Observation wheel on Worthing seafront
Frequently Asked Questions
When does construction begin?
Preparations for the wheel's build will commence 13th June 2024.
The build of the wheel will start 21st June 2024.
How long will it take to build?
The build time for the wheel will be approximately two days on the existing foundations, which are still in place under the shingle beach, protected over the winter period.
When will it be open to the public?
The attraction opened for customers on Tuesday 24th June 2024 following the completion of all the necessary safety checks.
Will the promenade be open to pedestrians and cyclists during the construction period?
During the construction period, access on the promenade may be temporarily affected whilst the wheel vehicles deliver the structure. At other times, it will remain open as usual.
Will the observation wheel be noisy?
No, this type of observation wheel is remarkably quiet. The wheel is powered by electricity and is no louder than an electric car driving along a road.
What does the observation wheel look like?
The observation wheel is mainly white with 27 red open-air 'gondolas'. Only white lights are used on the wheel.
How do I buy tickets?
Tickets are available online in advance, or directly at the attraction - just turn up and ride.
How much are tickets?
General ticket prices on the gate are from:
- £5.00 for children under 16 years old
- £6.00 for adults
- £20.00 for family tickets for four people (2 adults & 2 children, or 1 adult & 3 children)
- £30.00 for a group ticket for up to six people in one gondola
Height restrictions for the ride will be enforced by the wheel's operator (anyone under 1.4m must be accomanied by an adult).
This covers four turns of the wheel.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
While every effort has been made to ensure that the wheel is as inclusive as possible, unfortunately this attraction is not currently suitable for wheelchair users.
Photos showing the access route to the observation wheel from the promenade, past the ticket office, round to the steps and up to the gondolas:
What are the opening hours?
The wheel will generally be open seven days a week from 10am to 8pm. Times are approximate and will depend on the weather.
Just how big is the observation wheel?
The wheel is 44 metres high.
How far can you see from the top?
On a clear day you can see up to 10 miles in all directions.
How long is the wheel staying in Worthing?
The observation wheel will be with us until 10th November 2024.
What happens if it's very windy or rainy - will the observation wheel close?
The attraction will stop operating should the foreshore experience constant wind speeds of 33mph (Beaufort Scale 7).
By way of comparison wind speeds in excess of 47mph (Beaufort Scale 9) require Worthing Pier to close to the public.
In practice, wheel operators halt operation at considerably lower wind speeds than the manufacturer's guidelines.
Rain does not affect the operation of the wheel but may restrict visibility.
At any time, regardless of the weather conditions, the council's senior coastal warden has the authority to ask for the attraction to stop operating if required.
Who is running the observation wheel?
The attraction is operated by a private company, City Observations Ltd. Worthing Borough Council's involvement extends to providing the hire of the land.
Who built the observation wheel?
The wheel was built in Italy by observation wheel manufacturer Fabbri.
How do I know that the observation wheel is safe to ride?
The wheel is subject to an annual safety inspection known in the industry as Amusement Device Inspection Procedures Scheme (ADIPS).
For further information ...
For further general information about the observation wheel on Worthing seafront, please contact:
- email: info@cityobservations.co.uk
For information relating to noise problems: including an online form to report noise nuisance, please see:
Please send an email ...
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Page last updated: 26 June 2024