Considered one of London’s most recognizable and in style points of interest is the London Eye.
This monumental commentary wheel has been offering guests with fantastic views throughout London because the flip of the millennium, and is simply as in style at the moment because it was then. In reality, it is among the UK’s hottest paid points of interest.
We’ve ridden the London Eye quite a lot of instances on varied visits to London. The primary time was in 2015 and most just lately in 2022. At the moment we’re going to share all the things you might want to know to assist plan your go to.
We’ll cowl all the things from how one can purchase tickets, the totally different experiences accessible on the London Eye, how one can save money and time, and how one can get the most effective pictures out of your go to.
London Eye Details
Earlier than we get into planning your London Eye go to, let’s cowl some historical past and information about this well-known London landmark.
What’s the London Eye?
The London Eye is a cantilevered commentary wheel, or Ferris wheel. It’s 135 metres (443ft tall) and when it was constructed it was the tallest Ferris wheel on the earth.
In contrast to an everyday Ferris wheel which usually seats 2 to 4 folks, the London Eye options 32 massive pods, every of which may carry as much as 25 individuals who can transfer across the cabin space.
It’s discovered on the sting of the River Thames diagonally reverse the Homes of Parliament, and it presents guests implausible views from its commentary pods.
Why was the London Eye Constructed?
The London Eye was constructed to mark the Millenium, and it was initially known as the Millenium Wheel.
It was objective constructed as a vacationer attraction, and very similar to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, it was not really meant to be a everlasting set up.
Nonetheless, as a consequence of its reputation, it was given everlasting standing in July 2002, solely two years after it began working.
The London Eye is at the moment owned by Merlin Entertainments. It has partnered with quite a lot of firms in sponsorship offers, which have included British Airways and Coca-Cola. The present sponsor is lastminute.com.
Attention-grabbing Details in regards to the London Eye
The London Eye is the world’s tallest cantilevered commentary wheel. There are bigger Ferris wheels, however none with a cantilevered design.
There’s the truth is some debate as as to if or not the cantilevered design really qualifies it as a Ferris wheel, though as there’s no formal definition of a Ferris wheel that we are able to discover we expect it’s wonderful to confer with it as such.
If you happen to have been questioning, a cantilevered design signifies that it’s supported solely from one facet, in contrast to extra conventional Ferris Wheel designs which have helps on either side.
This design signifies that it’s really suspended over the River Thames itself.
The London Eye was designed by husband-and-wife group Julia Marks and David Barfield, and it took round seven years from imaginative and prescient to completion. Their imaginative and prescient was to construct London’s equal of the Eiffel Tower by way of a customer attraction.
The passenger capsules, or pods, are positioned on the surface circumference of the wheel somewhat than inside. Because the wheel rotates, these additionally rotate, so the capsules all the time stay degree.
There are 32 capsules, every of which may maintain as much as 25 passengers. Because of this as much as 800 folks might be on the London Eye at anybody time, or 1,600 per hour. Capsules are numbered from 1-33, with no capsule numbered 13 as some would contemplate it unfortunate.
Capsules transfer at simply over half a mile per hour, with passengers journeying round 1 / 4 of a mile within the half hour rotation. The capsules don’t cease (aside from particular conditions), so that you get on and off as it’s transferring. Every year the London Eye rotates nearly 8,000 instances, overlaying over 2,000 miles!
From the highest, you possibly can see as much as 40km (25 miles) on a transparent day, which means you possibly can see all the way in which to Windsor Fortress if you’re fortunate.
The London Eye is a well-liked location for wedding ceremony proposals, with over 5,000 proposals so far. Over 500 {couples} have even gotten married on board!
The London Eye can be no stranger to the silver display, having appeared in quite a few movies and TV, together with the Harry Potter movies.
Planning Your Go to to the London Eye
Now you understand extra in regards to the London Eye, let’s take a look at some helpful data that can assist you plan your go to right here.
The place is the London Eye?
The London Eye is discovered on the south financial institution of the River Thames in entrance of London’s County Corridor constructing.
The tackle is Riverside Constructing, County Corridor, London, SE1 7PB.
The London Eye is a few five-minute stroll from Westminster Bridge, and 10 minutes from the Homes of Parliament.
The best way to Get to the London Eye?
The London Eye could be very centrally situated and is straightforward to get to from most areas in London.
In case you are already in central London, then it may be best to stroll to the London Eye. From Westminster Abbey and the Homes of Parliament it’s round a 10-minute stroll. It’s 20 minutes’ stroll from Covent Backyard and 35 minutes from London Bridge.
The London Eye can be straightforward to succeed in by public transport. The closest tube and practice station is Waterloo which is served by the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & Metropolis strains, in addition to by varied overland practice providers.
From Waterloo practice station it’s round a 5-minute stroll to the London Eye.
The London Eye can be a well-liked cease for many Hop on Hop off buses in London, with buses stopping a few couple minutes’ stroll from the London Eye.
In case you are touring by river, the London Eye is true subsequent to a cease, the London Eye Waterloo Pier. That is served by each commuter and hop on hop off sightseeing cruises.
It’s also possible to attain the London Eye by bicycle. There’s free cycle parking proper subsequent to the bottom of the London Eye right here.
We might suggest towards driving to the London Eye as a consequence of site visitors and the congestion cost. Nonetheless, in case you do drive, the closest automotive parks are on the Q-Park in Westminster and on the Southbank Centre.
Generally the London Eye presents parking reductions at close by automotive parks, verify their web site right here for extra data.
When is the London Eye Open?
The London Eye is at the moment open from 11am till 6pm. These are the instances of the primary and final boarding home windows.
It’s open day by day besides main holidays, together with Christmas Day (twenty fifth December), New Years Eve (thirty first December) and New Years Day (1st January).
In earlier years the London Eye has opened as early as 10am and closed as late as 9.30pm, so you must verify the official web site for the most recent opening dates and instances.
