Greenwich Wheel

Looking back through the last few posts I've realised I'm in danger of turning into the Phantom Grouch, so today, I'm only going to post things I like.

So - for starters, if you haven't been down to the Greenwich Wheel yet, and you happen to hold a GreenwichCard (if you don't, why not? These things cost a couple of quid and pay for themselves very quickly indeed) you can get two-for-the-price-of-one on Mondays - so try to get down there today. The rest of the time you get 10% off with a Greenwichcard.

I have no real idea why the Wheel doesn't seem to have been very popular (I may be wrong, but whenever I pass it there seems to be virtually no one on board.) It's a great ride, with fantastic views. Perhaps it's the combination of the bog-awful weather we've had this year and the fact that its big brother is just down the road. I guess if you're a tourist and you're only going to take one Big Wheel ride, you're going to choose the Eye. Other places that have had a Ferris wheel - like Manchester and York - don't have the choice.

If you ask me, after the fight they had to put this on, and after what can only be so-so returns, I doubt the wheel will be back, much as I would welcome it with open arms (and as for it being an eyesore - I think it's beautiful, especially when it's lit up at night.) So if you want to see Greenwich from above, with the wonky ORNC building, the views of Vanbrugh Castle, the Observatory etc, then don't count on the viewing room at Borough Hall being open in the near future while that nasty management company's in charge. Get down to Cutty Sark Gardens fast. It's only on until September 28th.

With a bit of luck the sky will be a bit less threatening than when I snapped this...

Greenwich Wheel Around The Clock

So. A few weeks (and many rides) into the visit of the Greenwich Wheel, what do we think of it? Is it, as Time Out suggests, a bit of an also-ran - that when you get to the top you can afford a glimpse of The Real Thing - or does it stand up in its own right?

I've been collecting together a series of photos of the wheel at different times of the day (see Rod's enviable view first thing in the morning, above) and I thought I'd take the opportunity to chew the fat over our own local ferris wheel.

I confess I really enjoyed the experience myself. I went during the daytime, and I'm keen to take another ride when the sun's gone down, to get a different view. It's not as dramatic as The London Eye, but instead gives a more intimate - personal, even - image of the streets and places that we know so well. That said, I suspect it is mainly interesting for those of us who actually live here.

I don't know about you but whenever I walk past it, it seems to be almost empty. This surprises me - I was expecting queues - but maybe it's the victim of bad timing - the perceived credit crunch seems to be making everyone jumpy. Maybe the price is an off-putter - for a family it gets quite pricey, and I'm really not convinced about the value for money of the VIP pods, even if they do have glass bottoms (thanks Bryn, for proving that for me)

One thing that I really do think confounded some people's expectations is the way it looks. It was originally refused permission because it would spoil the view. I'm sorry - but I think it looks fantastic - both close-up and from the park as part of the panorama - here's one I took a week or so ago, mid-afternoon:

I particularly like it as the twilight sets in - as the sun sets...

...and the lights switch on...



Dave, however, felt it was somewhat of an anti-climax.

"I'd booked a Gondola for six (cheaper that way) but I fear this was my downfall as once everybody was settled and we were on the move it didn't give you much space to maneuver. The non Greenwich residents in the party were quite impressed with the views but those of us who are used to standing in the shadow of the Phantom (tee hee - TGP) and gazing out across London weren't that taken. On the plus side the gondolas do have air-con so it was nice, albeit short, rest from the heat.

If you must give the Wheel a spin (ha, ha) I think it best that just a couple share the Gondola (Blow the expense!) as this enables you to easily swap places to get a different viewpoint. But really, a walk up to the Phantoms Rest (double tee-hee - TGP) or Point Hill will give a much better vista - it's free and will also keep you fit.

Personally I think the Wheel is a must - it's a one-off - and a Great Greenwich Thing To Do. You may kick yourself later if you don't.

Saucy Greenwich

No - not the sort you get at The Golden Chippy...

