Leisure's spinning around on the Greenwich Wheel

2:51pm Tuesday 15th July 2008

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The Greenwich Observation Wheel is finally up and twirling after a slight delay, and Leisure highly recommends a spin. The sun was shining on the Saturday afternoon I made my way to the Old Royal Naval College - the wheel's home until September 28 - although the winds were high enough to rattle our gondola at one point.

Still, the experience was really relaxing, even my height-wary friend settled down after a few rotations, and I relished seeing Greenwich from a fresh perspective, especially the details of the Naval College usually out of eyeline.

On the approach, it struck me what a truly picturesque addition to the already stunning maritime riverscape the wheel is.

Compared to the London Eye's 135m, it is compact enough not to be too daunting for small children and ideal for activity-hungry families, the queues weren't as daunting either.

But at 55m it is taller than Nelson's Column. I spied Greenwich landmarks such as The O2, the Queen's House and nearby Canary Wharf.

It's no wheel of (costing a) fortune either, prices are reasonable for a 15 minute ride. But it's no day out, so I'd advise you take in a few more town centre attractions such as the market, Greenwich Theatre or the Fan Museum too.

Open 10am to 10pm, daily. £7/£4.50.