The London Eye, a towering Ferris wheel situated on the South Bank of the River Thames, has become an iconic symbol of modern London. Built to celebrate the new millennium, it quickly became a symbol of optimism and innovation for the city, offering breathtaking panoramic views that have captivated millions of visitors since its opening in 2000. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about the London Eye, from its fascinating history and design to practical information about tickets, opening hours, and nearby attractions.
History and Design
Originally conceived as a temporary structure to celebrate the millennium, the London Eye was designed by the husband-and-wife architectural team of David Marks and Julia Barfield1. Construction took place between 1998 and 2000, with sections of the wheel transported by barge along the Thames and assembled on the South Bank2. The Eye was formally opened by Prime Minister Tony Blair on December 31, 1999, but it didn’t open to the public until March 2000 due to a capsule clutch problem3.
Standing at a height of 135 meters (443 feet), the London Eye is the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel4. Its unique design features 32 fully enclosed, air-conditioned capsules, each representing one of London’s boroughs5. Unlike traditional Ferris wheels, the London Eye’s cantilevered design allows the capsules to be positioned on the outside of the wheel, providing unobstructed 360-degree views5. This innovative approach revolutionized observation wheel design and contributed to the Eye’s iconic status.
Initially intended as a temporary attraction with a five-year lease, the London Eye’s unexpected popularity prompted its transformation into a permanent landmark1. Today, it stands as a testament to architectural ingenuity and the enduring appeal of London’s skyline.
What to Expect
A ride on the London Eye is a leisurely experience, with the wheel rotating at a slow pace of 26 centimeters per second (approximately 0.6 mph)6. This allows for a smooth and steady ride, and ample time to soak in the stunning views. Each rotation takes about 30 minutes, giving you plenty of opportunities to capture photos and videos of London’s landmarks6.
As you ascend, you’ll be greeted with views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament to the east, followed by the majestic Westminster Abbey and the sprawling greenery of St. James’s Park7. To the north, you can spot Buckingham Palace, while iconic landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge dominate the eastern vista. The modern architectural marvel of The Shard is also visible, adding to the diverse tapestry of London’s skyline6.
On a clear day, visibility extends up to 40 kilometers (25 miles), allowing you to see as far as Windsor Castle1.
River Cruise
In addition to the iconic wheel, the London Eye experience also includes a river cruise. The London Eye River Cruise operates from 10:45 am to 4:45 pm, offering a unique perspective of London’s landmarks from the River Thames9.
Tickets and Opening Hours
The London Eye offers various ticket options to suit different needs and budgets. You can purchase tickets online through the official website or at the ticket office on the day of your visit10. Prices vary depending on the type of ticket and whether you book in advance. It’s advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak season, to secure your preferred time slot and potentially save money11.
| Ticket Type | Price (Advance Online Booking) | Price (On the Day) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | From £29 | £42 |
| Child (2 – 15 years) | From £26 | £38 |
| Child (Under 2 years) | FREE | FREE |
For those seeking a quicker boarding experience, fast-track tickets are available. These tickets allow you to bypass the standard queue and enter the capsule with minimal wait time, which can be particularly beneficial for families with children12. Combination tickets that include entry to other attractions, such as the London Dungeon or SEA LIFE London Aquarium, are also available, offering a cost-effective way to experience multiple attractions9.
The London Eye is open daily, except for Christmas Day11. Opening hours vary throughout the year, with extended hours during the summer months and school holidays. Typical summer opening hours are 10 am to 8:30 pm, while winter hours are generally 11 am to 6 pm13. It’s always advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit13.
Location and Directions
The London Eye is located on the South Bank of the River Thames, in the heart of London14. Its address is:
The London Eye
Riverside Building
County Hall
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7PB 14
The nearest tube station is Waterloo, which is served by the Northern, Jubilee, Bakerloo, and Waterloo & City lines7. Several bus routes also stop near the London Eye15.
Nearby Attractions
The London Eye is situated in a vibrant area with many other attractions within walking distance8. Some of the nearby attractions include:
- SEA LIFE London Aquarium
- The London Dungeon
- Jubilee Gardens
- Southbank Centre
- The Florence Nightingale Museum 8
Photos and Videos
To get a glimpse of the experience before your visit or to capture memories afterward, a variety of photos and videos of the London Eye are available online. Websites like iStockphoto, Alamy, and Getty Images offer a wide selection of high-quality images showcasing the London Eye from different angles and perspectives16.
