The big wheel keeps on turning! (Royal Windsor Wheel)

Member Name: kingfisher111

Product:	Royal Windsor Wheel
Date:	15/09/09 (178 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A great attraction for Windsor

Disadvantages: None

It was the bank holiday weekend and we had friends staying so we thought we would take in some of our local attractions. Windsor is only half an hour away from where we live so we decided to head over there with the intention of taking all our children on the Royal Windsor Wheel - which was a first for us all. I had looked up the details on the website at

www.royalwindsorwheel.com

We could have booked our tickets in advance but I decided that, because my four year old daughter is sometimes a bit unsure of things and may well take one look at it and decide that she wasn't going on it, to risk not booking. As it was, on a Sunday lunchtime it was not busy, my daughter was quite happy and we virtually walked on straightaway as soon as we had paid.

The Windsor Wheel is probably best described as a smaller version of the London Eye. I have never been on the London Eye so I can't compare, although I know people who have who say that the Windsor Wheel is nowhere near as impressive. That's hardly surprising as the Windsor Wheel is only 60 metres high compared to the London Eye's 135 metres. Also the Wheel trip lasts about twelve minutes compared to the London Eye's half an hour. Therefore it is not really fair to compare as the Windsor Wheel is not going to offer so much but I think it might be a good introductory ride for children before risking the larger London Eye.

Also, of course, the differences are also reflected in the prices. A single ride on the Wheel costs £6.50, OAP's £5.50, children £4.50 and a family ticket (two adults and two children) costs £18.50. Compare this with the London Eye's prices of £17 per adult, £14 per concession and £8.75 per child and you are obviously not going to expect the same experience for what you are paying. I thought that paying £18.50 for our family ticket did represent reasonable value. You can also book the VIP capsule if you are feeling particularly flush for a champagne flight which costs £80 per capsule but can take up to six adults and two children.

The maximum any capsule will take is eight which was a shame as there were nine of us and we did feel that we could have easily fitted one more little one in. I guess that's all down to health and safety. The capsules are all quite comfortable and are air conditioned. There are lots of safety signs telling you all the things that you should not do such as rock the capsule - as if!

All in all, our entire trip lasted approximately twelve minutes and we actually went round five times. From the top of the wheel there are excellent views of Windsor Castle, the town of Windsor and the River Thames. You are also meant to be able to see Wembley Stadium and some of our party thought that they did but I wasn't sure myself. The good thing is that going round a few times, you have more than one opportunity to spot what you miss first time round. You can also listen to a commentary that helps you look out for all the important landmarks. I found it a very enjoyable twelve minute and our two girls were really thrilled to be up so high and able to look down on everything.

As you are getting on the wheel you do get your photograph taken and it is there ready and waiting for you at the other end. I expected this to be very expensive but you are offered a souvenir pack that contains two large photos and four postcard sized ones for only £10 (it does actually say £12 on the website but we paid £10). Splitting these between the two families we each paid £5 and we each have one large and two small photos which the girls love. Also, it's worth noting that once you have paid for your photos you also receive a code that means that you can access them on line.

The Windsor Wheel does not have its own parking so you will have to use one of the Windsor car parks and they can prove quite expensive. However, the likelihood is that you will combine the Windsor Wheel with doing other things in Windsor such as visiting the castle or, like us, taking boat trip. The wheel is open every day from 10 am until 10 pm.

Overall, I really recommend a trip on the Royal Windsor Wheel and it certainly helped to contribute to a great eye. Just be warned though, that if you have already experienced the London Eye you might be a little bit disappointed.

Summary: Not as big as the London Eye but good fun anyway!