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Inside the London Eye | The experience, views, and visitor tips

The London Eye, fondly called the Millennium Wheel, is a marvel and ranks among London's most famous tourist spots. Perched on the South Bank of the River Thames, this attraction promises panoramic views of the city's dynamic skyline. A visit to this attraction is an absolute must for both avid tourists and enthusiastic locals.

About the London Eye

london eye inside

Since opening in 2000, the London Eye has become an integral part of the city's skyline and has been visited by millions of people from all over.

Inside the London Eye pods, visitors can enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of London's skyline. The capsules are spacious and comfortable, with benches for seating and large windows for optimal viewing. Visitors can see famous landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and St Paul's Cathedral. Additionally, each capsule has an interactive touchscreen providing information on what can be seen at different points along the skyline, adding an educational element to the experience.

More about the London Eye

Inside the London Eye pod

Your ride unfolds inside one of the London Eye's 32 spacious, high-tech glass capsules. Each one is a self-contained observation pod, designed to give you an unparalleled perspective of London. Interestingly, the capsules are numbered from 1 to 33, with the number 13 omitted due to superstition!

360-degree views

The capsules are entirely made of double-curved, optical-quality laminated glass, offering unobstructed views in every direction. As you gently ascend and descend over 30 mins, you'll witness London's famous landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the River Thames.

Spacious & free-moving interior

Each capsule is surprisingly roomy, accommodating up to 25 people. There's no fixed seating, allowing you and your group to walk around freely, move from one side to another, and find the perfect spot for your photos. Some limited bench seating is available if you need to rest.

Climate-controlled comfort

Regardless of the weather outside, the capsules are fully enclosed and climate-controlled, ensuring a comfortable temperature inside. This means you can enjoy the views whether it's a hot summer day or a chilly winter afternoon.

Smooth & steady movement

The London Eye rotates at a very gentle pace, approximately 26cm per second. This slow, continuous motion allows for easy boarding and disembarking while the wheel is still moving. The capsules are also designed to remain upright and level throughout the rotation.

Visitor tips

  • Move around: The London Eye capsules are spacious, allowing you to walk around and enjoy 360-degree views. Don't feel confined to one spot. Move to different sides to get varied perspectives of the landmarks. However, be mindful of other guests and avoid blocking views for too long.
  • Photography best practices: 
    • To minimize reflections and glare in your photos, press your camera lens or phone flush against the glass. 
    • Try to angle your camera slightly to avoid glare from direct sunlight. 
    • Use your camera's zoom to capture details of distant landmarks like Buckingham Palace or St. Paul's Cathedral. 
    • Lastly, don't just photograph the outside; take some fun selfies with the London backdrop!
  • Pace yourself: The rotation is slow and steady, taking 30 mins. You have plenty of time to soak in the views without rushing. Enjoy the gentle ascent, the panoramic peak, and the gradual descent.
  • Spot the famous landmarks: Before or during your ride, challenge yourself or your group to spot as many famous London landmarks as possible. From Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament directly across the river, to the Shard, Gherkin, and Walkie Talkie buildings in the financial district, there's a lot to see!
  • Consider the Champagne Experience: If you're on a special occasion or simply want to elevate the experience, the Champagne Experience allows you to enjoy a glass of bubbly while taking in the views. It adds a touch of luxury to your ride.
  • Enjoy the transition at sunset: If you've booked a sunset slot, pay close attention to the changing light. Witnessing London transform from daylight to the sparkling illumination of night is truly magical.

Frequently Asked Questions about what’s inside the London Eye

The London Eye stands at 135 meters (443 feet) tall and has a diameter of 120 meters (394 feet).

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London Eye Capsule

London Eye Architecture

Views from the London Eye