How Lengthy is the London Eye Experience?
Formally, the London Eye experience lasts for half-hour. Nonetheless, your experience may be barely longer or barely shorter than this. It’s because generally the experience pauses, particularly when serving to these with accessibility wants on and off the capsules.
On a latest go to to the London Eye we timed our experience from the second we stepped onto the capsule to the second we stepped off, and it was precisely 25 minutes. So we really feel that a mean experience time of half-hour might be correct.
What Are you able to See from the London Eye?
While you experience the London Eye you’ll attain a most top of round 135 metres (443ft). This top makes the London Eye one of many tallest constructions within the surrounding space, and means you’re going to get an unimaginable view of the vast majority of London.
How far it is possible for you to to see will in fact rely upon the climate situations and air readability, however on a transparent day you possibly can see as much as 25 miles (40km) from the highest.
Clearly, meaning you possibly can see quite a bit, nevertheless, the principle highlights that you will notice will embrace:
In fact, you possibly can see much more as all of central London will probably be at your ft, however the above are a few of London’s extra recognizable landmarks that you just’ll be capable of see.
A few notable London landmarks that you just received’t be capable of simply see are the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, that are partly obscured by different buildings.
If you’d like a information to assist clarify what you’re seeing, we suggest choosing up the 360-degree viewing information which is on the market for a small payment (2 or 3 kilos after we visited) within the reward store earlier than your experience. It was included as a part of the VIP Champagne expertise experience after we did that.
There’s nothing contained in the capsule by way of indicators or audio to stipulate the view. In earlier years there was an app however that is now not accessible.
Do you Want a Ticket for the London Eye?
Sure, all guests to the London Eye require a ticket. You e-book a ticket for a particular 15-minute window, which is the time you’re allowed to affix the queue, not the time your experience will begin.
Even with the timed entry system, you’ll nonetheless be part of a line for safety and boarding.
Youngsters below 3 get free rides on the London Eye, however they nonetheless want a legitimate ticket to experience.
The place to Purchase London Eye Tickets
The simplest approach to purchase London Eye tickets is on-line on the official web site right here. This web site has the only option of tickets, and you too can save by reserving on-line upfront.
When reserving a ticket on-line, you possibly can select to print your ticket at dwelling, gather it in individual from the self-service kiosks, or save your ticket to your cellular system for show.
It’s also possible to purchase similar day tickets on-site for the London Eye on the ticket workplace. There are self-service kiosks in addition to a manned ticket counter.
Nonetheless, London Eye employees have knowledgeable me that you could solely buy full worth similar day tickets on-site. So if you wish to save by reserving upfront, or need to e-book upfront typically, you’ll need to e-book on-line.
It’s also possible to purchase London Eye tickets by way of third get together websites reminiscent of GetYourGuide right here. These are usually simply the usual and fast-track tickets and there isn’t the total vary of experiences. They do generally have the benefit of free cancellation as much as 24 hours upfront of your go to.
Notice that when shopping for a ticket by way of a third-party web site, you don’t get an precise ticket you possibly can experience with, as an alternative you get a reserving quantity. This must be exchanged for an official London Eye ticket on web site, both on the ticket desk or on the self-service kiosk. You should definitely give your self some further time to gather your ticket in case you select this feature.
How A lot Does the London Eye Price?
Ticket costs for the London Eye fluctuate. Usually, similar day tickets, and tickets for in style days (reminiscent of weekends and holidays) are dearer in comparison with tickets booked upfront and for much less in style days reminiscent of weekdays.
There are three fundamental ticket choices for the final London Eye expertise. These are the usual ticket, the household ticket and the fast-track ticket.
There are additionally further premium experiences you possibly can e-book for the London Eye, which we cowl in a separate part.
As you will notice, in case you e-book your ticket on-line not less than a day upfront, you usually save round 10% in your ticket costs, except peak days.
No matter whether or not you’re visiting on a peak or off-peak day although, we nonetheless suggest reserving on-line upfront right here as you’ll keep away from the frustration of turning up and discovering there is no such thing as a availability.
Worth beneath are appropriate as of November 2022, however do verify the official web site for the hottest pricing data and ticket choices.
Customary London Eye Ticket Worth
The normal ticket is the fundamental ticket for the London Eye and grants you one 30-minute experience on the London Eye.
The entry is timed, with the ticket granting you entry to the London Eye normal queue on the timeslot you select.
It is very important do not forget that your ticket time shouldn’t be your experience time, however the time you’re allowed to affix the road/queue.
So when planning your time in London, make sure you contemplate the queue time as properly.
Customary similar day and peak day particular person entry for the London Eye is:
- £36 for adults (16+).
- £32.50 for kids ages 3-15.
- Free for kids below 3.
If you happen to e-book on-line upfront, costs for non-peak days are as follows:
- £32.50 for adults (16+).
- £29.50 for kids ages 3-15.
- Free for kids below 3.
As famous, there are some exceptions for busier instances, when the costs would be the similar on-line and if reserving in individual.
Peak days fluctuate, so you’ll need to verify costs on the web site to see in case your chosen day is a peak day. We’d nonetheless suggest reserving on-line to keep away from disappointment on the day.
Quick-Observe London Eye Ticket Worth
The fast-track ticket presents the identical experience expertise as the usual ticket, however has the benefit of supplying you with entry to the devoted fast-track ticket line on the time you select.
This ticket offers you entry to a sooner ticket line as usually fewer folks e-book these tickets. The experience expertise is identical as normal ticket holders, and also you share the identical capsules. The one distinction is you’ll most likely stand in line for much less time.
As with the usual ticket, the time you e-book is the time you possibly can be part of the road, not the time of your precise experience, which is able to fluctuate relying on the size of the road.
Quick-track costs additionally fluctuate relying on the day you go to and once you e-book.
Similar day and peak day fast-track entry for the London Eye is:
- £51 for adults (16+).
