October 2015 marks the 10th Anniversary of the Emirates Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth. Soaring 170 metres above Portsmouth Harbour, the distinctive Tower is the tallest building open to the public outside of London. The three viewing decks offer panoramic 350 degree views over 23 miles of city, country and seascapes including The New Forest, the Hampshire South Downs, the sandy beaches of the Witterings and the picturesque Isle of Wight.
But the Spinnaker Tower isn't the only place to view the Beautiful South from the sky. Head to one of the following for uninterrupted, wondrous views.
St Mary the Virgin Church Tower, Rye, East Sussex
St Mary the Virgin church has dominated the hill on which it stands in the citadel of Rye for over 900 years. Open every day of the year (weather permitting), climb the church tower and gaze out over the rooftops of England's most perfectly preserved medieval town and its fishing fleet, with views beyond to Camber Sands, the hilltop town of Winchelsea, and Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. It is easy to see from here how once the sea came right up to the defences of this beautiful walled town.
Leith Tower, near Dorking, Surrey
2015 marks the 250th anniversary of the construction of Leith Hill tower in the Surrey Hills. Built in 1765, the tower is the highest point in the south east of England - high enough to be called a mountain and on a clear day you can see 14 counties from the top. Popular with visitors since Victorian times, the gothic tower rises majestically above the surrounding hills and offers sweeping 360 degree views towards London in the north and the English Channel in the south.
Royal Victoria Country Park, Southampton, Hampshire
As the British Army's first purpose-built hospital, Royal Victoria was a unique and ambitious project which would help change the face of the medical world. Today it's an idyllic and peaceful country park and belies its fascinating history of war and suffering. Enjoy the views over the picturesque parkland and Southampton water as you climb the 166 steps of the chapel tower. Guided tours are available every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.
St Catherine's Oratory – The Pepperpot, Isle of Wight
Affectionately known as the Pepperpot, St Catherine's Oratory stands on one of the highest parts of the Island and is the only surviving medieval lighthouse in England. Built in 1314, as a penance for plundering wine from a merchant ship that ran aground, the site of 35ft tall octagonal tower overlooking Chale Bay offers some of the best views on the island.
South Foreland Lighthouse, Dover, Kent
A landmark of the iconic White Cliffs, the Victorian lighthouse was built to warn mariners of shifting sands and guide them through the Strait of Dover. A place of innovation and science, the lighthouse was the first to display an electric light anywhere in the world. Climb the 76 stairs to the balcony for impressive views of the English Channel and French coast 21 miles away. Watch the ships as they pass through the Strait of Dover and discover the Victorian clockwork mechanism that made the lighthouse flash.
Beachy Head, near Eastbourne, East Sussex
Rising 530 feet, the dramatic cliffs of Beachy Head are the highest chalk cliffs in Britain giving stunning views over Eastbourne and the English Channel. Thousands of visitors are drawn to the magnificent scenery every year and the wealth of activities offered in the area. Climb to the top for dramatic views of the famous red and white-striped lighthouse.
Brighton i360, Brighton, East Sussex
First there was the London Eye – now the same architects are creating the Brighton i360, opening on Brighton Beach in summer 2016. The new visitor attraction will be the world's tallest moving observation experience, offering an exciting new destination in the popular seaside city of Brighton. Gliding slowly up to 450 feet high guests will be able to enjoy breathtaking 360 degree views of the stunning Regency city, surrounding South Downs and Sussex coastline from Bexhill-on-Sea to Chichester.
Rochester Castle, Rochester, Kent
Rochester Castle is one of the best preserved and finest examples of Norman architecture in England. Towering 113ft high, the Castle's Great Keep is one of the tallest in the country and dominates the skyline together with its inseparable twin, the magnificent Rochester Cathedral. Climb to the top of the Keep and be rewarded with spectacular views over the River Medway and surrounding countryside.
