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Contents
Top 15 London Eye facts that you must know
Top 15 facts about the London Eye
Fourth-largest Ferris wheel
The London Eye, at 443 feet tall, is the fourth-largest Ferris wheel. The wheel's circumference is 1,392 feet, and it would be taller than the Shard if it were not a wheel. London is a fairly flat city and the London Eye is a prominent part of the skyline.
Attracts 3.5 million tourists every year
The London Eye is one of the most popular paid tourist attractions in the UK, with over 3.5 million visitors per year. This puts the London Eye ahead of ancient global wonders like Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza.
Carries 800 people at once
The London Eye can hold 800 people per revolution, which is the equivalent of the capacity of 11 red double-decker buses in London. With a maximum capacity of 25 people per pod, the London Eye is truly a great way to see the city.
Surreal view up to 40 km
The London Eye’s height lets you can see far on a clear day, up to 40 kilometers or 25 miles. That means seeing attractions including Buckingham Palace, Wembley Stadium, the Tower of London, and even Windsor Castle.
The wheel never halts
Each round takes about 30 minutes, travelling at a leisurely 26 cm per second or 0.9 km (0.6 miles) per hour - twice as fast as a tortoise sprinting. This allows guests to jump on and off without waiting for the wheel to come to a halt.
The London Eye's height is one of a kind
The London Eye height of 135 meters (443 feet) equals to 64 red telephone boxes stacked on each other. This also means that the London Eye has a huge circumference, that circles 7668 times a year, covering 2300 miles from London to Cairo.
The inspiration behind the London Eye
In response to a 1993 competition inviting Londoners to build a new landmark to commemorate the century, husband-and-wife David Marks and Julia Barfield proposed the London Eye. The competition was a flop, but their idea was a success.
The entire wheel weighs more than 1000 tons
The structure was hoisted into place in September 1999 after being assembled flat and transported onto eight artificial islands on the River Thames. The capsules weigh a total of 1 tonne, equivalent to 1,157,894 pound coins.
Superstition rules the numbering of capsules
There are 32 capsules, one for each of London's boroughs numbered from 1 to 33 for superstitious reasons, with capsule 13 left out for good luck. These capsules accommodate up to 800 guests as well as their selfie sticks.
Largest cantilevered observation wheel
The fact that the Eye is cantilevered, or supported on only one side, sets it apart from other Ferris wheels across the world. This is an architectural marvel in its own right. The Orlando Eye in Orlando has a similar construction.
The London Eye has one royal capsule
To commemorate the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, a passenger capsule was dubbed the Coronation Capsule on June 2, 2013, easily recognizable by its red color. To date, this is the only one of the 32 capsules that look different.
The London Eye was supposed to be temporary
The London Eye, like the Eiffel Tower, was intended to be temporary. Lambeth Council granted the Eye a permanent license in July 2002. A 25-year lease was signed on February 8, 2006, following a disagreement between the Southbank Centre and the London Eye.
London Eye's fireworks are a global event
Like the Sydney Harbour Fireworks, the London Eye New Year's Eve fireworks are highly anticipated by locals and visitors alike. The nearby viewing areas host as many as 150,000 visitors and many more on TV screens globally.
The London Eye has witnessed 1000s of proposals
The London Eye is one of the most famous destinations among those who want to propose to their partners. The observation wheel has witnessed over 5000 proposals. It has been voted one of the most romantic spots in the UK, and the world, along with the Eiffel Tower.
London Eye is eco-friendly
Using sustainable oil for the observation wheel and environmentally friendly grease for its moving parts ensures that the ecological balance of the River Thames remains unharmed. Moreover, using biodegradable cleaning products contributes to a greener surrounding.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the London Eye facts
What is the London Eye?
London Eye is the world's largest cantilevered Ferris wheel, which first started spinning in 2000 to commemorate the millennium.
Where is it located?
London Eye is on the South Bank of the River Thames, opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
How much does it weigh?
The total weight of the wheel and capsules of the London Eye is approximately 2,100 tons.
What views can you see from the London Eye?
You will be able to see up to a distance of 40 kilometers from atop the London Eye and witness attractions including Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, Wembley Stadium, and the Tower of London to name a few.
How long does it take to complete one rotation?
The London Eye completes one rotation approximately every 30 minutes, offering panoramic views of London's skyline.