Educational Visits – Frequently Asked Questions
What does your visit involve?
Your visit to Spinnaker Tower starts on the ground floor with our animated film. This 4 ½ minute film outlines the main stories and personalities that have made Portsmouth the City you see today including Admiral Lord Nelson, Queen Victoria, Isambard Kingdom Brunel & Charles Dickens. It may be necessary to spilt large groups for this show, we just ask that a teacher is with each group. From here your pupils will head into the lift to make the journey to the view decks. On average 20 pupils will be able to fit into the lift at one time, again we would ask an adult to be in the lift with the group.
Once up on the view deck your pupils will be able to explore the stunning 23 mile view over Portsmouth, The Solent & Isle of Wight, before taking time to enjoy the Sky Walk glass floor. Please can we ask that all bags are kept with the pupils. On View Deck 1 your pupils will also be able to use the i-VIEW screens and view interpretation graphics to pinpoint points of interest within the view and travel up the stairs to the open air Sky Deck. There are 60 stairs between View Deck 1 and View Deck 3.
How long does a visit take?
An average self-led visit takes approximately 45 minutes and can be combined with some time in Gunwharf Quays or with one of our partner attractions – D-Day Story, Harbour Tour – picked up on the waterfront of Gunwharf Quays or our treasure hunt or walking tour around the City.
Where can we eat lunch?
Due to the design of the tower there is no space for lunch to be taken here. During the warmer months many of our visiting groups enjoy lunch out on the Waterfront of Gunwharf Quays,
Teacher ratio?
We are delighted to offer free adult places as part of our educational offer. One free adult for every 6 paying pupils for pupils aged 11 and under, or one free adult for every 10 paying pupils for pupils aged 12 – 18.
Storage of Bags?
Unfortunately we do not have any space within the Tower to store bags. From time to time it may be necessary to undertake a security check of bags being brought into the attraction. We ask that all bags are kept with the pupils for the duration of their visit.
Disabled Access?
In the unlikely event of the Tower being evacuated and the internal lift being unavailable, your pupils would have to descend using our emergency staircase of 560 stairs. 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. Those visitors who could not use the staircase are limited to one visitor at any time.
To facilitate their visit we have an Evac+Chair as well as a trained member of staff available. That visitor should be able to transfer themselves, or with the help of a carer, to the Evac+Chair and also not exceed 23 stone in weight Please highlight any pupils with mobility impairments when you book your visit.
Risk Assessment Visit?
We are delighted to welcome teachers on a pre-booked familiarisation/risk assessment visit at any time during our normal opening hours. Please email info@spinnakertower.co.uk to book this. A generic risk assessment is available for you to download from our website.
Getting around?
The Spinnaker Tower is located on the waterfront of Gunwharf Quays just at the harbour entrance. The closest drop off point if travelling by coach or mini bus would be Gunwharf Quays turning circle, at the back of Marks & Spencer’s. The drop off point is to the left. It is then a short 5 minute walk to the waterfront.
The closest train station is Portsmouth Harbour. This is located halfway between Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and Gunwharf Quays – it is the last stop on the line. It is a 10 minute walk to the Tower from here via The Hard Interchange. The whole area is flat and disabled access through the area is good.
