The Royal Windsor Wheel is a non-permanent transportable Ferris wheel installation at Alexandra Gardens, Windsor, Berkshire, England.

Alexandra Gardens Windsor Wheel (2006–2012)

First wheel (2006–2012)

edit

The first Royal Windsor Wheel first operated in 2006. In 2009 it operated from April to October and carried over 200,000 passengers. During 2010, it opened daily from 10 am to 10 pm, from 1 May until 30 August.[1]

In 2011, the official website stated that the 365-tonne (402-ton) wheel had 40 six-person gondolas, including one VIP gondola and one disabled access gondola, offering views from a height of 60 metres (200 ft).[2]

It ceased operations in 2012.[3]

Second wheel (2024)

edit
 
The second wheel illuminated at night

In July 2021 a new company (Roses Pleasure Parks Limited) applied to the local council to build a smaller wheel near the original site.[4]

On 5 January 2024 it was announced that a 35-metre (115 ft) wheel would operate in Alexandra Gardens from 22 March to 2 September.[5][6] Some councillors complained that the wheel would disrupt the park.[6]

References

edit
  1. ^ "Windsor wheel cuts back from six months to four". Windsor Observer. Retrieved 23 May 2010.
  2. ^ "About the Wheel". 2011. Archived from the original on 20 March 2012.
  3. ^ "Councillors approve plans to install observation wheel in Alexandra Gardens". windsorexpress.co.uk. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  4. ^ [1] Application for an Observation Wheel and Refreshment Unit to be sited from 1 July to 30 September 2021.
  5. ^ "Windsor big wheel to boost tourism in Royal town, council says". BBC News. 19 February 2024. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  6. ^ a b "Huge observation wheel approved for park in Windsor". Slough Observer. 5 January 2024. Retrieved 20 March 2024.

51°29′04″N 0°36′43″W / 51.4845°N 0.6119°W / 51.4845; -0.6119