Jetsettersblog

NEW MARITIME GREENWICH OBSERVATION WHEEL

For the first time this summer there will be a new addition to the landscape of Greenwich – an Observation Wheel that stands taller than Nelson’s Column! At 180ft (55m) from the ground visitors will take in panoramic views beyond St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London to the west, across the river and past Canary Wharf to the heights of Hampstead Heath, and east to the Olympic site in the Lea Valley. In the foreground, the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site will be laid out in a rare perspective.

The wheel will be situated within the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College in front of the Pepy’s Building Visitor Centre and will be open to the public from Saturday 21 June to Sunday 28 September.

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 light refreshments will be available near the wheel.

Ticket prices per session are £7 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.greenwichwheel.com (from 1st May). The Greenwich Wheel is operated by PWR Events and supported by Regatta outdoor clothing.

The wheel is a new attraction for Greenwich helping to boost the profile of the World Heritage Site and enhance the visitor experience at a time when the Cutty Sark remains closed for restoration, and Greenwich pier is under reconstruction. It is one of many events happening at the Old Royal Naval College this summer; visitors to the college will also be able to see the free entry Painted Hall and Chapel, or take a guided tour; for more information visit www.oldroyalnavalcollege.org.

Other Greenwich attractions welcoming visitors include the National Maritime Museum; Queen’s House; Royal Observatory and Peter Harrison Planetarium in the Royal Park; Fan Museum; Wernher Collection at the Ranger’s House and St Alfege Church. The vibrant Greenwich Market will also be open Wednesday to Sunday with a new food market on Wednesdays, while the World Heritage Site has some of south east London’s best pubs, restaurants and evening entertainment; a perfect place to enjoy a bite to eat and then go on to experience some brilliant theatre, exhilarating dance or live music.

With so much to see and do within the Maritime Greenwich, it deserves more than just a day trip. Visitors can stay in the heart of the World Heritage Site at Devonport House or Novotel London Greenwich, both graded four star, or a quality B&B, perfectly placed to explore the many attractions and eateries on their doorstep.
For details about travel to Greenwich, other events, places to visit and accommodation suggestions log onto www.greenwichwhs.org.uk  or telephone the Greenwich Tourist Information Centre on 0870 608 2000.

Travelling to Maritime Greenwich in 2008

Maritime Greenwich is easily reached by mainline train from London Bridge to Greenwich or via the Docklands Light Railway alighting at Cutty Sark. Alternatively there are several bus services coming through Greenwich or visitors can arrive by passenger boat at Greenwich Pier.

Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is currently carrying out improvements to the line which will allow great capacity on the trains. There will be some closures over the next few months affecting the journey to Cutty Sark station for Maritime Greenwich. In addition both Cutty Sark and Greenwich DLR stations will be closed over four weekends during July and August.

South Eastern Trains provide alternative overground services into Greenwich station from London Bridge, or visitors can take a river cruise from a choice of piers and disembark at Greenwich.

Passengers are advised to check before travelling either by calling DLR customer services on 020 7363 9700 or online at www.dlr.co.uk where the journey planner might also be of assistance.

Greenwich Pier is also under redevelopment with a new landing stage, restaurants and café which will create a stylish, new waterside environment scheduled to open summer 2009. The Pier remains open throughout its redevelopment period.