- £46 for kids ages 3-15.
- Free for kids below 3.
Advance fast-track tickets for non-peak days price as follows:
- £46 for adults (16+).
- £41.50 for kids ages 3-15.
- Free for kids below 3.
The London Eye additionally presents what is named a flexi quick monitor ticket. This lets you flip up at any time in your chosen day, supplying you with extra flexibility over once you experience.
These tickets price £55 for adults, £48.50 for kids aged 3-15 and are free for kids below 3. These tickets can solely be booked on-line.
Household London Eye Customary Ticket
The household London Eye ticket presents the identical expertise as the usual ticket, in that you just be part of the usual ticket queue. Nonetheless, it presents households a more cost effective choice.
In case you are visiting with not less than two kids aged 3-15, this ticket choice will seemingly prevent cash. The household tickets price as follows:
- £26 per grownup (minimal of 1 grownup)
- £26 per youngster (3-15) (minimal of two kids on this age vary)
- Free for kids below 3.
These costs are at the moment the identical when reserving on-line for each similar day and future dates, and for each peak and off-peak, though in fact pricing can change so all the time verify the web site.
In case you are visiting with a household that meet the above standards, this can be a excellent worth choice. If you happen to have been visiting with 2 adults and a couple of kids ages 3-15, you’ll save £20 on the entire off-peak worth, and much more if visiting peak or similar day.
Notice that generally the London Eye household ticket reserving window doesn’t have the choice so as to add a baby below 3, regardless of the web site stating that they want a ticket.
On this case, you’ll need to go to this web page to e-book a timeslot for the London Eye. Right here you’ll be introduced with the choice to e-book a timeslot for a person, or for a kid below 3. Barely confusingly, at this level you might want to e-book for a person as after we final checked the web site didn’t permit for reserving a timeslot for an below 3 on their very own.
I confirmed with the London Eye that that is the right process for including a baby below three to a household ticket if it doesn’t present on the household ticket web page.
VIP London Eye Experiences
In addition to the final tickets, there are usually quite a lot of premium experiences that you could e-book on the London Eye.
These are the Champagne Expertise, the Personal Pod, and the Cupid Pod.
We’ll undergo every of those and canopy what they price and what they embrace.
It’s additionally price noting that on occasion there are further experiences and pods accessible. For instance, there was a pub themed pod and a tennis themed pod. So do verify the official web site to see the most recent experiences on provide.
Champagne Expertise
The Champagne Expertise is a hosted expertise and it consists of:
- VIP check-in and time to calm down within the London Eye lounge earlier than boarding
- a bunch who will lead you thru safety and to your pod
- a glass of Champagne for every grownup (tender drinks additionally accessible, and served to these below 18).
- quick monitor boarding via the fast-track lane
- a 360 diploma viewing information
The Champagne Expertise is shared with different individuals who have booked it, however it’s restricted to a most of 15 folks per pod.
Notice that the pod shouldn’t be shared with basic ticket holders, so if reserving as a gaggle be sure to all get the identical ticket varieties with a purpose to experience collectively. An individual with an ordinary or quick monitor ticket can not share a pod with a Champagne Expertise ticket holder.
The Champagne Expertise prices £55 for ages 3+, and is free for these below 3. Simply you’ll want to e-book them a free ticket once you e-book your champagne expertise.
We actually loved the champagne expertise after we did it, and it was by far our favorite London Eye expertise.
We additionally assume it presents good worth particularly in comparison with the fast-track ticket choice because it consists of fast-track and a hosted expertise in addition to a glass of Champagne.
Personal Pod
You’ll be able to rent a complete non-public pod for between 2 and 25 folks. This could make for a enjoyable group celebration choice, and for bigger teams particularly it’s fairly an economical choice. A personal pod consists of:
- unique entry to a pod for two – 25 folks
- fast-track boarding
- the choice to order food and drinks (further payment applies)
You aren’t allowed to carry your personal alcohol onto the pod. A personal pod on the London Eye prices £625 for a gaggle. Teams should have a minimal of two friends over 18, however can in any other case encompass adults and kids.
If there are solely two of you, a extra enjoyable and cost-effective choice although can be the Cupid Pod.
Cupid Pod
In case you are in search of the final word romantic London Eye expertise for 2, contemplate reserving the Cupid’s Pod package deal. It is a couple’s expertise, and consists of:
- a non-public pod for 2 friends (have to be 18 or older)
- A bottle of champagne
- A field of luxurious chocolate
- A private host in your rotation
- Precedence boarding
A Cupid Pod package deal prices £470, which we expect makes it an excellent worth choice in comparison with the non-public pod choice if there are solely two of you. This could positively be a good selection for an important day.
Are you able to Cancel or Reschedule a London Eye Ticket?
Tickets for the London Eye offered by way of the official web site are non-refundable.
If you happen to would favor to buy a refundable ticket, these are usually accessible on GetYourGuide right here, though do verify the situations earlier than buying to make certain.
Notice that when shopping for a ticket by way of a 3rd get together these must be exchanged for an official London Eye ticket on web site, both on the ticket desk or on the self-service kiosk, so you’ll want to give your self loads of time in case you select this feature.
If you are going to buy an ordinary, quick monitor or household ticket via the official web site, you possibly can change the time on-line after reserving, as much as 24 hours earlier than your experience.
If you happen to e-book a premium expertise reminiscent of a Personal Pod or Champagne Expertise, these can’t be managed on-line. If you might want to change these bookings, you’ll need to contact customer support.
Are you able to Improve a London Eye Ticket?
Sure, it’s potential to improve some London Eye tickets.
If you find yourself onsite you possibly can improve from an ordinary ticket to a fast-track ticket. Once we checked in 2022, the worth of this improve was £10. To do that, you’ll need to go to the ticket workplace.
