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
RECOMMENDED DURATION
30 minutes
Timings
11am–6pm
VISITORS PER YEAR
3500000
TICKETS
From £ 32
NUMBER OF ENTRANCES
4
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.
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.
More on London Eye architectureThe London Eye is a famous destination in the English capital, attracting millions annually. Here are the common things to do at the attraction:
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.
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.
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.
The London Eye capsules are more like small restaurants in the air. Sip your favorite champagne and enjoy unbeatable views of the London skyline.
Your tickets include the 4D cinema experience. Watch the short movie about London’s history and architectural success before you board the London Eye.
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.
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 EyeThe London Eye is a unique attraction in the English capital because it also provides stunning views of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 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, 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.
The London Eye is located in the Lambeth borough, on the South Bank of the River Thames.
You can get to the London Eye by train, tube, bus, river cruise, car, and taxi.
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.
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.