London is among the premier tourist spots of the world. Its balanced blend of culture and modernity brings around 20 million tourists to the English capital. For decades, Big Ben has been the representative silhouette of London on tourist brochures. At the turn of the millennium, however, the cantilevered observation wheel, the London Eye, made its appearance. Since then, it has only grown in popularity.
Presently, around 4 million tourists are treated to a breathtaking view of London from this 443 feet high observation wheel. It offers the second highest observation point in London, superseded only by The Shard. Its position on the banks of Thames makes for an awe-inspiring vantage point. The London Eye has been earmarked as London’s equivalent of Eiffel Tower, giving common people a chance to observe the vast city from a unique perspective.
History of the London Eye
A predecessor of the London Eye was a similar structure known as the Great Wheel. This was built for the Empire of India exhibition and opened in 1895. The Great Wheel was 308 feet tall. Over the next 12 years, the Great Wheel carried around 2.5 million passengers, before being demolished in 1907. The London Eye as we know now was designed by Julia Barfield and David Marks. Separate parts were built and transported to the site, where they were assembled.
The London Eye opened for paying passengers on March 9, 2000. The initial plan was to keep the structure for a period of 5 years. However, an application to grant the structure permanent status was approved in July 2002. Since then, the London Eye has gone through a number of change of hands in terms of ownership, while maintaining uninterrupted operation.
Fun Facts About The London Eye
- Although it looks like one, the London Eye is not a Ferris Wheel. It is only supported on one side, and can only be called a cantilevered observation wheel.
- The London Eye has more visitors per year than the Taj Mahal and the Pyramids of Giza.
- On a clear day, you can see as far as 40 kilometres (or 25 miles) from the London Eye.
- There is no capsule number 13 on the London Eye as the number is considered to be ominous.
- British supermodel, Kate Moss, currently holds the record for the most number of times a UK-based celebrity has been on the London Eye. She has been on it over 25 times.
London Eye Ticket Prices & Discounts
London Eye Tickets - Fast Track/Standard
- Adults ( above 16 years ) - £38/£28
- Child ( 3 - 15 years ) - £33/£23
- Child below 3 years - Free
Standard Experience Tickets
• A 30-minute ride on the London Eye.
• Experience a panoramic view of the English capital. Lying on the south bank of the river Thames, the observation wheel provides a great view of the Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. Hop aboard one of the 32 capsules and enjoy the view.
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Fast Track Tickets
• Access to an exclusive entrance to skip the line.
• Audio guide to help you spot London landmarks.
• The London Eye is a fairly popular attraction in London. If you simply do not have the time to wait your turn in the long queue, get hold of these fast track access tickets. You get an express entry along with all the facilities of the 30-minute standard experience.
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London Eye Combo Deals
If you're planning to visit other attractions in London, why not check out these combo deals that will save you quite a few pounds!
London Eye and 24-hour Thames River Cruise Combo Tickets
• A 30-minute London Eye experience.
• Thames River Cruise Pass valid for 24 hours.
• This combo ticket lets you scrutinize London from both water and the sky. The combo consists of a standard entry to the London Eye and a 24-hour hop-on hop-off ticket of the Thames River Cruise. Pick your timing and get on a boat from any of the piers to visit a spot of your choice. The boats are well stocked with beverages and snacks.
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London Eye + 24H Hop On Hop Off Tickets
• London Eye standard experience tickets.
• London Hop on hop off bus pass valid for 24 hours.
• Once you are done taking in the view from the London Eye, you will have a 24-hour pass to explore the city by road. Board one of the tour buses and hop off whenever you like. There are as many as 60 stops to embark and disembark. The tour buses have free Wi-Fi and the bundled app comes with an interactive treasure hunt game.
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3 in 1: London Eye + Madame Tussauds + Tower of London
• London Eye standard experience tickets.
• London Hop on hop off bus pass valid for 24 hours.
• Once you are done taking in the view from the London Eye, you will have a 24-hour pass to explore the city by road. Board one of the tour buses and hop off whenever you like. There are as many as 60 stops to embark and disembark. The tour buses have free Wi-Fi and the bundled app comes with an interactive treasure hunt game.
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Why book London Eye tickets online?
- Booking your tickets online will ensure the fact that you do not have to wait in long queues twice in order to enjoy one London Eye ride.
- You can book fast track tickets online. These tickets allow you an expedited entry to the London Eye and other attractions.
- Online booking comes with up to 50% discount off the original booth price.
- Booking tickets for big groups of friends or family also give you access to attractive discounts.
