The once struggling UK seaside town that’s now back to its best | UK | News

A giant new ride has opened in one of the UK’s most famous seaside towns and visitors say it is just the latest sign that the resort is back to its best. Weymouth, which attracts around two million day trippers every year, welcomed the Observation Wheel to its central beach at the end of April.

The big wheel, which stands 26 metres tall and can hold 108 passengers, gives visitors amazing views of the town and has been compared to the iconic Ferris Wheel in Skegness. It is funded by Danters, the operators of the local fairground, rather than the council. The new attraction wasn’t welcomed by everyone as Dorset Council received 38 objections.

But when the Express visited Weymouth seafront on a sunny Monday afternoon it was soon clear to see that most tourists and locals were big fans of the new attraction.

Robert and Julie Gray, who were visiting Weymouth from Oxford on their anniversary, were sat in the Alexandra Gardens on the esplanade. The couple have been regular visitors to the Dorset coast over the years and were pleased to see the addition of the Observation Wheel.

Robert, 79, said: “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 said the town has “improved over the years”, explaining how it was “quite rundown” a decade ago. She believes that additions like the Observation Wheel will only help improve the town even more. 

“I think they keep the kids happy and gives them more to do,” Robert 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?”

Further up the esplanade was Chester Harmer, a 16-year-old local lad who had nothing but praise for his home town. “The beach and the pavilion are always popular,” he said. “There’s a lot of things to do for people on holiday.”

While he admitted some people have described the new wheel as an “eye-sore”, he believes it will benefit the town. He said: “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.”

The wheel is located at the end of Weymouth Central Beach, next to a host of other fairground rides and activities such as donkey rides and volleyball. Andrew Dilly, 60, pointed at the amusement park on the beach and said: “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, added:  “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.

“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.”

The couple, who were visiting in their motorhome from Cornwall, paid a combined £11 for a ride on the wheel. Jeanette said the views at the top were “amazing”.

Charlie Bunce, whose family live in Weymouth, was walking along the seafront with her boyfriend Daniel Phillips. The couple believe the addition of the wheel will attract more people to the area and benefit local businesses.

Mr Phillips, 31, said: “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 added: “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, agreed that the location of the wheel is perfect. It “isn’t overwhelming” and gives visitors enough alternative space to enjoy on the beach.

“It’s a huge beach and if you want to get away from it then you can,” she said. “It’s not in the way and won’t hurt anybody.”

There have been concerns locally that the new attraction ruins the coastline. Josh Rees, from Bristol, said the organisers may have “overdone it” this year.

The 28-year-old said: “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.”