Benedict and I have been discussing the purpose of the VIP podule on the wheel (it's got five stars, you know...)


I said that I didn't really get it, since it had smoked glass when surely the whole point of an observation wheel was to get the best view possible. He told me that Mrs Benedict thought perhaps it was for a bit of hanky-panky.


I confess I find this a flawed plan - I mean for starters, don't they have glass bottoms? I'd find it very off-putting knowing that a bunch of herberts waiting for the 'ordinary' pods were looking right up my cloak. Besides. The whole thing only lasts about 12-15 minutes. A 'bit' is pretty much all the hanky-panky you'd get.


Which got me to thinking. A few months ago, we discussed the most romantic venues in Greenwich. Now I'd like to hear your suggestions for the most - how shall we put it - 'discreet' places in town...


Where would you go for a spot of what the Americans so quaintly call "making-out?"

Greenwich Wheel

Since I haven't made it this weekend (I have been doing some splendid other stuff, about which more later...) I've appropriated Greenwich Lalas comments about the new wheel - which include some helpful tips. The photos are courtesy of Dave (naughty Phantom - zero effort on today's post. Must try harder...) Anyway, Greenwich Lalas says:

"I went on Saturday afternoon and queued no more than 10 mins, and was given a gondola with just the two of us in (don't waste your money on a private one, they pretty much will give that to you for free anyway).

I'd say 12 mins is a starting point not a guarantee, they're not overly strict on how long you spend on it. We had more like 15 mins and 4 revolutions on it before the staff unloaded us.

I like it, it looks lovely and is a nice way to spend a little bit of time. But deary me, it's a lot higher than it looks once you're in one of those little pods, swinging away. We were postively queasy for the entire first revolution!"

So - sounds like it's fun and pretty. I am especially looking forward to seeing it at night.

Anyone else been yet?

Wheely Happening At Last

This was supposed to be posted yesterday but - well, you know the drill by now. I couldn't upload any pics. But in a way, it's quite good. Edith had sent me some pics of Greenwich Observation Wheel on its way up at last, but in the delay, I've also had some pics from DC07703 and I've been down to look at it myself.

Edith's pictures are fab, but Blogger's only letting me upload one of them:

It looks as though each section is being added, then the wheel turned a bit further on. By the time DC07703 got there, the wheel itself was complete, but without its podules. I particularly like this picture as it looks as though they've used the Maori Memorial as part of the wheel:

DC07703 made the point that the area's so covered in trees "that the first 3 mins and the last 3 mins of the 12min trip you'll be looking into the trees. So It'll only be 6 mins of views."

This bothered me a bit, so I thought I'd pop down to check the tree situation for myself. I got down there about 5.00pm and about two thirds of the pods were in place. I took a long look and came to the conclusion that we'll probably be all right. There are trees, granted, but they're comparatively low, and at around that point I shall be so excited I won't notice. And if it's anything like a wheel I went on in Manchester - it looks exactly the same - then we'll go round several times anyway.

The Greenwich Foundation website still isn't owning up to when it will be opening, but my guess would be that they don't want to miss another weekend, so maybe Friday or even Saturday? See you in the queue...

No Wheels On My Waggon...

Bad news, folks.

An anonymous journalist tip-off (oooh-er!) has just informed me that this Saturday's grand opening of the Greenwich Observation Wheel has had to be postponed.

From what I can gather, it's got itself stuck in The Hague, so hasn't actually arrived yet.

As regular readers will know, I've been hopping from foot to foot waiting for this particular circus to come to town, and here in the Phantom Household, we're all mega-disappointed.

Poor old Greenwich Foundation. Hope they're insured. I feel sorry for them - it makes them look flaky when I can only assume that it's those dastardly Dutch. They just can't bear to part with it.

My contact doesn't know when we'll finally wrest it from Netherlandish hands, but in the meanwhile, don't go down there on Saturday hoping for a ride into the skies...