For a temporary structure only intended to mark the Millennium, the London Eye has become a permanent fixture in the hearts of Londoners and on the landscape of the South Bank cultural precinct. Opened in 2000, the London Eye represents the turn of the century and regeneration, one slow-moving revolution at a time.
The London Eye (officially EDF Energy London Eye) is the largest cantilevered observation wheel, and was originally only supposed to turn over the Thames for five years but proved so popular it stayed. At 137m high and with 32 glass pods each holding up to 28 people, the giant Ferris wheel offer spectacular views over London and beyond. On a clear day, you can expect to see for around 40km from the top to view all the city's famous landmarks. One rotation of the wheel, known as a flight, takes 30 minutes for a slow-moving graceful ride that allows people to hop on without stopping. The view at night-time is equally as spectacular with the lights of the city and illuminated bridges.
Private capsules with hospitality options are also available for hire for weddings, corporate events and special occasions for a maximum of 25 guests. To up the romance, London Eye also provides a Cupid's Capsule experience for two guests with champagne and chocolate truffles, plus a Champagne Capsule for up to 25 people with bubbly and beverage service. The London Eye is busiest in the summer months of July and August and daily during 11am to 3pm. During winter, there is also an ice rink offering 45-minute skating sessions for up to 100 people per session. Adult tickets are from £9.45 and child entry from £6.75, which includes ice-skate hire.
Tickets to the London Eye start from £17.28 for adults, £11.07 for children aged four to 15 years and free for under-fours. It's cheaper to purchase your tickets online where various pricing structures allow you to skip the lines too. To visit the London Eye, the closest Tube station is Waterloo and then a five-minute walk down Westminster Bridge Road.
