The Observation Wheel in Littlehampton

                    

Funnily enough, my husband and I had not seen the latest tourist attraction on Littlehampton sea front until we reached a high point on our run training route, that took us up on the downs. It was a beautifully clear day and we stopped and looked around at the view.

I turned on the stop saying how crisp it looked everywhere, “Look at the Rampion Wind Farm, the depth of colours in the sea, the ugly tower block of flats in Littlehampton and that big wheel by the promenade”! Steve turned to me and said “What big wheel there isn’t a big wheel in Littlehampton”? He turned and gawped asking “How long has that been there for goodness sake”.

After that run yesterday we had gone to the beach for a swim while the tide was fully in, and afterwards we had driven a half mile along to the new latest addition to the attractions. When we had seen it from the top of the downs, we had thought it must be in Harbour Park, along with the rides, stalls and slot machine lanes but it is not. It stands at the end of Banjo Road bold as brass on its own.

Checking for information about it this morning, it seems that it is only a temporary visitor for just about a month during the summer holiday period. In the reports it sounds bigger than it is, since it is called a Giant Observation Wheel.  The council spoked person quoted said that it will be self- funding but that sounds unlikely to me. It is also doomed to be added to the ‘Marmite’ subject list, since some will love it and others will call it a monstrosity. That area by the beach has had amusement features as long as I can remember, way back to the Wild Mouse and longer ago there was an ice rink.

Then we have the Windmill Theatre/ Cinema that has turned into a very good art house film theatre with volunteer ushers. In normal times we and friends have been there often. The amusement corner by the mouth of the lovely River Arun. Good views of West Beach, the Fort and the downs too I would think. Hurry though its not going to be there long.

Rides cost £5 each or £15 for a family.

Below is a very nice photo taken from Secret Littlehampton on Instagram.