This improve really works out barely cheaper than simply reserving a fast-track ticket on-line, nevertheless there’s a danger of there not being availability, so we’d not suggest counting on this.
It’s also possible to do a refund and rebook of an ordinary ticket to a quick monitor ticket, whereby you’re refunded the total quantity of the usual ticket and also you then pay for a fast-track ticket. You are able to do this upfront of your go to by contacting customer support.
If you wish to improve to the Champagne Expertise from an ordinary or quick monitor ticket, that is additionally potential nevertheless it additionally entails refunding the unique ticket and shopping for a brand new ticket. This may be achieved on-site or on-line with customer support.
All ticket upgrades are topic to availability in fact. We might usually suggest simply reserving the ticket kind you’re most considering from the start to keep away from later disappointment.
That is particularly the case for dearer experiences as these have restricted availability.
How Lengthy are the Queues on the London Eye?
Queue instances on the London Eye fluctuate relying on the time of yr and the time of day. The official web site states that queue instances for traditional entry might be as much as 45 minutes, while quick monitor is round quarter-hour.
When we have now visited, we have now usually not queued for greater than 15 to twenty minutes for traditional entry, and customarily solely 5 to 10 minutes for quick monitor. Nonetheless we have now not visited throughout the busiest instances when the strains might be for much longer.
Can You Skip the Line on the London Eye?
If in case you have not purchased a ticket, or have purchased a ticket from a 3rd get together, then you’ll first want to affix the ticket line contained in the ticket workplace. There are each self-service machines and ticket counters with employees.
In an effort to skip the ticket line we suggest reserving your ticket on-line upfront from the official web site right here.
After getting your precise boarding ticket, you possibly can be part of the entry line on the time specified by your ticket. There are two entry strains on the London Eye, the usual line and the fast-track ticket line.
You can’t skip the safety and entry line; nevertheless, the fast-track ticket line is sort of all the time sooner as fewer folks have these tickets. In fact, you could be fortunate and go to when neither line is busy, during which case each strains will take the identical period of time.
Each strains have a safety verify in addition to a cease for a photograph previous to boarding, so it does take a short while to clear these two processes.
London Eye Low cost Tickets
You may be questioning if there are discounted tickets accessible for the London Eye.
First, you possibly can usually lower your expenses by reserving on-line upfront on the official web site right here. Typically, these tickets are the most effective worth choice. Households also can save with the household ticket.
One other approach it can save you is if you’re visiting London by practice, and you’ll benefit from the 2FOR1 provide from Nationwide Rail. It will can help you e-book two normal grownup tickets for a complete of £36, or the equal of £18 every. Examine the web site for phrases and situations, in addition to exclusions.
In case you are a pupil, it can save you as much as 35% with the London Eye pupil low cost. Data is on the market right here on how to try this.
One other approach it can save you on London Eye tickets is to purchase a multi-attraction ticket or go which incorporates the London Eye. That is solely a good suggestion in case you have been already planning to go to the opposite points of interest. In that case, you possibly can positively save by shopping for in a bundle.
For instance, you possibly can e-book:
We cowl the passes that embrace the London Eye within the subsequent part.
Passes which embrace the London Eye
If you happen to plan on visiting quite a lot of sights when in London, then you definately may be capable of lower your expenses with a multi-attraction go. These usually embrace quite a lot of points of interest, and the worth of the go is often lower than shopping for particular person entry.
In fact, these passes will solely prevent cash in case you go to the included points of interest. It’s additionally necessary to verify precisely what they embrace, how one can use the passes and if there are any exclusions prior to buy.
The primary passes we’re conscious of which embrace the London Eye are the next.
- Huge Metropolis Saver Go. This go is on the market in quite a lot of variations, overlaying as much as 5 premium points of interest in London. These points of interest embrace Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, London Dungeon, Shrek’s Journey, and naturally the London Eye.
- London Metropolis Go. This go consists of the Tower of London, London Eye, 24 hour hop on hop off river cruise, and a London strolling tour audioguide.
- Merlin Annual Go – If you happen to plan on visiting quite a lot of points of interest throughout the UK, then the Merlin Annual Go may be an excellent choice. This consists of practically 30 points of interest, together with the London Eye, Alton Towers, Legoland, London Dungeon, and Warwick Fortress. That is most likely finest suited for many who reside within the UK.
Notice that the London Go, which is one in every of our favorite passes for London, doesn’t at the moment embrace the London Eye.
Is the London Eye Price It?
The London Eye is actually a premium attraction in London, so that you may ask whether it is price it. We really feel that the expertise is unquestionably price it.
The views are excellent, particularly on a transparent and sunny day, and there actually isn’t one other expertise prefer it in London.
Is the Quick Observe London Eye Choice Price It?
You may be questioning whether it is price shopping for the quick monitor London Eye ticket. The reply to this comes down to private alternative and the way a lot you worth your time.
In case you are visiting the London Eye at a busy time, reminiscent of throughout the summer season season, college holidays. public holidays or weekends, then you’ll most definitely save fairly a little bit of time with a quick monitor go, most likely not less than half an hour if no more.
Nonetheless, if you’re visiting at a quieter time of yr, then the distinction in queue time might be not price it in our opinion.
One factor to say is that if you’re already contemplating the quick monitor choice, then you definately may as an alternative contemplate the Champagne Expertise. This isn’t much more costly, however comes with quite a lot of further advantages that we expect makes it price contemplating.
Is the London Eye Champagne Expertise Price It?
We now have ridden the London Eye quite a lot of instances, and our favorite experience so far was positively the Champagne Expertise.
While that is dearer than the usual and fast-track choices, it positively felt extra particular.
One of many fundamental causes for this was that it was a hosted expertise. Our host met us within the London Eye lounge, escorted us via the fast-track space, and rode with us on the experience.
In addition to the advantages of fast-track entry, we additionally bought to get pleasure from a glass of champagne, and our host was in a position to inform us issues in regards to the London Eye and what we have been seeing. He was additionally very pleased to take images of us.
