Observation wheel set to open on resort's beach

The wheel is set to open to the public from 17:00 on Tuesday

An observation wheel offering "fantastic views of the iconic Jurassic coastline" is set to open later in Dorset.

The 26m (85ft) high white wheel has been built on the Esplanade at Weymouth Beach next to the sand sculpture building.

The big wheel, with pods that can take up to 108 passengers, is set to offer rides from 17:00 BST.

It is expected to remain on the beach until October, running 12:00-17:00 on weekdays, and 11:00-19:00 at weekends.

The white wheel on the Esplanade is planned to be in place until October

To celebrate its opening, Weymouth Town Council said the wheel's operator would offer the first 50 people a free ride on a first-come first-serve basis.

Mayor of Weymouth, councillor Jon Orrell said: "The observation wheel is one of the tallest attractions on the beach offering fantastic views of Weymouth's iconic Jurassic coastline.

"We are pleased to see this new attraction opening on the beach for the very first time, which complements the other seasonal rides.

"It will offer something for all ages for residents and visitors alike."

The wheel is being run by Spencer Hall and family, along with seven other rides on the beach, including trampolines, a balloon ride, a pirate coaster and a helter skelter.

Dorset Council approved the plans for the observation wheel in February.

The wheel started to take shape on Weymouth beach last week

The Super Snails that had been on the beach for nearly 25 years are resting in their shells after Weymouth Town Council merged pitches for the summer attractions on the beach.

The ride's owner needed to apply for a seasonal contract to get a pitch on the beach from March to October.

The resort previously had a £3.5m 53m-high (174ft) rotating viewing platform.

Jurassic Skyline opened in June 2012 ahead of the London Olympic sailing events, but closed in 2019 due to falling visitor numbers.