London Eye
The London Eye is the 135-metre observation wheel on the South Bank, opposite the Houses of Parliament. Opened in 2000, it carries visitors in 32 glass capsules on a slow rotation of about 30 minutes, giving long views up and down the Thames and across Westminster.
Photos
Syed Shadab Ahmad
The ride
Each of the 32 capsules holds up to 28 people. A full rotation takes around half an hour. The capsules are numbered 1 to 33, skipping 13. On a clear day the view takes in Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, St Paul's and the towers of the City. The capsules are glass all round, so you can move about for different angles as the wheel climbs.
Tickets and timing
Booking online gets e-tickets and guaranteed entry, and the site offers free rescheduling. Standard entry can mean a 20 to 30-minute queue at busy times, so Fast Track is worth considering in school holidays. There are also Champagne and afternoon tea experiences, private capsules for groups, and combined tickets with other attractions such as a river cruise.
Before and after
The Eye sits by Westminster Bridge, so it pairs naturally with a walk over to the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben. For a drink afterwards, St Stephen's Tavern and The Red Lion are just across the river. County Hall, beside the Eye, also houses other attractions, and the South Bank walk east towards the National Theatre and Tate Modern is one of the best strolls in London. Late-afternoon slots are a good choice if you want to see the city light up.
Highlights
- 135 m cantilevered observation wheel
- 32 glass capsules, up to 28 people each
- Around 30 minutes per rotation
- Opened in 2000
Good to know
- Book online for e-tickets and guaranteed entry.
- Standard queues can be 20 to 30 minutes at busy times; Fast Track is available.
- Check the official accessibility guide before visiting if you have access needs.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: londoneye.com