General, we extremely suggest contemplating the Champagne Expertise in case your price range stretches to it, particularly in case you have been already contemplating the fast-track expertise.
Services on the London Eye
The London Eye has the next amenities accessible on-site:
- Child altering amenities
- Bogs (together with accessible bathrooms)
- Free WiFi
- Present store
- Ticket workplace & self-service ticket kiosks
Safety and Restrictions on the London Eye
The London Eye, like most points of interest, has safety in place previous to boarding, in addition to some guidelines on what you can not carry on board.
The safety line is a part of the ticket line, and is often separated between quick monitor and normal ticket holders.
When we have now visited, they usually verify inside luggage and use a safety wand to scan your physique. Nonetheless, safety practices can change over time so this will fluctuate.
They’re usually in search of sharp objects like knives that are clearly not permitted on board. The total listing of prohibited gadgets might be discovered right here, and consists of:
- massive luggage and baggage
- any merchandise deemed to be a weapon
- glass bottles
- sharp objects together with knives and scissors
- alcohol
- skateboards, scooters, rollerblades
- drones
- animals (besides service animals)
These are pretty frequent sense restrictions we really feel, however it’s price being conscious of what’s and isn’t allowed to make certain you don’t get caught out.
We suggest not bringing loads of stuff with you in case you may also help it to make sure that safety goes as shortly and easily as potential.
Pushchairs and strollers that may be accomplished folded down are allowed contained in the pods. However they must be folded up earlier than becoming a member of the road and shouldn’t be used once more till you exit the pods.
Accessibility on the London Eye
The London Eye is absolutely accessible, and there’s a lot of detailed details about accessibility which you’ll be able to entry on their web site right here.
There’s step-free entry to the London Eye, and ramps are supplied for boarding and disembarking the pods. The London Eye utterly stops for wheelchair customers and people with restricted mobility to board and disembark.
It ought to be famous that solely two wheelchair customers are allowed per pod, and wheelchair customers have to e-book a particular wheelchair slot along with reserving their normal ticket.
Reserving the wheelchair slot is free and might be achieved right here. This permits the London Eye to make sure no-one is dissatisfied on the day as a result of limitation on the variety of wheelchairs per pod. Wheelchair customers also can e-book a free carer ticket right here.
All customers must queue to board the London Eye. Nonetheless if in case you have restricted mobility or issue standing you possibly can request assisted boarding with the onsite group once you arrive.
There are additionally absolutely accessible bathrooms inside the principle constructing the place the ticket workplace is situated. There aren’t any bathrooms on board any of the London Eye pods.
Baggage Storage on the London Eye
There isn’t a official baggage storage on the London Eye, and enormous luggage, suitcases, and different outsized gadgets will not be permitted on board.
There are a selection of close by baggage storage amenities within the neighborhood, together with at Waterloo and Charing Cross practice stations.
Ideally although, we’d suggest not bringing your baggage to the London Eye, and leaving it along with your lodge of their safe baggage space if potential.
What Time of Day is Finest for Visiting the London Eye?
The perfect time to go to the London Eye will rely upon what your goals are.
From a queuing perspective, when we have now visited we have now seen that the London Eye is busier within the mornings and fewer busy within the afternoons.
Nonetheless, it will fluctuate relying on the day and time of yr, so we’d not suggest basing your go to time solely on these observations!
What we really feel is extra necessary to contemplate is when to go to primarily based on the most effective situations for getting the most effective views and images.
Clearly, you do want to contemplate the climate situations, because the views are finest when it’s sunny. So if the forecast is for rain within the morning and solar within the afternoon, then you definately may need to e-book for the afternoon.
In fact, climate forecasts will not be all the time correct, and once you e-book upfront you won’t know what the climate goes to be like.
Our total suggestion is that the morning or late afternoon are the most effective instances to go to the London Eye. The perfect time will rely upon the time of yr, and likewise the opening hours.
If you happen to go to within the morning, then the solar will probably be to the east of the London Eye. This implies you’re going to get higher mild on the river Thames and Homes of Parliament, and received’t be capturing into the solar.
If you happen to go to within the afternoon, then you’ve got an opportunity to expertise the sundown from the London Eye. The solar units within the west, which implies it’s going to set throughout the Thames within the course of Westminster. A sundown from the London Eye is a very lovely expertise if you’re fortunate to get an excellent one.
In fact, sundown instances within the UK fluctuate, from round 9.30pm in summer season to simply earlier than 4pm in winter. So relying on the opening instances of the London Eye and the time of yr you go to, viewing the sundown from the London Eye won’t be potential. On this case, we’d suggest a morning go to for the most effective mild.
You’ll be able to verify sundown instances in London for various months right here.
Is the London Eye Air Conditioned?
Sure, all of the London Eye capsules are local weather managed and sealed from the weather, so they’re heat in winter and funky in summer season.
Nonetheless, the road for the London Eye shouldn’t be enclosed, and solely a small a part of it’s coated. So it would be best to costume appropriately for the climate as you could want to face outside for a time frame while in line.
Can I take Meals and Drink on the London Eye?
Food and drinks shouldn’t be permitted on the London Eye, except bottled water. Consuming or consuming on the pods shouldn’t be permitted.
If you happen to e-book the Champagne Expertise, it will embrace Champagne or a tender drink, as does the Cupid’s Pod expertise.
If you happen to e-book a non-public pod expertise, you possibly can pay further for food and drinks as properly. Particulars of the choices will probably be despatched to you after reserving.
Is Pictures Allowed on the London Eye?
Sure, pictures is allowed on the London Eye for private use. Cameras and smartphones are permitted, however tripods {and professional} video cameras will not be.
If you happen to want to do promotional filming, permission have to be sought upfront.
