Royal Windsor Wheel Explained

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

First wheel (2006–2012)

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 365tonne wheel had 40 six-person gondolas, including one VIP gondola and one disabled access gondola, offering views from a height of .^[2]

It ceased operations in 2012.^[3]

Second wheel (2024)

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 35metre wheel would operate in Alexandra Gardens from 22 March to 2 September.^{[5] [6]} Some councillors complained that the wheel would disrupt the park.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Windsor wheel cuts back from six months to four. Windsor Observer. 23 May 2010.
2. Web site: 2011 . About the Wheel . https://web.archive.org/web/20120320141045/https://mellorsgroup.com/Windsor-Wheel/ABOUT_THE_WHEEL.html . 20 March 2012.
3. Web site: Councillors approve plans to install observation wheel in Alexandra Gardens . 2024-03-20 . windsorexpress.co.uk.
4. https://publicaccess.rbwm.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=QTLIQ0NIIB400&activeTab=summary
5. News: 2024-02-19 . Windsor big wheel to boost tourism in Royal town, council says . 2024-03-20 . BBC News.
6. Web site: 2024-01-05 . Huge observation wheel approved for park in Windsor . 2024-03-20 . Slough Observer.