Merlin Entertainments today opened its latest visitor attraction in the form of a 174-foot observation tower in Weymouth.
Previously dubbed the ‘Weymouth Eye’, the attraction has opened as the Weymouth Sea Life Tower.
It has opened ahead of schedule, having originally been expected to be ready next month.
It is expected to be popular during the Olympic sailing events which will take place off the coast of Weymouth this summer.
A flight costs £8.10 on the day for adults, or £6.48 when booked in advance on the tower’s website.
Accommodating up to 69 people per trip, the observation pod takes 15 minutes to slowly rise upwards, rotate at the top for a prolonged period and return to ground.
It will be unable to operate in winds above 38 miles per hour, having an automatic safety shutoff system installed.
The tower takes its name from the neighbouring branch of Merlin’s Sea Life aquarium chain and is accessible under the Merlin Annual Pass.