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Discover London Eye | A Magnificent Observation 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, and...

Also Known As

Millennium Wheel

London

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Fun facts

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.

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London Eye tickets & tours

London Eye Standard Tickets
Free Cancellation
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Mobile Ticket
30 min.
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London Eye Fast Track Tickets
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
30 min.
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London Eye Skip-the-Line Tickets with Champagne
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
30 min.
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Combo (Save 5%): St Paul's Cathedral + London Eye Tickets
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Flexible Duration
Audio Guide
Guided Tour
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Why is the London Eye famous?

  • Iconic as they come: The London Eye is London’s most iconic structure. It is often the face of the English capital and proof of London’s amazing architecture and modern landscape.
  • Stunning views: The London Eye offers unbeatable views of the English capital and skyline thanks to its elevation. 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 the project development 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 31 December 1999, ushering the city and the world into a new millennium.
  • 2000 - London Eye welcomed the first paying passenger on 9 March 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 - Original 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 material for the attraction.

Architecture & design of the London Eye

The London Eye is a marvellous piece of engineering architecture. It continues to captivate audiences, providing them with a visual treat in the city centre. 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, with the entire structure held by six backstay cables anchored to another foundation.

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 yearly. Listed below are the common things to do at the attraction.

London Eye tickets

Enjoy the view

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

London Eye tickets

Ride on the London Eye

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

London Eye tickets

Book a private capsule

Each London capsule accommodates 25 people, but you can book the cabin entirely for an intimate event. It’s a wonderful and pleasant experience to have your capsule to enjoy as you watch London’s skyline with your loved ones.

London Eye tickets

Savour champagne

The London Eye capsules are more like small restaurants in the air. Sip your favourite champagne and enjoy unbeatable views of the London skyline.

London Eye tickets

Watch 4D cinema

The 4D cinema experience is included in your London Eye tickets. Watch the short 4D movie about London’s incredible history and architectural success before you head to the London Eye capsule, a true piece of art.

London Eye tickets

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.

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.

The Tower of London

The 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, boasting iconic structures like the White Tower and housing the Crown Jewels.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey

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

Frequently asked questions about London Eye

What is the London Eye?

The London Eye is an observation wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames.

Why is the London Eye famous?

The London Eye is famous because it is the biggest ferris wheel in London and offers stunning views of the London skyline.

How much are the London Eye tickets?

The cost of London Eye tickets starts from £34.

What can I do at the London Eye?

You can eat, drink, celebrate, and enjoy views of popular attractions in London at the London Eye.

Who designed the London Eye?

Marks Barfield architects David Marks and Julia Barfield designed the London Eye.

When was the London Eye built?

The London Eye was built between 1998 and 1999.

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 London Eye timings?

The London Eye is open daily but the timings change every month. Generally, it is open from: 11 AM to 6 PM (Monday to Friday), 10 AM to 8:30 PM (Saturday and Sunday).

How many entrances does the London Eye have?

The London Eye has two entrances.