Tube Station: Waterloo - Map of British Airways London Eye
Category: Viewpoints
Phone: 0870/500-0600
Price: £12.50
Hours: June-Sept., daily 9:30 AM-10 PM; Oct.-May, daily 9:30-8
Website: http://www.ba-londoneye.com
The London Eye is one of London’s most magnificent structures. Standing at 135 meters (443feet) it was known as the biggest observation wheel in the world at the time of opening - December 31st 1999 to celebrate the new millennium. It was because of this celebration that it is also known as the Millennium Wheel.
Unfortunately, the title of largest wheel in the world has been taken away with the construction of The Star of Nanchang, but it is still viewed as one of the must see things in the country.
It is situated on the western side of the Jubilee gardens on the south bank of the River Thames, and it’s effects on the capital have been compared the that of the Eiffel Tower in Paris and it has been used in many films to show that the setting was indeed London.
The wheel itself consists of 32 sealed and air conditioned capsules that can hold up to 25 people. One complete turn of the wheel takes about thirty minutes, and the view from the top is absolutely magnificent! The wheel doesn’t actually stop to allow passenger to embark and disembark but because it only moves at a rate of 26cm per second, it doesn’t really need to. On a clear day, it allows a 40km panoramic view of London, or you could visit it at night and see the City in lights instead!
It has become such a famous landmark, that within less than two years after its opening, a reported 8.5 million people has been on the London Eye, and the initial five year planning permission was reviewed.
If you are visiting London, you should consider visiting this fabulous attraction. It is easily accessible by car, train, tube (Westminster and Waterloo Tube Station) and rail(Waterloo and Charing Cross.) The opening times differ depending on the time of the year, but during the Summer, (June to September) it is open from 10am to 9pm and in the Winter (October - May) it shuts at 8pm instead.
With cafes, baby changing facilities, toilets, and disabled access, this is a great trip for all the family, and you can even take buggies or prams on to the eye, provided they are completely flat.
If you are after a trip to London with a difference, you can choose to get married on the London Eye or have your hen and stag parties there. There is even a Christmas extravaganza or if you wanted something a little more low-key, you could just take advantage of the champagne offer or have the guided tour. There are plenty of special occasions that this landmark will provide for, and for more information, you should view the website.
Prices vary on age, and number of people, you can get group discounts from the ticket office. A standard adult ticket will set you back only 15GBP and discounts are available for pre-booking. Children cost 7.50GBP and children under five can visit for free. Alternatively, you could think about hiring an entire capsule for you and your loved one for a birthday celebration or anniversary, for as little as 300GBP.
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