The London Eye requires little introduction. Born as the Millennium Wheel at the tail-end of the last century and opened to the public as the London Eye in March 2000, it has become as recognizable a part of the skyline as city stalwarts like the medieval Tower of London, 18th-century St Paul’s Cathedral and Victorian Big Ben clock tower. Read on for our ultimate guide to the London Eye including what to expect, when to visit, and how to get hold of tickets…
London Eye: The Lowdown
Towering some 135 meters (443 feet) over the Thames’ South Bank, the London Eye more than lives up to its name, with epic views of major landmarks including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, The Shard, Tower Bridge and even, on a clear day, the regal turrets of Windsor Castle on the far horizon.
As well as millions of annual visitors, the Eye has attracted some big-name sponsors in its time, most recently, lastminute.com. It was, for several years, the tallest Ferris wheel on the planet, before being superseded by China’s Star of Nanchang (160 meters) in 2006, and several times since, by the likes of the Singapore Flyer (165 meters), Las Vegas High Roller (167 meters) and – daddy of them all – the Ain Dubai, at a nerve-jangling 250 meters tall.
None of which is to detract from the OG London Eye’s unique appeal. Here’s where, aboard one of 32 capsules (that’s one for each London borough, fact fans), you can experience an awe-inspiring 30-minute rotation that reveals increasingly spectacular city views as you rise and fall. Each capsule holds up to 25 people but you can, of course, go private – book direct for a romantic pod ride for two (including champagne and truffles) which will set you back a cool £775.
The London Eye: When to Visit
Opening times for the London Eye vary throughout the year. For most of the time, it’s 10AM–6PM on weekdays, with late openings until 8.30PM Friday to Sunday. But from late May to early September, it stays open until 8.30PM all week long. There are also special late openings at seasonal holidays including Halloween. Hit up the official website to get the most up-to-date opening info.
Let’s not beat about the proverbial bush here: the London Eye is one of London’s most popular attractions, so you should expect to queue at peak times. It tends to be at its least busy immediately after opening and just before closing, and you can lock in a time slot to reduce your waiting time by booking in advance. Also not to be sniffed at is the opportunity to ride the wheel towards closing time in winter, when the city below is all a-twinkle with lights and – in November and December – glittering festive decorations.
London Eye Tickets
One of the best ways to experience the London Eye is with an attraction pass from Go City. Choose from an Explorer pass, which gives you 60 days to experience up to seven London tours, activities and attractions. Or opt for the All-Inclusive, where you can take up to 10 (consecutive) days to fill your boots with as many London sightseeing must-dos as you physically can. Both passes offer savings opportunities of up to 50%, and give you access to bucket-listers including the London Eye (of course), plus Madame Tussauds, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, St Paul’s Cathedral and, well, the list goes on. Be sure to check the official site for info on the most up-to-date attractions on each pass.
You can also, of course, book direct, with various options available, from standard tickets right up to private pods for proposing to your better half. You’ll need deep pockets for this one though – at £1600 it won’t leave you much for an engagement ring. Better be sure he/she is going to say ‘yes’ too. Otherwise that 15-minute descent is going to be… awkward.
The London Eye: Fun Facts
- The London Eye doesn’t actually stop rotating as you board and disembark (unless you have reduced mobility). On the plus side, it’s moving slowly enough that most people can step on and off with ease. There have been no reports of associated injuries in a quarter-century of operation.
- Triskaidekaphobics have nothing to fear from the London Eye: there’s no number 13 capsule and the 32 pods are instead numbered from 1-12 then 14-33.
- It may not be the highest Ferris wheel in the world any more, but it does retain the title of tallest cantilevered observation wheel. In other words, its frame only supports it on one side, rather than both, which makes it something of an architectural anomaly in its own right.
Closest Transport Links to The London Eye
You’ll find the nearest Tube and rail connections at Waterloo and Charing Cross stations, both a short walk from the London Eye, with access to multiple lines on the London Underground between them. There are also many bus routes servicing the area.
More About London and The London Eye
The best observation decks in London, including the London Eye!
London walks that take in the London Eye.
More things to do on London’s South Bank.
How to visit London on a budget.
All images © The London Eye 2024 all rights reserved. Conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects.
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