Notice that two images are taken throughout your expertise (as soon as in line and as soon as within the pods themselves) and these can be found for buy after you exit the pods.
Sights Close to the London Eye
The London Eye is clearly a well-liked attraction, however there may be heaps extra to do in London.
In reality, there are a selection of different in style points of interest that are simply accessible from the London Eye, which may make for a full day in London.
The closest points of interest to the London Eye are as follows:
- London Eye River Cruise. This sightseeing cruise departs from immediately below the London Eye. It can save you by shopping for a mixture ticket that features the London Eye, or you possibly can e-book it individually.
- The London Dungeon. An entertaining and barely scary attraction which is true subsequent to the London Eye. We’ve visited different Dungeon points of interest and all the time had enjoyable. Tickets might be purchased individually or it can save you with a multi-attraction Huge Metropolis Saver Go which may embrace the London Eye.
- Jubilee Park & Backyard. This small backyard is true subsequent to the London Eye and options some good inexperienced areas in addition to an journey park for kids as much as 11 years previous. It’s free to go to.
- Shrek’s Journey London. This in style interactive household attraction is 2 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye. Tickets might be purchased individually or it can save you with a multi-attraction Huge Metropolis Saver Go which may embrace the London Eye.
- SEA Life Centre London Aquarium. Additionally simply a few minutes’ stroll from the London Eye, this aquarium presents a spread of aquatic reveals. Tickets might be purchased individually or it can save you with a multi-attraction Huge Metropolis Saver Go which may embrace the London Eye.
- Hop on Hop off bus. A great way to get round London which comes with an audio tour. Tickets might be purchased individually or it can save you with a multi-attraction Huge Metropolis Saver Go which may embrace the London Eye.
- Florence Nightingale Museum. Present in St. Thomas’s Hospital, a 7-minute stroll from the London Eye, this museum focuses on the life and work of the founder of contemporary nursing. There’s a small payment to go to.
- Nationwide COVID-19 Memorial Wall – simply 5 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye, on the south financial institution of the River Thames by Westminster Bridge, is that this memorial to all those that misplaced their lives throughout the Covid-19 pandemic within the UK. Free to go to.
- The Graffiti Tunnel – road artwork lovers will need to go to the Leake Road tunnel, often known as the Graffiti tunnel. Right here there’s a 300-metre stretch of wall which anybody is legally allowed to color on. 5 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye and free to go to.
- Southbank Centre – Europe’s largest centre for the humanities is discovered simply 6 minutes’ north alongside the river. Right here there are performances, outlets, and eating choices, in addition to on of the UK’s most well-known skate parks.
- Palace of Westminster – Also called the Homes of Parliament, this iconic constructing can simply be seen from the London Eye. It’s a few 10-minute stroll away.
- Westminster Abbey – round quarter-hour’ stroll from the London Eye, this historic cathedral is open for guests and an entrance payment applies for vacationer visits
- Churchill Struggle Rooms – throughout World Struggle 2, this was the key underground headquarters from the place then Prime Minister Winston Churchill directed the struggle. About quarter-hour’ stroll from the London Eye and there may be an entrance payment to go to.
In fact, there are a lot of extra points of interest inside straightforward attain of the London Eye. For extra planning concepts, take a look at our guides to spending 1 day in London, 2 days in London, 3 days in London and 6 days in London.
Alternate options to the London Eye
You may be questioning if there are any alternate options to the London Eye. In all honesty, there is no such thing as a good direct alternative for the London Eye. Actually there is no such thing as a different big commentary wheel expertise, which presents you views from the underside to the highest of your journey.
There’s additionally nothing equal within the close by space that may provide you with such sweeping views up and down the River Thames and of the Homes of Parliament.
Nonetheless, in case you wished some different views of London, then contemplate the next:
- The Shard. The tallest constructing within the UK, with an commentary deck spanning the 69th and 72nd flooring. The Shard simply over a mile east of the London Eye, so naturally you don’t get the identical views. As a substitute, you get good views of the Tower of London and Metropolis of London. We now have visited and might positively suggest for the good metropolis views. You want a ticket to go to.
- Sky Backyard. Nearly immediately reverse the Shard on the north facet of the river Thames, the Sky Backyard is an efficient free viewing platform on the forty third flooring. It presents glorious sundown views specifically. Nonetheless, it is extremely in style and the free tickets go very quick
- Tate Fashionable. This free fashionable artwork gallery is present in a former energy station, reverse St. Paul’s Cathedral on the south financial institution of the River Thames. It has a viewing platform on the fifth flooring which presents good views of the Millenium Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral Dome. This iconic dome is a spotlight of the London skyline, and it’s open for guests. On the Golden Gallery degree, 85 metres (278ft) above the bottom, you get pretty views of the town of London and alongside the river. An entrance payment applies.
As you possibly can see, there are fairly a couple of areas for getting a view, however in our opinion, the London Eye is properly definitely worth the go to!
The place to Keep Close to the London Eye
The London Eye could be very central, and there are a lot of lodges inside straightforward strolling distance of it. We might suggest studying our full information to the place to remain in London for some suggestions. Nonetheless, some close by lodges we suggest are the next.
These are all inside a 10-15 minute stroll of the London Eye, and are ordered roughly by price range from low to excessive.
- Walrus Bar and Hostel – simply 8 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye, this hostel presents each shared and personal lodging. There’s additionally a shared kitchen, bar, and free WiFi.
- Level A Resort London – This price range lodge is a 10-minute stroll from the London Eye. We’ve stayed right here; the rooms are tiny however clear and it’s a terrific price range choice, with air-conditioned rooms, black out curtains, and free WiFi.
- Park Plaza County Corridor – this can be a well-priced lodge simply 6 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye. We’ve stayed right here just lately and located the rooms comfy and the employees environment friendly and pleasant. A few of the rooms provide spectacular views of the London Eye, particularly at sundown.
