London Eye - Jubilee Gardens, South Bank, London, SE1
Tel. credit card booking line: +44 (0)870 5000 600 (advance booking is advisable during peak times)
Capital's Top Attraction
The British Airways London Eye is now considered the capital's top tourist attraction and is the highest observation wheel in the world. Its 30-minute flight is slow and gives unrivalled panoramic views over central London and beyond. On a particularly clear day you can see across seven different counties and even Windsor castle, some 25 miles / 40 km away. It stands at 135 metres / 442 feet high above the South Bank of the River Thames, between Waterloo and Westminster Bridges, opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
Complete with high-tech fully enclosed steel and glass capsules, The London Eye is one of the most visually striking structures in the world - offering a new perspective on London's magnificent skyline. It was first conceived as much more than a landmark or attraction - a symbol of technological and design excellence in the new millennium, providing a focus for new development within its area of London. It has contributed considerably to the regeneration of the communities and businesses that surround it.
Opening times
- October to March
daily 10.00am - 8.00pm - April
daily 10.00am - 9.00pm - May and June
Sundays to Thursday
10.00am - 9.00pm
Friday and Saturday
10.00am - 9.30pm - July and August
daily 10.00am - 9.30pm - September
daily 10.00am - 9.00pm
The London Eye has now become one of the iconic sights of London. Opened in March 2000 the wheel is a metaphor for the turning of the century.
The London Eye is 135m/443ft high and weighs 2100 tonnes.
There are 32 capsules attached to the wheel which travels gently at a speed of 26cm per second. Each rotation takes 30 minutes in which time you can marvel at the views that span up to 40km in all directions (depending on the weather).
This is the UK's most popular paid for visitor attraction, visited by over 3.5 million people a year.
There are also lots of special packages avaible.
The London Eye is within walking distance from several underground stations including Waterloo, Embankment, Charing Cross and Westminster. Waterloo is the closest tube station.
Opening Times
October to May - 10.00am - 8.00pm daily
June - 10.00am - 9.00pm daily
July - 10.00am - 9.30pm daily
September - 10.00am - 9.00pm daily
Not open on Christmas Day or during maintenance period from 11 to 20 January 2008.
Visit website for more information
Ticket Prices
Adult (16 Plus) - £18.90
Child (4-15 years) - £11.25
Child (Under 4) - FREE
Senior (60 Plus) - £15.60
Family of Four** - £52.15
Visit website for more information
Disabled Facilities
Disabled guest booking line:
9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Sunday
Telephone: +44 (0)870 990 8885
Email: accessiblebooking@londoneye.com
Visit website for more information
More Information
Telephone: 0870 5000 600
Email: customer.services@londoneye.com
Website: www.londoneye.com/
A recent but already very popular tourist attraction is the London Eye, a giant observation wheel located in the Jubilee Gardens on the South Bank. The 135 meter (443ft) tall structure was built as part of London's millennium celebrations.
London Eye
The structure was designed by the architectural team of David Marks and Julia Barfield, husband and wife.
They submitted their idea for a large observation wheel as part of a competition to design a landmark for the new millennium.
None of the entrants won the competition, but the couple pressed on and eventually got the backing of British Airways, who sponsored the project.
They submitted their idea for a large observation wheel as part of a competition to design a landmark for the new millennium.
None of the entrants won the competition, but the couple pressed on and eventually got the backing of British Airways, who sponsored the project.
Construction
Construction of the observation wheel took more than a year and a half to complete. In the process over 1700 tonnes of steel were used for the structure and more than 3000 tonnes of concrete were used for the foundations. 
The futuristic looking capsules, accommodating up to 25 passengers, were transported all the way from France by train through the chunnel. Each egg-shaped capsule is 8 meters long and weighs 500kg. The 25 meter (82 ft) long spindle was built in the Czech Republic. The rim has a diameter of 122m (400ft), about 200 times the size of a bicycle wheel. 80 Spokes connect the rim with the spindle.
The futuristic looking capsules, accommodating up to 25 passengers, were transported all the way from France by train through the chunnel. Each egg-shaped capsule is 8 meters long and weighs 500kg. The 25 meter (82 ft) long spindle was built in the Czech Republic. The rim has a diameter of 122m (400ft), about 200 times the size of a bicycle wheel. 80 Spokes connect the rim with the spindle.
London seen from the London Eye
The Observation Wheel
The observation wheel turns slow enough for people to embark while it is moving. A complete turn takes about 30 minutes. Thanks to the construction of the glass capsules on the outer side of the rim, 
the passengers have a great 360° view over London. Many famous landmarks are clearly visible, including the Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament. On a clear day you can see as far as 40 km (25 miles).
Capsule
Make sure you get your tickets in advance, lines can be very long, both the lines for embarking and for ticket purchases. It's less crowded at night when the views are even more spectacular.
London Eye
The London Eye is 135 meters high which makes it the world's tallest observation wheel. It has 32 capsules and carries around 10,000 visitors every day. The London Eye has become the most popular paid for UK visitor attraction, visited by over 3.5 million people a year. While traveling in complete safety you can see up to 40 kilometers away in all directions from each capsule.
London Eye Visitor Information
All the information you need for a trip on the London Eye: address, how to get there, other attractions in the area, how to book tickets, great deals, etc.
London Eye 4D Experience Review
The London Eye 4D Film Experience is included in the London Eye ticket price and is a fantastic 4D film to entertain you before your trip on the London Eye. The 4D effects are superb and this short film has the only 3D aerial footage of London.
London Eye Photo Gallery
The London Eye offers some amazing views across London. Here is a collection of the views and the special ways you can enjoy the Eye, such as a Champagne Flight, or as your wedding venue!
London Eye River Cruise
The London Eye River Cruise is a 40 minute circular sightseeing tour on the River Thames. Find out more including a review.
London Eye Upgrade Program Photos
The London Eye is undergoing a £12.5 million upgrade program. Each capsule will be removed and a non-operational capsule will take position until the final capsule is returned. The capsules are so large they are making some of their journey to the maintenance company by boat along the River Thames.
London Eye With Small Children Review
How easy is it to travel on the London Eye with small children? They may well go free (under fives) but is it all too much of a nightmare to even contemplate? Actually, no. It's really easy but, as with everything with small children, you need to plan your trip well. Here's everything you'll need to know to make a flight on the Eye with small children a wonderful experience.
London Eye Quiz
How much do you know about the London Eye? Find out by taking this London Eye 'facts and figures' trivia quiz.
No Buggies on the London Eye
The London Eye does not allow pushchairs/buggies/strollers/prams. They do provide storage facilities for your pushchair and offer free use of a baby carrier.
Official London Eye Website
Book tickets and find out all your need to know about the London Eye from the official website.
