and community of a seaside town. With a variety of activities to do in Brighton, in 2016 the city welcomed it’s new iconic landmark, the British Airways i360. Planning a day trip from London to Brighton I knew I wanted to experience a flight on the British Airways i360. With it being quite new, I was really excited to experience something different while in Brighton.

The British Airways i360 gives you a panoramic view of Brighton from 450ft up, giving you views of the bustling city and the beautiful Brighton coastline. Definitely an experience that cannot be found anywhere else in Brighton.

 

– THE VIEW –

The pod slowly glides up to 450ft, giving you a 360 degree view of the city and the coastline. From one side of the pod, you can admire the city of Brighton and spot the random colourful buildings in the mix of the cream and off-white buildings. Both the Holiday Inn and Hilton Hotel transformed their roofs into the Sky Gallery. Those on a flight with the British Airways i360 are given a unique art experience. The Holiday Inn’s roof was transformed into Art+Believe, a colourful, 1000 metre mural – created by a Brighton local. While the Hilton Metropole Hotel showcases a variation of artwork, including a ‘We ❤ Brighton’ mural.

When you venture to the other side of the pod that showcases the coast, you can see the wind farm in distance as well as the glistening blue sea. You get the best of both worlds on the British Airways i360. Between the two, I loved the view of the city and the coast together. The view of a clearly defined city matched with the sea is quite interesting. As the pod glides upwards slowly, you have enough time to absorb all 360 degrees of Brighton that the British Airways i360 is showcasing.

 

– THE EXPERIENCE –

Upon boarding your flight on the British Airways i360, you are welcomed with smiles by the lovely team on-board. You have the option to go up seated or standing. There is more than enough space to get a view on the way up. In addition, ticket actually replicates a boarding pass, which adds flight experience. Even the team aboard the dressed in the iconic British Airways uniform which adds to the flight experience. The little details add to the overall experience.

While in flight, you can grab a viewing map which will point out different highlights you can see from 450ft. Nyetimber Sky Bar is the British Airways i360’s bar that offers you a range of beverages while you’re in the sky. There is a variety to choose from at the bar. Brighton Gin with tonic? Local beer? They definitely have something that is bound to tickle your taste buds.

Once you reach beach level and exit the pod, you step into the gift shop. The gift shop offers you a range of souvenirs and gifts, some of which are made by Brighton’s local artists. Upon exiting the gift shop, you can either head straight to the beach or pop into the West Beach Bar and Kitchen. The bar and restaurant allows you to finish off your cocktails from the flight, grab some more or have lunch. I opted in to finishing my Gin and Tonic (with a piece of rock inside), with a beach view. Best seat in the house and the best way to end the British Airways i360 experience.

Having been to Brighton before, the British Airways i360 was definitely the highlight of my trip and gave me the best experience I have had in Brighton to date. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to see sights of Brighton I haven’t seen before and the great overall experience that is created from the moment you check-in. The British Airways i360 is definitely one of Brighton’s highlights.

Planning a trip to Brighton? You need to head to the British Airways i360. Grab a ticket at BritishAirwaysi360.com