- Less crowded times: For a more relaxed ride, aim for weekdays, the first slots after opening, or late afternoon on weekends, once the midday rush has passed.
- Sunset slots: Watching the skyline turn gold as the sun dips is a genuine family favourite. Just know it's the most requested slot of the day, so capsules fill up and little ones may be finishing later than usual.
- Weather check: London can throw all four seasons at you in one afternoon, so check the forecast and layer up. Clear skies mean you'll spot landmarks for miles; overcast days still give you a moody, atmospheric view worth having.
- Bundle it up: Pair your ride with a Thames river cruise, Madame Tussauds, or SEA LIFE London Aquarium for combo savings, or hop on the hop-on-hop-off bus tour to easily reach Tower Bridge and the Tower of London afterwards.
- Family facilities: Strollers and baby carriers are welcome inside the capsules, and there's a baby-changing room at the ticket office. Just note there's no toilet on board, so make a pit stop before you queue.
- Who needs an adult: Anyone 15 or under must be with someone 18 or over, so plan capsule groups accordingly if you're travelling with older cousins or extended family.
Your guide to visiting the London Eye with family
The London Eye is one of London's most family-friendly attractions, combining breathtaking city views with a gentle, 30-minute ride that's suitable for all ages. This guide covers everything you need to know—from choosing the right tickets to family-friendly facilities and practical tips for a smooth day out with kids.
Quick overview
Things to know before booking London Eye tickets for your family
- Choose the right ticket type: Whether you're planning a quick ride or a full day of sightseeing, you can choose from standard entry, Fast Track, Champagne Experience, or combo tickets that bundle the London Eye with other top London attractions.
- Standard tickets: A great choice for families looking for the most affordable way to experience the London Eye. The ticket includes a 30-minute ride in one of the observation capsules. Children aged 2 and under can visit free but still require a ticket.
- Fast Track tickets: If you're visiting during weekends, school holidays, or around sunset, Fast Track tickets can help reduce queue times, making them a worthwhile upgrade for families with young children or a packed itinerary.
- Champagne Experience: Travelling with older children or celebrating a special occasion? This premium experience includes priority boarding and a glass of Moët & Chandon (or a non-alcoholic alternative) during your 30-minute ride.
- Combo tickets: Make the most of your day by combining the London Eye with attractions like SEA LIFE London Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, or a Thames River Cruise. These tickets often offer better value than purchasing individual attraction tickets separately.
Best seasons to plan a family trip to the London Eye
Summer (Jun to Aug)
With longer daylight hours and pleasant temperatures, you can fit more into your day, exploring other attractions before or after your London Eye ride. Sunsets are very late (as late as 9:20pm in June), offering "golden hour" views without a late bedtime for kids. However, expect the longest queues and most crowded capsules. Booking fast-track tickets well in advance is essential.
Autumn (Sept to Nov)
Autumn combines pleasant weather with fewer crowds, especially post-September, after the summer holidays end. Sunsets start to become earlier (around 6:30pm in Oct and 4:30pm in Nov), making it easier to catch the transition from day to night without staying out too late. Autumn can also bring rain and cooler temperatures.
Winter (Dec to Feb)
London is adorned with festive lights from late Nov through early Jan, offering views of the illuminated city from above. Sunsets are very early (as early as 3:55pm in Dec), meaning you can experience a "night" view earlier in the day. Aside from the Christmas and New Year's week, winter sees smaller crowds. Days are also short, limiting outdoor exploration time.
Spring (Mar to May)
London's parks and gardens burst into bloom, offering beautiful scenery from the London Eye's height. Temperatures become more pleasant, making outdoor activities enjoyable. Early spring (Mar/Apr) can still offer lighter crowds before the summer rush begins. You can also expect increased crowds during the Easter school holidays.
Arrival & what to expect
- Arrive early: Plan to reach the London Eye 15–30 minutes before your booked time slot. This gives you enough time to complete security checks and make your way to the boarding area without rushing.
- Security screening: All guests and their belongings go through a mandatory security check before boarding. Travelling light can help make the process quicker, especially if you're visiting with children.
- Boarding queues: Even with timed-entry tickets, you may need to wait briefly before boarding, particularly on weekends, holidays, and at sunset. If you're travelling with young children or have a tight schedule, Fast Track tickets can help reduce queue times.
- The ride experience: Each enclosed glass capsule offers a smooth, 30-minute rotation with panoramic views of London's skyline. The ride moves at a gentle pace, giving your family plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and spot famous landmarks along the way.
Family-friendly facilities & accessibility
- Pushchairs & buggies: Pushchairs and buggies are welcome, but they must be fully folded before boarding and remain folded throughout the ride. If you're travelling with an infant, consider using a baby carrier for added convenience during busy periods.
- Toilets & baby-changing facilities: Accessible restrooms and baby-changing facilities are available near the ticket office before you enter the boarding queue. As there are no facilities inside the capsules, it's best to use them before your ride.
- Feeding your baby: While there are no dedicated feeding rooms, you're welcome to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby anywhere on the premises where you feel comfortable.
- Accessibility: The London Eye is fully wheelchair accessible. Each capsule can accommodate up to two wheelchair users, with a maximum of eight wheelchair users allowed on the attraction at any one time. Complimentary carer tickets are also available for eligible guests.
- Sensory experience: The enclosed, climate-controlled capsules move slowly and smoothly, making the ride comfortable for most visitors. The busiest and noisiest part of the experience is typically the boarding area, particularly during peak times.
Tips for a smooth family day out
- Pack the essentials: Bring a bottle of water, weather-appropriate clothing, and a few small activities to keep younger children entertained while waiting to board. Pack light to make security checks quicker.
- Use the restrooms beforehand: Since there are no toilets inside the capsules, make sure everyone uses the restrooms before joining the boarding queue.
- Capture the views: Keep your camera or phone ready to photograph landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the River Thames, and St Paul's Cathedral. The spacious glass capsules are ideal for family photos.
- Plan nearby attractions: Turn your visit into a half-day adventure by pairing the London Eye with nearby attractions like SEA LIFE London Aquarium, a Thames River Cruise, or a stroll along the South Bank.
- Prepare younger children: Let children know what to expect before boarding. The capsules move slowly and remain fully enclosed throughout the 30-minute ride, helping even first-time riders feel comfortable and enjoy the experience.
Frequently asked questions about visiting the London Eye with your family
Yes, infants under 3 years require a ticket for capacity management, even though they ride for free. Please ensure you add them to your booking.
Children are typically aged 3-15 years old. Those 16 and over require an adult ticket.
Yes, prams and strollers are allowed inside the capsules. However, you may be asked to fold larger ones.
Yes, baby changing facilities are available at the base of the London Eye, before you enter the boarding area.
Each full rotation on the London Eye takes approximately 30 mins.
Absolutely. The capsules are fully enclosed, climate-controlled, and move very slowly and smoothly, making it a very safe and gentle experience for all ages, including babies.
Many children (and adults!) find the slow, smooth movement and enclosed nature of the capsules very reassuring. Focusing on spotting landmarks can also be a great distraction.
Food and drinks (except a water bottle) are not permitted. Please avoid hot food or large meals to keep the capsules clean for all guests.
Mornings tend to be less crowded, offering a more relaxed start. Afternoons can be busier, but if you aim for late afternoon, you might catch the beautiful transition from daylight to city lights.
