Discover the Top 5 Tallest Ferris Wheels in England

England is home to some of the world’s tallest and most iconic Ferris wheels. These giant observation wheels lift you high up in the sky for breathtaking bird’s-eye views across England’s beautiful cityscapes and landscapes. Ferris wheels ignite a sense of wonder and adventure, making them a must-do activity when visiting England.

Let’s explore the top 5 tall Ferris wheels across England.

1. The London Eye – 443 Feet Tall

Dominating the list at number one is the world-famous London Eye, located on the South Bank of the River Thames. This colossal observation wheel stands an impressive 443 feet tall, making it the tallest Ferris wheel in the United Kingdom.

The London Eye opened in 2000 as part of the capital’s millennium celebrations. Its 32 oval-shaped glass capsules are attached to the wheel’s external circumference. As the London Eye slowly rotates, each revolution takes around 30 minutes, giving ample time to soak in the panoramic vistas.

On a clear sunny day, you can see for up to 25 miles in every direction across London. Spot iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard skyscraper, and many more from your “bird’s eye view” above it all. The London Eye dazzlingly lights up when night falls, becoming a beautiful focal point along London’s skyline.

2. The Great Wheel at Earls Court – 308 Feet Tall

In second place is the Great Wheel at Earls Court, which held the impressive record for being the tallest Ferris wheel in the world when it first opened to the public in 1895. This Victorian-era giant stood 308 feet tall beside the Earls Court Exhibition Centre in West London.

Originally constructed as a temporary attraction for the Empire of India Exhibition, the Great Wheel proved so popular that it remained in operation until 1906! Its 40 extravagant passenger cars could hold up to 40 thrill-seekers each. You could take a 20-minute ride over 300 feet up into the sky for astonishing views across 19th-century London.

Although the original Great Wheel no longer exists, it left a legacy for pushing height boundaries for observation wheels and delighting riders with panoramic sights.

3. The Blackpool Great Wheel – 220 Feet Tall

Our third tallest Ferris wheel in England is the Blackpool Great Wheel along Blackpool’s lively Central Promenade. Constructed in 1896 specially for Blackpool’s legendary annual Illuminations light festival, this wheel stands 220 feet tall.

The Blackpool Great Wheel’s 30 fully enclosed gondolas can each carry up to 30 passengers. The gentle rotation lets you soak in the sweeping views at the top, from the Lake District’s mountains to Blackpool’s famous attractions like Blackpool Tower, Pleasure Beach theme park, and piers. The wheel dazzlingly lights up when night falls, enhancing the festive illuminations.

4. The Brighton Wheel – 148 Feet Tall

Nestled along the Brighton Palace Pier, the Brighton Wheel has delighted visitors since opening in 2011. At 148 feet tall, the wheel’s brightly colored passenger cars rise for sensational panoramic views across Brighton, Hove, and the English Channel.

Each car fits up to 8 people for the 12-minute rotation. On clear days, you can see across Brighton and Hove for miles, spotting landmarks like the Royal Pavilion and Brighton Marina. To the south, vistas of Brighton’s scenic coastline stretch out. The Brighton Wheel gleams after dark, lighting up the pier.

5. The Blackpool Central Pier Big Wheel – 108 Feet Tall

Last on our list is Blackpool’s Central Pier Big Wheel, adding a touch of nostalgia at 108 feet tall. Located on Blackpool Central Pier, this Ferris wheel has been thrilling riders since its first opening in 1990.

Its 30 fully-enclosed gondolas lift you for excellent 12-minute views across Blackpool and the Irish Sea. The Big Wheel glows after dark, complementing Blackpool’s Illuminations. You can gain a new perspective on Blackpool’s seaside sights from this height.

Take the Ride Up for Incredible England Views

From old-fashioned wheels dating back to the 1800s to modern observation giants, England’s selection of record-breaking Ferris wheels offers breathtaking ways to see the country. With heights ranging from 148 feet up to 443 feet, these iconic Ferris wheels showcase England’s cities, landscapes, and coastlines from thrilling new vantage points.

Next time you visit England, be sure to take a memorable ride up one of these top 5 tall Ferris wheels for views that will stay with you forever. Awaken your sense of wonder as you admire England in a whole new light from the top. The childlike excitement of slowly rising higher and higher in an enclosed passenger cabin makes Ferris wheels a timeless classic attraction to delight all.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © inspi_ml/Shutterstock.com