Manchester Festive Wheel

The UK’s largest touring observation wheel is back on Albert Square, turning above the Christmas market chalets and the Town Hall works. A full circle gives you the civic buildings, the wheel of streets running out toward Victoria and Piccadilly, and the square itself laid out underneath. After dark, when the market lights are on, it is the classic festive view of the city centre.

The wheel runs from 7 November through to 3 January. Check tickets for a timed slot, and go up once the lights are on if you only do it once. Daytime is clearer. Night is the one people photograph. The square below is busy from mid-afternoon at weekends, so leave a few minutes to get from the pavement to the gate. Coats matter in an open cabin. One rotation is enough if you are with children who mainly wanted the height. Stay for a second if you want to pick out the streets you actually know.