Emirates Spinnaker Tower School Trips

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Soaring proudly above the city’s historic harbour, the Emirates Spinnaker Tower is one of the South coast’s ‘must-see’ attractions, commanding the attention of all who encounter it with its stunning architecture. Three view decks provide stunning 350 degree views, enveloping visitors with views stretching out for up to 23 miles, out across Portsmouth Harbour, the south coast and beyond.
The iconic 170m tall viewing tower has proved to be an overwhelming success, having welcomed over 3 million visitors since opening in October 2005 as the centrepiece of the £38 million ‘Renaissance of Portsmouth Harbour’ redevelopment project.

There are two cafes at Emirates Spinnaker Tower – the ground floor Waterfront Café and The Clouds café, located on View Deck 2, 105 metres up. A shop on the ground floor offers visitors the opportunity to take home a special souvenir as a memento of their Tower experience.

Why are Emirates Spinnaker Tower great for School Trips and Educational Visits?

Get your pupils out of the classroom and into the clouds for a new perspective on learning – 100 metres up in the air! Emirates Spinnaker Tower is a popular all-weather attraction which appeals to all ages. From the three observation decks at the top of the Tower, your pupils will experience dramatic architecture and breath taking views. Their schools packages have everything a teacher needs to make a trip to the Tower inspiring, educational and above all, fun! Their learning resources include pre, during and post visit activities in a range of Key Stage 1 and 2 subjects.

The Emirates Spinnaker Tower experience begins with ‘Sail of the Solent’, a four minute animated film which provides guests with an engaging overview of the history of Portsmouth. The film features cameos from key figures for which the city is famed, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, King Henry VIII and Lord Nelson.

Travel to the first viewing deck in a high-speed internal lift, reaching 100 metres above sea level in just 28 seconds. Prepare for the wow factor as stunning 350 degree views envelop you with views out across Portsmouth Harbour, the south coast and beyond. Those who are brave enough can test their nerve and venture across the glass floor Sky Walk, exploring more of the Tower’s striking construction as well as taking the chance to appreciate the 100 metre drop below!

Take the chance to explore i-VIEW, an interactive touch-screen experience which brings the views to life, providing an innovative and exciting way for visitors to interpret the breath-taking vistas available in multiple languages including French, German and Mandarin. The touch screens provide visitors with a fascinating overview of the city’s history at their fingertips. Day and night time views are available to choose from and, with giga pixel technology, you can explore the views in minute detail.

Emirates Spinnaker Tower’s position above the Solent benefits from an ever-changing view of the busy waterways below. The different weather patterns provide equally stunning vistas, from crisp bright sunny days to dramatic stormy skies.

What activities are available during group visits?

NEW – Terrific Towers
Maths, Computing, English, Geography and Art
Terrific Towers KS1 Pre-Visit Resource : Estimate and measure different units of length including their own height.
Terrific Towers KS1 Pre-Visit Worksheet
Emirates Spinnaker Tower image
Terrific Towers KS1 Self-led Visit Resource: Measure our own height against the height of the Emirates Spinnaker Tower.
Terrific Towers KS1 Visit Worksheet
Terrific Towers KS1 Post-Visit Resource: Research different facts about the tower and create an information poster about it.
Terrific Towers KS1 Post Visit Worksheet

What size groups do you cater for?

Groups of 15 or more.

Do you offer on-site classroom facilities?

No.

Is there first aid on site?

Yes.

Do you offer access for visitors with disabilities?

Yes. Due to fire and safety procedures, visitors with mobility impairments who can use the staircase with some assistance, may be admitted to the Tower a maximum of 2 visitors at any one time.

Do you cater for visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?

Yes.

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