From magnificent seascapes to city streets, everyone loves a great view and, for the most breathtaking scenes, it’s best to gain a little altitude. Soaring above Brighton beach, the world’s tallest moving observation tower – the BA i360 – has just opened to visitors, giving panoramic views of Brighton, Sussex and the South Downs from its glass viewing pod. We took one of the first ‘flights’ up and, to celebrate, have selected nine other UK towers, tors and mountain-tops where you can experience awesome panoramas for minimal effort.
1. BA i360, Brighton
Built on the site of Brighton’s burnt-out West Pier, the city’s newest seaside attraction takes you 138m into the air in a 200-capacity viewing capsule. Gliding slowly up a steel pole, the glass pod pauses at the top so you can gaze across the English Channel, peer down on Brighton’s city streets and pick out the chalky white cliffs further down the coast. You can even taste a local tipple while you’re up there, with Sussex cider, wine and beer served in the Sky Bar, while the brasserie at the base is being part-run by Sussex Masterchef winner, Steven Edwards. If the view alone isn’t exciting enough for you, there are plans to launch an abseiling option in the near future – watch this space. The daytime flights last 20-minutes and cost £15 per adult.
Our tip: Take an evening flight (after 6pm) and you’ll get an extra 10 minutes for no extra cost.
Panorama score: 10/10
Effort factor: 0/10
2. Glastonbury Tor, Somerset
Topped by St Michael’s Tower, this conical hill rises 158m above the Somerset Levels, almost like an island. One of England’s most spiritual sites, it’s steeped in Arthurian legend and pagan beliefs. A truly stunning spot for sunset and sunrise, the lack of local light pollution also makes it great for stargazing. Once you’ve climbed the terraced slopes, the view from the top takes in the Quantocks, Wells, the Mendips and, on clear days, the Welsh mountains.
Our tip: Visit in late June for a view of Glastonbury Festival on nearby Worthy Farm.
Panorama score: 9/10
Effort factor: 3/10
3. The Shard, London
The UK’s tallest building, this glass-clad tower soars 309m above London. Located on floors 68, 69 and 72, the Shard’s viewing galleries are almost twice as high as any others in the city and, taking in every London landmark from the Gherkin and St Paul’s to Tower Bridge and the Thames, the views reach across the capital to the grazing sheep and green fields beyond. At £30 per adult, walk-up tickets aren’t cheap so it’s best to book online for cheaper deals.
Our tip: Choose a sunset or sunrise session to see the city at its most serene.
Panorama score: 10/10
Effort factor: 0/10
4. Snowdon’s Summit, Wales
As you’d expect, the highest peak in Wales gives awe-inspiring views over Snowdonia National Park – on the clearest days, you can see Ireland, Scotland, England and the Isle of Man, along with 24 counties, 29 lakes and 17 islands. Most views like this demand a strenuous half-day hike but, thanks to the century-old Snowdon Mountain Railway, you can sit back, relax and chug up to the top in around an hour (£22 adult single fare).
Our tip: The train runs from mid-March to mid-November, so double check the dates online before you plan a visit.
Panorama score: 10/10
Effort factor: 4/10
5. Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
Designed in the shape of a sail, Portsmouth’s 170m tall observation tower echoes the city’s maritime past. Take the lift to the viewing platforms and you’re treated to a 360° view of Portsmouth, Southsea and the Solent, with the Isle of Wight clearly visible to the south. There are three observation decks and the highest – the Sky Deck – has a wire mesh roof, while the lowest has a glass floor you can walk across. Your ticket (£9.95/adult) lets you return as many times as you like throughout the day, and if you can’t see three Solent forts you can visit again for free within three months.
Our tip: The designer outlet village Gunwharf Quays is at the base of the tower – it’s a great place to pick up bargains!
Panorama score: 9/10
Effort factor: 0/10
6. Leith Hill, Surrey
The highest point in South East England, this Surrey Hills peak gives uninterrupted views – on the clearest days you can make out the English Channel, the London skyline and up to 13 different counties. A 200-year old crenelated tower crowns the peak and, for £2, you can climb the spiral staircase to the top for an even loftier vantage point. From the car parks at the base, there are various different routes to the top – it’s relatively steep going but, along with the stunning view, the incentive is a delicious wedge of cake from the tower’s tea hatch.
Our tip: This is superb walking and single-track territory, so bring your dog or mountain bike.
Panorama score: 10/10
Effort factor: 5/10
7. Calton Hill, Edinburgh
An extinct volcano crowned by an Athenian Acropolis, there’s no mistaking Carlton Hill. Several other landmarks also stand here, including Nelson’s Monument and the City Observatory. Located right in the city centre, it boasts one of the finest panoramic views in Edinburgh. Take a picnic and tick off Edinburgh’s most iconic sites, which include Edinburgh Castle and the Salisbury Crags, as well as Arthur’s Seat, the Royal Mile and Princes Street. Easy to access, from the base it takes around five minutes to walk to the top, or you could drive a car up and park.
Our tip: Join the locals here at Hogmanay for a fantastic view of the New Year fireworks.
Panorama score: 8/10
Effort factor: 4/10
8. Orrest Head, Lake District
Stunning views are one thing the Lake District certainly isn’t short of but many summit scenes involve several hours of sweat and tears to reach. Orrest Head, on the other hand, is an easy uphill amble from Windermere train station. With England’s largest lake (Windermere) flooding the valley below, and its highest mountain (Scafell Pike) punching the far horizon, it’s no wonder that this view inspired Alfred Wainwright to write his famous pictorial guides of the Lake District.
Our tip: Visit in autumn and see this beautiful landscape in rusty red and gold
Panorama score: 9/10
Effort factor: 5/10
9. Blackpool Tower Eye
Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, this iconic seaside attraction opened in May 1894 and is still going strong. Grade I listed and 158m tall, it has the highest observation deck in North West England. An adult ticket will set you back £13.50 (walk-up price) and the scene from the top is mesmerising, with Manchester and the Isle of Man on the horizon, the Lake District to the north, and merrymakers in Blackpool beneath you.
Our tip: Step out on the solid glass SkyWalk and look beneath your feet to the people on the prom below.
Panorama score: 9/10
Effort factor: 0/10
10. Rough Tor, Cornwall
Topped by an eighty-ton, rocking granite boulder known as the Logan Rock, this is one of the best places to get a sweeping view of brooding Bodmin Moor and its semi-wild ponies. At 400m, Rough Tor is 20m shorter that Cornwall’s tallest peak of Brown Willy (one mile away), yet we think it gives a better view. A monument to second world war soldiers sits at the summit, and the nearest car park is a mile and a half’s hike away.
Our tip: Avoid the moor on foggy days – it’s easy to get lost and the view will be shrouded in mist.
Panorama score: 10/10
Effort factor: 5/10
Lucy Grewcock is co-author The Wild Guide which features over 1,000 wild places to explore, eat and stay in southern and eastern England. Follow her on Twitter @LucyGrewcock.