The London Eye: A Giant Ferris Wheel with a View of the City
As you gaze out at the iconic London skyline, it’s hard not to notice the giant Ferris wheel that dominates the landscape. The London Eye is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, and for good reason – it offers breathtaking views of the capital from 135 meters high.
The London Eye is a symbol of London’s rich history and its status as a global city. It has won over 85 awards for national and international tourism since its opening in 2000. Today, it is one of the most famous attractions in the city and the UK, attracting millions of visitors every year.
Not Suitable for Those Afraid of Heights
While the London Eye offers stunning views, it’s not suitable for those who are afraid of heights. However, others can enjoy an alternative view of the city from a lower vantage point.
Getting Started: Hours and Prices
Before you plan your visit, it’s essential to know when the London Eye is open and what you need to pay to get in. The opening hours vary from day to day, except on Christmas Day. Standard opening hours are usually 10:00-18:00 or 20:30.
| Time | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard Ticket (30 minutes + 4D Cinema Experience) | £31.00/€34.50 |
| Fast Track Ticket | £41.00/€46.00 |
Discounts and Special Offers
If you’re planning to visit the London Eye with a group or family, there are discounts available for children aged 4-16 and families. Children under 4 years old get in for free.
Special Experiences: Make Your Visit Unforgettable
The London Eye offers several special experiences that make your visit even more unique and special. These include:
- Champagne Experience: Enjoy a glass of champagne Pommery Brut Royal while taking in the view.
- Vip Private Capsule: Book an entire capsule for you and your loved ones.
Tickets Online and Guided Tours
When buying a standard ticket, you get the classic tour that lasts 30 minutes and includes the 4D Cinema Experience in the adjacent hall. When booking tickets online, you can also use skip-the-line, which is not worth wasting precious time!
Where it’s Located and How to Get There
The London Eye is located near the Riverside Building, County Hall, Bishop’s; on the southern bank of the Thames, between Westminster Bridge and Hungerford Bridge, at the western end of Jubilee Gardens.
| Transportation | Route |
|---|---|
| On Foot | Near the Riverside Building, County Hall, Bishop’s |
| Bus | Waterloo Station and St Thomas’ Hospital County Hall (buses 211, 77, and 381) |
| Metro | Closest station is Waterloo (lines Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, and Waterloo and City), 5 minutes on foot; Embankment (lines Bakerloo, Circle, District, and Northern) and Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern) stations are 15 minutes on foot away. |
Useful Tips for Visiting the Attraction
To make the most of your visit to the London Eye, here are some tips:
- Get up early to avoid waiting in line.
- Buy a London City Card if you want to get discounts, the London Eye is included in it!
- Fast Track Ticket online allows not only saving money but also choosing your opening time and avoiding long queues.
- Pay attention to restrictions: do not bring large bags, luggage or skates, helmets or bicycles, tripods (unless agreed in advance), strollers that cannot be folded, sharp objects or items that could be considered a risk for security; food and drinks are only provided by the London Eye; some types of cameras and photographic equipment.
Brief Historical, Curious, and Practical Information: What to Know
The London Eye is a “cantilever” Ferris wheel, which means it is fixed to a support shaped like an “A” on one side. It’s the highest panoramic Ferris wheel in Europe and the highest of its kind worldwide. The construction took 7 years. Works started in 1998, and it was officially inaugurated by Tony Blair on December 31, 1999, open to the public from March 2000.
Interesting Facts
- On clear days, the view from its top can be seen for up to 40 km of distance, reaching Windsor Castle.
- The wheel moves at a speed of 0.9 km/h and takes 30 minutes to complete one cycle.
- There are no stops needed to lift passengers, as the capsules move automatically.
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Conclusion
The London Eye is an iconic attraction that offers breathtaking views of the city from 135 meters high. Whether you’re afraid of heights or not, there’s something for everyone at this giant Ferris wheel. So why wait? Book your tickets today and get ready to experience one of London’s most famous landmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How tall is the London Eye?
- The London Eye is 135 meters high.
- Is the London Eye suitable for children under 4 years old?
- Yes, children under 4 years old get in for free.
- Can I bring large bags or luggage to the London Eye?
- No, do not bring large bags, luggage or skates, helmets or bicycles, tripods (unless agreed in advance), strollers that cannot be folded, sharp objects or items that could be considered a risk for security; food and drinks are only provided by the London Eye; some types of cameras and photographic equipment.
- Can I book a special experience at the London Eye?
- Yes, there are several special experiences available, including the Champagne Experience and Vip Private Capsule.
- How long does it take to complete one cycle on the London Eye?
- It takes 30 minutes to complete one cycle.
- Is the London Eye open every day of the year?
- No, opening times can vary during the year, so please check the official website and social channels for updates and closures.
- Can I get discounts on tickets for the London Eye?
- Yes, there are discounts available for children aged 4-16 and families.
- Is the London Eye located near public transportation?
- Yes, it is located near Waterloo Station and St Thomas’ Hospital County Hall, as well as several bus stops and metro stations.
London Eye Statistics
- Height: 135 meters
- Diameter: 120 meters
- Number of capsules: 32
- Number of seats per capsule: 25 (per side)
- Opening time: 10:00 – 18:00 or 20:30
- Ticket price: £31.00/€34.50 for standard ticket, £41.00/€46.00 for fast track ticket
- Duration of ride: 30 minutes
- Number of capsules moving at a time: 16
- Top speed: 0.9 km/h
