The Observation Wheel in Weymouth, Dorset, gives visitors amazing views of the town and has been compared to the iconic Ferris Wheel in Skegness – and locals and tourists seem to agree
A colossal new attraction has made its debut in one of the UK’s most beloved seaside towns, and visitors reckon it’s just the latest indication that the resort is returning to its glory days. Weymouth, a popular destination for around two million day-trippers annually, welcomed the Observation Wheel to its central beach at the end of April.
The towering wheel, standing 26 metres high and accommodating up to 108 passengers, offers breathtaking views of the town and has drawn comparisons to the iconic Ferris Wheel in Skegness. The project was financed by Danters, the local fairground operators, rather than the council.
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However, the new attraction wasn’t universally embraced, with Dorset Council receiving 38 objections. Yet, when the Express paid a visit to Weymouth seafront on a sunny Monday afternoon, it quickly became apparent that the majority of tourists and locals were enthusiastic supporters of the new feature.
Robert and Julie Gray, who were celebrating their anniversary in Weymouth, having travelled from Oxford, were spotted in the Alexandra Gardens on the esplanade. The couple, regular visitors to the Dorset coast over the years, were delighted with the addition of the Observation Wheel.
Robert, 79, shared: “We always come down to Weymouth. We used to do a lot of diving in the sea here. So we thought we’d come back and visit some of the regular haunts for our anniversary.”
Julie observed that the town has “improved over the years”, recalling how it was “quite rundown” a decade ago. She is of the opinion that additions like the Observation Wheel will only serve to enhance the town even further.
Robert chimed in with his thoughts on the local attractions, saying: “I think they keep the kids happy and gives them more to do,” and added: “It’s not an eye-sore is it, really? It’s not something we’d go on but it’s great for other people that want to. It’s something else. Why not?”.
Chester Harmer, a 16 year old resident, was full of praise for his hometown, saying: “The beach and the pavilion are always popular,” and “There’s a lot of things to do for people on holiday.”
Despite some calling the new wheel an “eye-sore”, Chester sees it as a positive addition, stating: “The Observation Wheel has only been up a few weeks and I don’t mind it. It adds something and brings people in. The seafront is definitely the best thing about around here.”
Located at the end of Weymouth Central Beach, the wheel stands among traditional seaside amusements. Andrew Dilly, 60, gestured towards the amusement park and remarked: “You’ve got these things that have been here for years and it’s just part of the same thing. It isn’t a bad thing.”
His wife Jeanette, 77, agreed saying: “It’s a good addition I think to Weymouth. We knew it was new as we were here in September when it wasn’t here.”
Jeanette also expressed her fondness for the town’s consistency, saying: “It’s a lovely town and it hasn’t changed much over the years.
“That’s the beauty of Weymouth – it doesn’t change. That’s exactly why we come back. We know what we’re getting – a really nice family seaside town.”
Visitors to a seaside town are wheeling in excitement over the new attraction that’s spinning up interest. A couple from Cornwall, who toured the area in their motorhome, forked out £11 for a ride on the wheel and Jeanette described the top views as “amazing”.
Charlie Bunce, a local with family ties to Weymouth, was spotted strolling the seafront with her partner Daniel Phillips. The duo reckon the wheel’s arrival will be a boon for the crowds and local trade.
Daniel, 31, shared his enthusiasm: “The fairground and the wheel gives something for the kids to do which is good. I think it’s good for the town and seafront. It gives great views across the town and sea. We’re going to go on it now.”
He continued, highlighting the economic spin-off: “You’ve got to think of all the local businesses that it helps. It brings people down in the summer and these added extra things to do really make a difference. If there’s nothing to do here then why would you come down and bring your kids?”.
Charlie, 30, chimed in, praising the wheel’s placement as ideal and “isn’t overwhelming”, ensuring there’s plenty of beach left for visitors to spread out on.
“It’s a huge beach and if you want to get away from it then you can,” she noted. “It’s not in the way and won’t hurt anybody.”
Yet, not everyone’s on board with the coastal change. Bristol native Josh Rees expressed concern that the organisers might have “overdone it” this year.
The 28-year-old reminisced: “I’ve been coming here since I was a kid. It’s nostalgic for me and the fairground adds to that.
“I think they’ve overdone it a little bit. I do like the views from the top (of the wheel) but I remember when there was less attractions and it was absolutely great. It’s not completely an eye-sore – maybe just a little bit! I guess it just depends what people want nowadays.”
Other locals, such as 36-year-old Clare Richardson, agree that the Observation Wheel is perfect for children. She also disagrees with those who have labelled it an eye-sore.
“We’ve got kids so it’s great for them,” she said. “It’s entertainment. I don’t think it’s an eye-sore really. It just gives people an extra thing to do on the beach.”
A Weymouth Town Council spokesperson said: “There was much excitement when the operator of this brand new attraction was ready to open for the first rides at the end of April, which is a fantastic addition to Weymouth Beach.
“It stands at 26 metres high and can accommodate up to 108 passengers when full, who will be in for a treat as they take to the sky to enjoy the 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 this season. It offers something for all ages for residents and visitors alike to enjoy, and it’s lovely to see people standing on the promenade waving to friends and relatives who are on the ride.”