- Your online ticket comes with a pre-assigned time slot, therefore assuring entry at a particular time.
Aboard The London Eye
Passenger Capsules
The London Eye has 32 capsules mounted on a spoked bicycle wheel-like structure. Each capsule represents a borough of London. The capsules are ovoidal in shape and are fully sealed and climate-controlled. Although seating is provided, up to 25 people can go inside one capsule and can freely move around.
The speed of the wheel is slow enough to allow passengers to embark and disembark. The wheel is stopped only for differently abled and senior citizens. One rotation of the wheel takes about 30 minutes. An upgrade of the capsules was initiated in 2009. In 2013, one of the capsules was named the Coronation Capsule to mark the 60th anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Views from the London Eye
On a clear day, the London Eye can afford views as far as the Windsor Castle. Lying on the south bank of the river Thames, the London Eye provides an exquisite view of the river, as it twists and bends into the cityscape. The highest monument in the city, the Shard is visible towards the north-east of the London Eye.
The Westminster Abbey, the Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament lie right across the river on the south-west of the London Eye. On its west lies the Buckingham Palace. Towards the north lies St. Paul’s Cathedral. To the south is the Kennington Oval. Several of London’s parks are also visible from the London Eye in addition to the rest of the Greater London area.
Photography
Photography is permitted on the London Eye. You may bring a camera on board. However, accessories such as tripods and booms are prohibited. Acquaint yourself with the directions of the various London landmarks so that you can photograph them at the opportune moment. Official London Eye photographers are present at the boarding ramp and at the ticket hall, but not on board the London Eye itself. You may also purchase a photo souvenir package online at a discount of 20%. The package contains a photo book, two souvenir photos, a keychain, and a fridge magnet.
London Eye Champagne Experience
A London Eye Champagne Experience is possibly the best way to make your London Eye visit memorable. If you are with a small group, you could go for this package. The London Eye Champagne Experience comes with a professional host, who can also serve as a guide pointing out the London landmarks. Complimentary with the package is Pommery Brut Royal Champagne, which is a Decanter Gold Award winner among wines. You also get priority boarding with the Champagne Experience. Samsung Interactive in-capsule guide and a 360 degrees mini guide will also be provided to make your experience stand out.
London Eye Private Experience
The London Eye is also a great place to entertain family and friends. Imagine soaring 443 feet above the city of London as you celebrate a special event with your loved ones. Complimentary champagne will flow as well. The London Eye allows you to book an entire capsule to celebrate an event, or to just enjoy the experience with your close ones. You may also choose to pick canapes and beverages for your party that could consist of 3 to 25 people. Remember to include at least three adults in your party. Each guest of your party will also be given a 360-degree mini guide and entry to the 4D cinema experience.
Best Time to Visit The London Eye
The London Eye has the city’s second highest observation point, which is capable of providing views as far as 25 miles from the site. However, you need to be a little tactical in order to take full advantage of its vantage point. Use the weather forecasts to pick a clear, haze-free day. Make your booking in advance, so you can save some time. Target a timeslot between 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM from November to March, or between 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM from April to October. The sun is at its highest around this time and therefore is least likely to interfere with your view.
London Eye : Practical Info
London Eye Timings
Monday to Friday - 11 AM to 6 PM
Saturday to Sunday - 10 AM to 8:30 PM
London Eye Location
Address: Lambeth, London SE1 7PB, UK
Reaching The London Eye
- By Train/Tube: The tube stations that can take you to the London Eye, going from closest to farthest, are Waterloo, Embankment, Charing Cross and Westminster. The nearest rail station from the London Eye is Waterloo.
- By Bus: Bus number 211, 77, and 381 takes you to the London Eye.
- By Car: If you arrive by car, make prior inquiries about parking spots in the vicinity.
Tips to Enjoy the London Eye Experience
- Book fast track tickets to gain entry from a dedicated entrance and skip a majority of the queue. This ticket also gives you access to the Champagne bar and 4D Cinema Experience.
- Photograph the sights from the London Eye at least 1 foot away from the glass walls to avoid glare from the curved surface.
- Contact the London Eye office to know how you can park your car at a discounted rate at the Q-Park Westminster.
- Experience the London Eye after nightfall to see the city adorn itself in twinkling lights.
- Use the touchscreen tablets to know more about the London landmarks that are visible from the London Eye.
Other Attractions Near The London Eye
While you're in the vicinity, plan your day such that you visit other attractions around the London Eye. Here's a list of the top 4 attractions near the London Eye.
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