- Sea Containers London – discovered proper on the south financial institution of the River Thames, this 5-star lodge is a 13-minute stroll to the London Eye. En-suite air-conditioned rooms are of an excellent measurement and a few provide river views. There’s additionally a rooftop bar, on-site restaurant, and spa.
- The Clermont Charing Cross – proper subsequent to Charing Cross practice station, this well-reviewed 4* lodge is 12 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye. En-suite rooms characteristic free WiFi and air-conditioning in addition to Nespresso espresso makers. There’s additionally an on-site restaurant and bar.
- London Marriott Resort County Corridor – it will be onerous to discover a lodge nearer to the London Eye than this Marriott – among the pods go inside metres of the rooms right here (so you’ll want to draw curtains once you need privateness)! In addition to superb proximity to the London Eye, many rooms permit for pretty views of the Homes of Parliament and an expensive 5* expertise
- The Savoy – this world well-known 5* lodge presents true luxurious, and it’s simply 13 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye. En-suite rooms characteristic marble bogs, air con and tea/espresso making amenities. There are additionally top-rated eating places on web site.
As you possibly can see there are many choices! You’ll be able to take a look at much more lodges close to the London Eye on reserving.com right here.
London Eye Pictures Ideas
As an expert photographer I wished to share some suggestions for taking images, each at and of the London Eye. Hopefully these allow you to get some pretty images to recollect your go to.
Pictures from the London Eye
The London Eye presents fantastic pictures alternatives throughout most of central London.
The primary problem you’ll have as a photographer is that the clear glass partitions of the pods can have reflections in them. To unravel this, attempt to maintain the digital camera lens as near the glass as potential, which is able to minimise reflections.
If you’d like a extra superior resolution, there are lens hoods accessible for telephones and cameras which go up towards the glass and take away the reflections utterly.
In some areas, you’ll discover that the partitions are extra curved than in different components. The curved glass may cause distortions in your pictures, so ideally attempt to shoot via the flatter components of the glass. This will require you to kneel all the way down to the decrease components of the capsules.
When it comes to pictures alternatives, the Homes of Parliament are fairly an iconic sight and are one of many closest landmarks. These might be photographed all through the rotation, however in direction of the tip of the experience you’ll be nearer to them. In case you are in search of a pleasant selfie or photograph of these you’re driving with, I’d recommend the Homes of Parliament make an excellent backdrop.
Usually when taking images of your self I’d suggest utilizing a tripod, however these aren’t allowed on the London Eye. So I’d recommend asking another person on board to take your photograph if potential.
If you happen to occur to experience the London Eye when it’s getting darkish or already darkish, then be certain to disable your digital camera flash if capturing topics exterior the capsule. It is going to simply mirror again from the capsule glass and destroy the photograph, and it’s not going to have enough energy to light up the world exterior anyway!
The place to {Photograph} the London Eye From
In addition to making for a terrific location to take pictures from, the London Eye itself makes for a photogenic pictures topic.
There are a couple of areas the place I’d suggest taking images of the London Eye from.
First, on the financial institution of the River Thames immediately reverse the London Eye, you will get a stunning straight-on picture. It is a good location at each sundown and dawn, in addition to at evening when the attention is illuminated.
This may work properly with lengthy publicity pictures because the motion of the Eye could make some good mild trails.
If you’d like extra up shut images of the London Eye, then the most effective place is probably going proper subsequent to it. Photographs of the assist construction are additionally fairly attention-grabbing, with the main strains taking your eye naturally alongside the assist cables to the principle physique of the wheel.
One other good location for pictures of the London Eye is Westminster Bridge. This presents a facet on view of the Eye, and you’ll transfer forwards and backwards throughout the bridge relying on how a lot of an angle you need. This can be an excellent alternative to border the London Eye with a purple bus for instance, one other iconic London sight.
If you happen to plan on taking a River Thames cruise, these all go by the London Eye and provide nice views.
Lastly, in case you occur to e-book a close-by lodge to the London Eye, this may also work as an excellent choice for views. Good examples embrace the rooftop suites of the close by Park Plaza County Corridor and Park Plaza Westminster Bridge. Simply bear in mind that their rooms with London Eye views are priced larger than their different rooms.
Our Expertise Visiting the London Eye
Now that you must know all the things you might want to know to plan your go to to the London Eye, I’m going to briefly share our experiences visiting the London Eye.
We now have really visited the London Eye on quite a lot of events, doing each the usual entry and the champagne expertise. I’ll cowl each, beginning with our most up-to-date normal entry.
Customary Entry Expertise
We’ve achieved the usual entry on the London Eye twice. Each experiences have been fairly related. We’ll share our most up-to-date expertise in 2022.
We booked on-line for an 11:15am timeslot on a weekday. We booked on the official web site and printed out our tickets at dwelling earlier than our go to to London. It was not very busy and we have been allowed to affix the road round 11:08am.
Once we arrived, there was a reasonably quick queue, it took us 12 minutes to get to the safety level after which 5 extra minutes to undergo the photograph sales space. We boarded at 11:26am.
Our pod had 13 folks on board. We additionally counted the pod after ours, and that had 18 folks on board. So the quantity positively varies relying on how the queues are transferring because the pods don’t cease transferring.
The pods themselves, as you possibly can see from the images, are very spacious. You by no means really feel crowded and there may be loads of room to maneuver round and for everybody to get a terrific view. There’s additionally seating within the centre of the pod space.
The Eye rotates counter-clockwise (as you take a look at it when boarding), so we began rising away from the Homes of Parliament, with good views down the River Thames of landmarks together with Charing Cross practice station. It’s additionally enjoyable at this level to lookup and see the opposite pods ascending above you.
Our pod paused a few instances as we rotated, this usually occurs when folks with accessibility wants are boarding or disembarking. The pods transfer very slowly, and the stops are very clean, so that you by no means really feel the necessity to grasp a handrail or something!
