Standing at street level, we can get pretty used to our surroundings. But head on up, and you'll get a bird's-eye view that will expand your horizons — literally. From the South Coast and London to the Midlands, North of England, and Scotland, there are viewing platforms across the country that let you see for miles. Warning: these are not for those with a fear of heights! Get inspiration from our pick of Britain's best observation towers here, and then check out the 20 best views in Britain [1].
London: ArcelorMittal Orbit
In Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the ArcelorMittal is the the UK's tallest sculpture, giving panoramic views of London from the top. It is home to the world's longest, fastest, tallest tunnel slide. Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond created the looping structure for the London 2012 Games.
View From the ArcelorMittal Orbit
Portsmouth: Spinnaker Tower
The 170-metre tall Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth echoes the shape of the billowing sails of the boats in the harbour below. See across the channel to the Isle of Wight, and feel like you're "walking on air" from the largest glass floor in Europe on its View Deck 1.
View from the Spinnaker Tower
Liverpool: Radio City Tower
At the top of St Johns Beacon, 400-feet high, Radio City Tower Viewing Gallery provides 360-degree views across Liverpool towards North Wales and even the Cumbrian Hills.
View From Radio City Tower
Halifax: Wainhouse Tower
Standing 253-feet tall, Wainhouse Tower was commissioned as a chimney for local dye works in the late 19th century but was never used for that purpose. On selected dates, visitors can climb the 403 steps to the viewing gallery at the top.
View From Wainhouse Tower
Glasgow Tower
Glasgow Tower has a Guinness World Record as the tallest tower in the world able to rotate 360 degrees. It's Scotland's tallest tower, at 127 metres, and stands next to Glasgow Science Centre and the IMAX.
London: The Shard
The View from The Shard is London's highest viewing platform and sits at the top of Western Europe's tallest building. At 244 metres, it's almost twice the height of any of the capital's other vantage points. On clear days, you get 360-degree views for up to 40 miles. The lift takes you from Level 1 to Level 68 in 60 seconds. There's an open air sky deck on Level 72.
Blackpool Tower
Blackpool Tower opened to the public in 1894, having been inspired by the Eiffel Tower, which opened in Paris in 1889. It stands 158 metres high, and is home to a famous ballroom.
View From Blackpool Tower
Birmingham: Perrott’s Folly
Perrott's Folly in Birmingham was built in 1758. As a young J. R. R. Tolkien lived nearby, The Lord of the Rings fans take particular interest in it, as it was the inspiration for the two towers of the second book (along with the Waterworks Tower).
View From Perrott’s Folly
Glastonbury: St Michael’s Tower
St Michael's Tower stands on top of Glastonbury Tor at the junction of mystical ley lines. On a clear day, you get views across three counties from the top.
View from St Michael’s Tower
Brighton: i360
At 138 metres, the i360 in Brighton is the world's tallest moving observation tower. It was created by the same architects as the London Eye. On clear days you'll get views across the South Downs and across to the Isle of Wight from the futuristic glass viewing pod.