I went to Portsmouth a couple of weeks ago and was told to visit Spinnaker Tower. My first thought was: Oh, what a touristy rip-off, do I have to go there? But when I got to Portsmouth the first thing I saw was that enormous, futuristic-looking tower and I was immediately fascinated. The Spinnaker Tower is located at the historic harbour of Portsmouth. It was opened in October 2005 and is with a height of 170 metres the highest building in the United Kingdom open to the public. There are two ways to go up the tower: a high speed internal lift and a panoramic lift (which was unfortunately closed when I went there, the other one was alright, though). You step out of the lift on View Deck 1. The view is outstanding; on a clear day you can see for 23 miles! Also, you get the chance to Walk on Air (meaning there is a glass platform you can walk over, if you dare!). It is said to be the largest glass floor in Europe. I don’t know about that, but it’s definitely far from the ground. Besides, there are two more View Decks: One gives you some historic background about Portsmouth, the other has an open roof and is therefore also called Crow’s Nest – feel the wind messing up your hair! After your visit there’s still so much to see: there’s Portsmouth harbour with its beautiful historic ships and also next to the tower there is Gunwharf Quays – every girl’s dream. Gunwharf Quays is a very nicely designed outlet mall with lots of different shops and cafés to visit. You see, Portsmouth harbour is definitely worth a trip! Opening hours of Spinnaker Tower differ depending on the season. Prices are around 6 Pounds. www.spinnakertower.co.uk

Go up the Tower on a clear day in the swift lift and look out for miles. Look for landmarks, places you've been to, the Pub you were in last night, watch the ferries. Stand on the glass floor and look down... After you come down to earth have a coffee and then tour the Outlets in Gunwharf Quays.

The tower was not open when we visited Portmouth, it was a few months behind the due opening date, hopefully might get back to go to the top of the tower one day

great view of a harbour and unforgettable feeling of walking on the glass 170 meters above the sea level! really worth seeing especially on a sunny day.

this tower is amazing, you have an splendid view from the platform over the whole city. and there are also some good shops around the tower nyze