Flying High in Royal Windsor: Big Wheel in Riverside Park 28 June to 2 November 2008

Wednesday, 16th April 2008

Visitors to Royal Windsor from Saturday 28 June to Sunday 2 November can fly high on the town’s big wheel which gives spectacular views over the battlements of Windsor Castle, along the River Thames and across the historic landmarks of Windsor and Eton to the countryside beyond. On a clear day they may even be able to see the new arch at Wembley Stadium and into central London.

Previously the Royal Windsor Wheel has only been in place for the summer months offering rides until early September but, following its great success, the time scale has now been extended through to the autumn offering stunning night time views under the cover of darkness.

The 180ft (55m) diameter wheel will be located close to the town centre in Alexandra Gardens, Windsor’s riverside park. Forty gondolas will each carry a maximum of six people taking 12-15 minutes to complete a rotation. One gondola has disabled access, all children must be accompanied by an adult and a free-entry Royal Windsor Wheel café will be situated next to the attraction serving light refreshments.

Ticket prices per session are £6.50 per adult and £4.50 for children under 16; a private gondola is £30 or, for that special experience, a champagne gondola can be booked on request.  It will be open seven days a week from 10am until 10pm. Tickets will be available at the wheel, subject to availability, (last tickets 9.30pm) or can be booked in advance online at www.royalwindsorwheel.com (from 1^st May).  Windsor Advantage Card Holders will receive two rides for the price of one on Mondays and a 10% discount on other days.

The Windsor Wheel is operated by PWR Events and supported by Regatta outdoor clothing.

For those planning a short break to combine a ride on the Windsor Wheel with a visit to the town’s other attractions such as Windsor Castle and Eton College, assistance with booking somewhere to stay is available by calling the accommodation hotline on 01753 743907 or email Windsor.accommodation@rbwm.gov.uk.

For further details about the Royal Borough and its many attractions visit www.windsor.gov.uk, A copy of the free Visitor Guide is available by email to Windsor.tic@rbwm.gov.uk or call the Royal Windsor Information Centre on Tel: 01753 743900.