The Echo Wheel of Liverpool

I really enjoy riding in Ferris Wheels. It doesn’t make much sense but it has always been something that I’ve enjoyed doing. So on a date day in Liverpool, my boyfriend decided to take me over here for a ride.
There was no real wait and the pricing was a good value. I was really curious about the VIP capsule but we didn’t end up taking it because that was a bit pricey for us, although we may try at a later date. Our capsule was snug and cozy; we got to sit next to each other and see Liverpool from a different angle. The capsule was clean, which was appreciated, and we got to ride on the wheel for a good amount of time — longer than I expected we would, actually. Although we did not choose to buy the picture that was taken of us, the staff do take a photo of you before you get on the wheel which could be a really cool souvenir should you choose.

Great day out!
Went in this wheel with mum who was me from Belfast. Go value for money. staff all very friendly though they where not allowed to take pictures for us which was not good. Capsules very clean inside and fresh.

Voyage above Liverpool’s historic sky!
Liverpool’s big wheel sits on the piazza outside ECHO Arena in Liverpool. The «ferris» wheel is the biggest one Ive ever seen and been on.
Listed at 60 metres high, The Echo Wheel has 42 fully enclosed and air-​conditioned and heated gondalas/​capsules, giving you a 360 degree panoramic view of the city.
Ride time is approx 10 — 12 minutes (~3 revolutions).
Tickets cost: £7-£8.50/adult. (Discounts for students and seniors).
Private Gondola — £43. VIP (with Champagne) — £52

Its just a great way in general to see the city.
They may have these places all over the world but I am a fan of this one the location is simply fantastic.
The wait can be a bit of a pain but the staff are friendly and you even have your picture taken before you get on, this can be good depending on your attitude.
This is quite a tourist attraction but nonetheless is good fun and should be taken as such and really enjoyed for what it is a superb way to see a superb city.
Overall a quality piece of tourist fun, a romantic treat or a way to kill sometime anyway you view it, it is fantastic.

Wheels seem to be the new thing for cities to demonstrate their energy and pizzaz or maybe how well their redevelopment money is being spent. London has one, Manchester has one and I’m several other places will have one — why not think of something more unique? How about a giant zipline across the city?
If you are to take the wheel option however it is probably best to do it in summer as the carriages get mighty cold and you are up there for a very long time, or at least go on a sunny day — there is nothing worse than paying for only half the view!
It is expensive as I say even though it gives you plenty of time to take everything in but if a sky high aerial view of the city is what you’re after it is probably worth considering the Anglican Cathedral Tower Experience as a cheaper alternative.

The wheel is now just between the Echo Arena and Pizza Express on the dock after being moved from Chavasse Park in Liverpool ONE. These wheels seem to have become fashionable around the UK since London introduced the London Eye. However, this wheel is nowhere near the same experience as the Eye — but it’s not a bad compromise.
On a sunny, clear day you can see beautiful views of Liverpool which is a lovely city from the ground, and looks even more spectacular from up above. It was also lovely over Christmas and New Year in the evening when the city was lit up.
I think the wheel is due to be in Liverpool for a year, so I would recommend checking it out. It’s never particularly busy so don’t bother buying tickets online or anything, just drop by.
However, as nice as the wheel is, it’s hardly «an unforgettable experience», I think that description is a little exaggerated.

I’m not a big fan of Ferris wheels. Contemplating going on them always conjures up an image in my head of rickety, old wooden wheels in ancient local fairs that will leave you stuck at the top whilst the operator leers at a group of young girls.
Thankfully for me, the wheel at Liverpool One offered no such experience. The wheel is billed as ‘an unforgettable experience’ and whilst such descriptions could be interpreted as hyperbole, the views of Liverpool witnessed as you gently rotate are ones that should not be missed. The admission costs are reasonable, offering concessions for students, children and OAPs as well as an intriguing ‘VIP’ carriage.
The only negative is the choice of soundtrack during your ‘flight’ — the usual mix of chart dance and pop hardly suits the views — but sometimes sounds just aren’t necessary.

This is a one time experience, but well worth it if you want a 360 degree view of Liverpool. After its repositioning to the docks from Chavasse Park you have a breathtaking view of the city and its most prominent landmarks which are handily pointed out to you by the audio commentary. However, if that’s not your style, you can change it to Radio City and swing the carriage to some pop tunes (inadvisable!) or silence, but how dull!
From experience, be careful which button you press when changing the channel as a slightly overexcited friend of mine pressed the Emergency Stop button by mistake (worse because we were at the top of the wheel!) and the operator’s voice was immediately in our little bubble to check we were okay, but no harm done!
On a bright, clear day this is a perfect tourist attraction, especially if you’re showing someone around for the first time. Go have fun!

On a sunny day The Echo wheel is a perfect way of relaxing and taking in the gorgeous views of Liverpool and the docks along the water.
It is however something that you only really do once. I suppose there is scope for going again if I was with someone who hasn’t been to Liverpool before and I’d accompany them.
I would also suggest that you don’t take someone who is scared of heights. This may sound obvious and you’d be hard pressed to get someone up there who didn’t want to go anyway, but just a word of caution. I myself felt very uncomfortable at one point and I’m never scared of heights. Distraction is the key and there is plenty to see to distract you from the fact you are in a box dangling from a considerable height.
It costs £6.50 for adults which is not too bad as you will get some priceless photos on your merry go round journey. Actually now that I remember a small comedy value story if you will about my trip here recently.
So you queue up as you do after paying for the wheel to stop spinning with an apprehensive other half who is scared of heights. A photographer appears from nowhere and ask for us for a photo, bit taken by surprise we pose and smile click, click, done. Must be for a photo which they hand you afterwards I thought, dismissing it in favour of anticipation for the ride. At the conclusion of the ride I find the same photographer trying to flog us a memorabilia pack for £15!!! What a pointless waste of time and resources!!! Surely they should ask and inform the customers before they make the pack. Otherwise it is essentially doing ten minutes of work and throwing it away.
Also I felt £15 was very steep for what the were offering… A couple of photos with a branded frame, a key chain. and I stopped paying attention after the price tag was mentioned. If they can afford to throw it away surely the manufacturing cost must be pretty low, so I felt slightly angry that they were trying to sell it for £15, if it was that worthless they could afford to dispense of it. Funnily enough I innocently grabbed it thinking it was free of charge!!! It should have been!!!
All in all this is a fantastic way of taking unique photos and see the sights. I would highly recommend it.

Now on the docks after its ill advised excursion to Liverpool one, the Echo wheel is in a much better position next door to the echo arena. The view offered from the wheel is quite spectacular, with fantastic views of both cathedrals and an uninterrupted view of the Mersey.
The wheel is never busy so don’t worry about waiting times, it is inadvisable if its raining as the view is severely impaired and it can be quite difficult to make out any individual buildings. Personally I found the experience of the wheel quite boring. The audio commentary was unimaginative and rather boring. I’d save the £5 and go for a walk around town instead.

Taking a fun ride on Liverpool’s big ferris wheel (located next to the Echo Arena) will provide you with spectacular views over the city’s skyline. This ride in the sky is no doubt a must for visitors or locals who want to see Liverpool as they’ve never seen it before.
The ride lasts approximately 12 minutes with the wheel experience featuring a commentary pointing out local landmarks.
Each capsule comfortably seats eight people with wheelchair access, air conditioning and heating for an added bit of luxury. I believe there is also a VIP capsule with optional champagne!
Prices are moderate but if you book online, you can receive a 10% discount on
. It is definitely worth the occasion; children and adults will love it unless you are afraid of heights!