Visitors and residents in Torquay will notice a change to the seafront this year as the popular observation wheel will not return for the 2026 summer season. The attraction, which has been a staple at Princess Gardens near the Princess Theatre since 2012, will be absent for the first time in 14 years.
The decision was confirmed on 5 May 2026 by The Mellors Group, the company responsible for operating the 45-metre tall ride. According to Torbay Council, local authority officers had been working closely with the company to explore various operational and financial options in an attempt to secure the wheel’s return for the summer.
This development comes despite the council having granted planning permission in April 2025 for the wheel to operate between March and October annually through 2028. As part of that agreement, the operators had committed £110,000 toward improvement works for Princess Gardens.
Councillor Jackie Thomas, the cabinet member for tourism, culture and events, expressed disappointment regarding the loss of the seafront feature. The council has stated it remains committed to its tourism offer for the year ahead.
About this article: This story was put together with the help of AI tools and checked by a real person on our team. We're a small crew trying to cover as much of the UK as we can on a limited budget. We're getting better every day - but we're not perfect yet. If something looks off, let us know. You're part of the process.
