Summer’s here and there’s no better place to get a bird’s eye view of Torquay and the surrounding area than hitching a ride on the big wheel in Torquay. More formally known as the English Riviera Wheel, it’s one of the main Torquay attractions. Standing at over 60 metres high, it has a weight of 365 tonnes without passengers. It’s taller than Nelsons Column but is surprisingly quiet as it slowly moves around ensuring you take in some great views.
Where can I find the Big Wheel in Torquay?
The big wheel can’t be missed as you walk towards Torquay harbour, as it stands tall in Princess Gardens, Torquay. It’s only a short walk from the TLH Leisure Resort hotels and stands proud over the inner harbour. As a well known icon for Torquay it attracts people of ages to the glass gondoliers and the promise of great views. FIND OUT MORE
When is Torquay’s big wheel open and how much does it cost for a ride?
This year the big wheel is open from Mon – Fri 10:00am – 7:00pm and Sat – Sun | 10:00am – 10:00pm in Term Time and everyday from 10:00am – 10:00pm during the school holidays.
Cost of the ride (at time of writing) is Adult: £6.00; Concessions Students / senior citizens: £5.00; Child Under 1.4m: £4.00; Family Ticket
2 adults plus 2 children (under 1.4m): £18.00; Baby/Toddler Under 3 years old FREE
Standard tickets: You MUST arrive 15 minutes PRIOR to closing in order to make the last gondola flight. The last ride will be sold 15 minutes before closing. Please arrive at the ticket kiosk half an hour before close! TICKETS
How long is the ride?
The Riviera wheel runs for about 12 minutes each trip, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy the ride, listen to the running commentary and take in the stunning views of Torbay.
Stunning views with the English Riviera Wheel at Torquay
On a good summers day you will take in breathtaking 360 degree views across Torbay and can clearly see over to Berry Head in Brixham. You will also see Princess Pier and Torre Abby Sands as you would never normally see them, a real birds eye view of the bay.
See some of the great views of Torquay
A completely safe ride
At the peak of the ride the harbour spreads out below you but beware, as if you have not got a head for heights it can seem a long way down. A head for heights or not, the ride is completely safe with the doors locking automatically at the start of the ride. If it does all get too much or something happens, there is an emergency button in each gondola.
If it’s a sunny day and you want to get a bird’s eye view of Torquay and the wider Torbay area, the English Riviera Wheel is something worth putting on your list of things to do. The kids will love it and you will get some great holiday pictures. If you fancy keeping your feet on the ground then head over to Aztec Games with the kids and spend the afternoon with a little indoor play fun!