Windsor big wheel to boost tourism in Royal town, council says

In 2007, a larger Ferris wheel was installed for the summer at Alexandra Gardens

A large observation wheel near Windsor Castle will help keep tourists in the town for longer, a council has said.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead has approved the installation of the attraction in Alexandra Gardens.

It said the wheel was a "fantastic way" to keep tourists in the town, as many only stay for a few hours.

The 35m-high (115ft) wheel will open in the town from the end of March for six months.

Councillor Joshua Reynolds, cabinet member for communities and leisure, said: "Tourism has been hit since Covid...

"This is a fantastic way to keep tourists in the town for a bit longer and show them something a bit different that not every town has to offer."

The council said the wheel, which is much smaller than the previous one which was in the gardens from 2006 to 2007 and was 60m (197ft) high, would be set to the side of the gardens rather than in the middle as before.

The attraction, which can hold 144 passengers, is expected to open from 22 March to 2 September.

It will also take seven days to put up and about five days to dismantle.

Roses Pleasure Parks Limited, the wheel's operator, said it would take visitors on three rotations, and rides should last about 15-20 minutes.

The firm said tickets would be sold through an online ticket system and at the wheel itself.