About London Eye | London’s iconic Ferris wheel

The London Eye is an iconic ferris wheel stands at 135 meters tall on the South Bank of the River Thames and holds historical significance as a symbol of modern London. On a good day, you can see up to Windsor Castle in the outskirts of the city,...

Also Known As

Millennium Wheel

Founded On

1999

Founded By

Julia Barfield and David Marks

Quick Information

ADDRESS

Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB, UK

RECOMMENDED DURATION

30 minutes

Timings

10:00–20:30

VISITORS PER YEAR

3500000

TICKETS

From $39.58

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Did you know?

The London Eye is the largest cantilevered observation wheel in the world, with a diameter of 394 feet. It is however no longer the largest ferris wheel in the world. That is now Ain Dubai.

Designed by husband-and-wife duo of Julia Barfield and David Marks, it was originally planned to be temporary, but its popularity led to its permanent installation.

Each of the London Eye's 32 passenger capsules represents one of the boroughs of London. They are also climate-controlled, so no matter what the weather is like outside (even if it is a typical cold and rainy London day), you'll be cozy inside.

London Eye tickets & tours

London Eye Admission Tickets

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30 min.

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London Eye Fast-Track Tickets

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Combo (Save 15%): London Eye Tickets + Thames River Cruise

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Combo: London Eye + Madame Tussauds + SEA LIFE Tickets

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Why is the London Eye famous

Iconic as they come: The London Eye is the city’s most iconic structure. It is often the face of the English capital and proof of its amazing architecture and modern landscape.
Stunning views: Thanks to its elevation, the London Eye offers unbeatable views of the English capital and skyline. Big Ben, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace are all visible from the London Eye.
Open all day: The London Eye provides daytime and nighttime views of the London skyline. The views from the observation capsules are different in daylight and moonlight, making the London Eye a unique attraction.
A unique experience: Several locations in London offer views of the city skyline, but the London Eye is unique. Seeing the city from an elevation of 135 meters in a rotating capsule will blow your mind, and the experience will stay with you forever.
Great location: Located on the South Bank of the River Thames, the London Eye is accessible by public transport. You can visit it conveniently from anywhere in London.

History of the London Eye in a nutshell

1993 The Sunday Times and Great Britain’s Architecture Foundation sponsor a competition to design a new landmark in London for the turn of the millennium. Marks Barfield architects David Marks and Julia Barfield submitted their entries to the competition.
1998
- Marks and Barfield began developing the project despite not officially winning the competition. No winner was ever announced.
1998
- Construction began in 1998. The wheel was constructed horizontally over the river and pulled upright towards the end of the project.
1999
- Then-British Prime Minister Tony Blair ceremonially opened the London Eye on December 31, 1999, ushering the city and the world into a new millennium.
2000
- The London Eye welcomed its first paying passenger on March 9, 2000, more than two months after its opening.
2005
- The London Eye was scheduled to be dismantled in 2005 but was kept alive due to its popularity.
2006
- An LED lighting system was installed to make the attraction equally beautiful in the dark.
2006
- Owners British Airways and Marks Barfield transferred the sole ownership of the attraction to the Tussauds group.
2007
- Tussauds was sold to private equity behemoth The Blackstone Group, which merged the London Eye into its Merlin Entertainments Group.

Who built the London Eye

The London Eye was designed by Marks Barfield architects David Marks and Julia Barfield in 1993, and construction began in 1998. British Airways, Tussauds Group, and the Marks Barfield firm partnered financially for the project, with several companies, like Hollandia and Tilbury Douglas, providing the materials for the attraction.

Architecture and design of the London Eye

The London Eye is a marvelous piece of engineering architecture. It continues to captivate audiences, providing them with a visual treat in the city center. The attraction is 135 meters high and offers visitors visuals up to 25 miles ahead.

Two supports, leaning out over the river at 65°, support the hub of the London Eye, and six backstay cables anchored to another foundation hold the entire structure.

The Ferris wheel has a diameter of 120 meters and is connected to the central structure by 64 cables. These cables work like the spokes of a bicycle wheel. Meanwhile, the capsules are mounted on the Ferris wheel, and are 32 in number, corresponding to the 32 boroughs in London.

What to do at the London Eye

The London Eye is a famous destination in the English capital, attracting millions annually. Here are the common things to do at the attraction:

Ride on the London Eye

The London Eye observation wheel is an experience of a lifetime! Sit in one of the capsules and enjoy the changing London landscape as you move through space.

Enjoy the view

The London Eye offers the best views of the London skyline and popular attractions. Admire the grandeur of the English capital in your elevated rotating vehicle.

Book a private capsule

Each London capsule accommodates 25 people, but you can book the entire cabin for an intimate event. Watch London’s skyline with your loved ones.

Savour champagne

The London Eye capsules feel like sky lounges with a view. Enjoy a refreshing beverage as you soak in sweeping panoramas of the London skyline.

Watch 4D cinema

Your tickets include the 4D cinema experience. Watch the short movie about London’s history and architectural success before you board the London Eye.

Check out the gift shop

You’ll find a gift shop at the London Eye exit. Buy souvenirs and mementos to remember your time at the iconic London attraction, including t-shirts, posters, and decor.

More about the London Eye

The London Eye became a trendsetter after it opened its doors in March 2000. Several cities, like Las Vegas, Seattle, and most recently, Dubai, got their observation wheels. They were not an exact copy of the London Eye but directly inspired by the attraction.

Legoland Windsor, 30 miles outside London, went a step further. It added a scale model of the London Eye to its Miniland Exhibit.

Inside the London Eye

World heritage sites visible from the London Eye

The London Eye is a unique attraction in the English capital because it also provides stunning views of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in London.

Tower of London

The Tower of London, a historic fortress on the banks of the River Thames, has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury, housing the Crown Jewels, and boasting iconic structures like the White Tower.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a medieval church where coronations, royal weddings, and burials have taken place for centuries, hosting the tombs of notable figures from British history.

Frequently Asked Questions about the London Eye

Where is the London Eye located?

The London Eye is located in the Lambeth borough, on the South Bank of the River Thames.

How can I get to the London Eye?

You can get to the London Eye by train, tube, bus, river cruise, car, and taxi.

What are the timings?

The London Eye is open daily but the timings change every month. Generally, it is open from 10am to 8:30pm in the summer and 11am to 6pm in the winter.

How many entrances does the London Eye have?

The London Eye has two entrances. If you hold a standard ticket, please proceed to Entrance A. Those with fast-track tickets can enter through Entrance F. If you have secured a VIP experience or included an add-on drink, make your way to the VIP desk at the ticket office. If you've booked the river cruise, head to boarding point 2 at the London Eye pier.