For those seeking a more dynamic view, the official YouTube channel of the London Eye provides videos that capture the essence of the experience19. Additionally, numerous videos on YouTube showcase the London Eye, including virtual rides and vlogs from visitors, offering valuable insights and visual perspectives20.
Reviews and Recommendations
The London Eye has consistently received positive reviews from visitors. It has been praised for its stunning views, smooth ride, and iconic status6. It generally receives positive reviews on platforms like Google Maps and TripAdvisor, which offer valuable insights from past visitors21. However, some reviewers have noted that the experience can be crowded, especially during peak season23.
To make the most of your visit, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the busiest times11. If you’re looking for a less crowded alternative with spectacular views, the Sky Garden offers free entry and is located in a high-rise building24.
Conclusion
The London Eye is more than just a Ferris wheel; it’s a testament to human ingenuity, a symbol of London’s vibrant spirit, and a gateway to unparalleled views of the city’s iconic landmarks. Its historical significance as a millennium project, coupled with its innovative cantilevered design, has solidified its place as a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring London. From the leisurely ride and breathtaking panoramas to the nearby attractions and abundance of online resources, the London Eye offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of this dynamic city.
Works cited
- London Eye Information, London Travel Guide – Britain Express, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://www.britainexpress.com/London/London-Eye.htm
- The London Eye: Weird and Wonderful Pictures Through the Years | Frommer’s, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://www.frommers.com/slideshows/848055-the-london-eye-weird-and-wonderful-pictures-through-the-years
- en.wikipedia.org, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Eye#:~:text=The%20London%20Eye%20was%20formally,with%20a%20five%2Dyear%20lease.
- About Us | London Eye View, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://www.londoneye.com/about-us/
- London Eye – The Newest Symbol of London – AESU Travel, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://www.aesu.com/england-travel-tips/london-eye-the-newest-symbol-of-london/
- London Eye: is it worth it? An honest review, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://www.mumwhatelse.com/london-eye-is-it-worth-it-an-honest-review/
- London Eye – Google Arts & Culture, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://artsandculture.google.com/story/london-eye/AAVx5LO0-4lMUg?hl=en
- Is the London Eye Worth it? The Ultimate Guide + The River Thames Cruise – y Travel Blog, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://www.ytravelblog.com/the-london-eye/
- Lastminute.com London Eye: The Official Tickets Website, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://www.londoneye.com/
- Official London Eye Tickets, Passes & Prices, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://www.londoneye.com/tickets-and-prices/
- Visiting The London Eye – Tickets, Tours + FAQs, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://londontravelplanning.com/visiting-the-london-eye/
- London Eye Prices: discounts, offers, how to get cheap tickets… – Hellotickets, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://www.hellotickets.com/united-kingdom/london/london-eye-price/sc-2-2211
- Visit London Eye | Location, Getting There, Timings & More, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://www.london-tickets.co.uk/london-eye-tickets/plan-your-visit/
- Where is the London Eye? Location & Directions, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://www.londoneye.com/plan-your-visit/before-you-visit/directions/
- Visit | Westminster Abbey, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://www.westminster-abbey.org/visit-us/
- London Eye Pictures, Images and Stock Photos – iStock, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/london-eye
- London eye Stock Photos and Images – Alamy, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/london-eye.html
- 23536 London Eye Stock Photos & High-Res Pictures – Getty Images, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/london-eye
- London Eye – YouTube, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://m.youtube.com/@OfficialLondonEye
- i Visit The LONDON EYE London’s Most Popular Torrist Attraction – YouTube, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7Y3UV_YQAc
- accessed on January 1, 1970, https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+lastminute.com+London+Eye/@51.503324,-0.1195434,17z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x487604d1206d96b3:0x529b8e320ab993a9!4m7!3m6!1s0x487604d1e980828d:0x529b8e320ab993a9!8m2!3d51.503324!4d-0.1195434!9m1!1b1!16s%2Fg%2Bt%2B3%2B3%2Beye
- accessed on January 1, 1970, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g186338-d190963-Reviews-The_lastminute_com_London_Eye-London_England.html
- One day in London…London Eye? – Rick Steves Travel Forum, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/one-day-in-london-london-eye
- Is the London eye worth it? : r/AskUK – Reddit, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/comments/1760y6n/is_the_london_eye_worth_it/