Our favorite views are because the pod nears the highest and begins to descend, as this offers pretty views of the Homes of Parliament, in addition to upriver to areas such because the MI6 headquarters, dwelling of James Bond!
We had cheap climate, though it was pretty overcast. Nonetheless, we may simply make out all of the close by landmarks, in addition to the Crystal Palace transmitting station (round 6 miles / 10km away).
We took a lot of images as you’ll think about, and earlier than you knew it our experience was coming to the tip. Close to the tip of the experience your photograph is taken by an automatic digital camera setup.
That is introduced clearly previous to it taking place, and there are areas marked within the pod for the place to face if you wish to be featured within the photograph.
Lastly, we disembarked from the pod at precisely 11:51am, so our experience was 25 minutes lengthy from boarding to getting off.
Champagne Expertise
We additionally booked our Champagne Expertise on-line, and printed out our tickets. For the Champagne Expertise we booked our timeslot for 4:30pm.
We have been a bit apprehensive about being late as we have been coming into London by practice, however really arrived fairly early, at 4:00pm.
The method for the champagne expertise is just a little totally different, as you must check-in on the particular VIP experiences desk. We did this, our names have been checked towards an inventory, and we got the chance to go upstairs to attend within the London Eye lounge.
We have been additionally given a 360-degree viewing information, which got here in very helpful on the London Eye experience to assist us know what we have been seeing, and was a pleasant contact. These are additionally accessible on the market within the reward store.
The London Eye lounge is a first-floor lounge providing good views of the London Eye in addition to drinks menu consisting of sentimental drinks and alcoholic drinks that you could buy when you are ready.
Within the lounge we met our host Arnie and we chatted a bit with him. We requested a couple of questions in regards to the expertise, and learnt that it’s restricted to 18 folks per pod though in his expertise, on common, there are usually 12 – 15 folks. He additionally shared that he’s ridden the wheel over 1,000 instances so we figured he knew what he was doing!
As soon as the remainder of our group arrived, a complete of 15 folks, Arnie collected his two hampers and led us throughout from the ticket workplace space to the fast-track boarding space. The London Eye was not notably busy on the afternoon we visited, so there weren’t many individuals in entrance of us and we didn’t have to attend lengthy.
We went via safety and the photograph sales space, then all of us boarded. The Champagne Expertise is an unique occasion, so that you solely share the pod with individuals who have booked the identical expertise.
Arnie mentioned that often folks did flip up with a mixture of tickets, and the outcome was disappointment that they weren’t in a position to experience collectively. So when reserving tickets, we positively suggest everybody books the identical kind of ticket.
As soon as on board the pod, Arnie welcomed us all on board. He was tremendous pleasant and fairly humorous as well, and actually helped to create a enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere on board. He additionally set to work pouring Champagne into glasses. He additionally supplied everybody the choice to have juice or soda as an alternative in the event that they most popular.
Because the London Eye began to rise and folk began to take a lot of images, Arnie additionally identified what we have been seeing, and handed out Champagne. He additionally supplied to take images of everybody, and actually went above and past to make sure everybody bought a terrific photograph.
The climate was fantastic for our experience, with sunshine and delightful blue skies. We have been pleasantly stunned because it had been grey and overcast after we had arrived earlier.
The experience itself lasted just below half-hour, however it felt a lot shorter. The climate was fairly heat after we visited, however fortunately the pods local weather management meant it was very comfy.
On the finish of the experience we thanked Arnie for his glorious internet hosting, and disembarked.
General we actually loved the Champagne Expertise. We hadn’t fairly identified what to anticipate, and the mix of the superb host, comparatively small group, and private consideration made it really feel actually particular. The glass of Champagne actually helped too!
London Eye Ideas for Visiting
We now have famous quite a lot of suggestions and items of recommendation all through the article. I simply wished to listing right here among the extra necessary suggestions so to benefit from your go to to the London Eye.
- E book upfront immediately on-line right here to economize and for the most effective availability
- Make sure that everybody in your group books the identical form of ticket to make sure it is possible for you to to experience collectively in the identical pod
- If touring with a baby age 3 or youthful, they’ll experience without spending a dime however you continue to have to e-book them a ticket
- If you happen to plan to go to different points of interest in London such because the London Dungeon, Madame Tussauds, or the SEALIFE London Aquarium, it can save you cash by reserving tickets/passes such because the Huge Metropolis Saver go
- Keep in mind that the time in your ticket is the time you ought to be there to affix the road. It’s NOT your boarding time. So you’ll want to permit sufficient time in your itinerary to attend in line and the half-hour for the experience itself.
- You should definitely verify the safety restrictions and to depart your baggage and any restricted gadgets at your lodge to keep away from slowdowns and having gadgets confiscated by safety.
- There isn’t a commentary or signage on the pods themselves. For these wanting extra details about what you’re seeing throughout the experience, you may contemplate buying a viewing wheel from the reward store earlier than your experience or utilizing a mapping app in your telephone
- We suggest reserving on a day with an excellent climate forecast if potential. This provides you with the most effective views and images from the pods.
- Take pleasure in your self and take a lot of images!
Additional Studying for Visiting London
That’s it for our full information to visiting the London Eye! We hope you discovered it helpful that can assist you determine on the most effective property in your journey to the town.
We’ve additionally bought quite a lot of different sources that can assist you plan your journey to London and the UK typically which we expect you’ll discover helpful.
- We now have detailed itineraries for 1 day in London, 2 days in London, 3 days in London and 6 days in London
- We now have an in depth information to visiting the Tower of London, one other iconic London attraction
- You’ll want someplace to remain within the metropolis in case you’re right here for greater than a day. See our information to the place to remain in London for some options throughout all budgets.
- If you happen to plan on doing a lot sightseeing within the metropolis, you’ll seemingly lower your expenses with a London Go. See our full London Go evaluate right here to see if this may prevent cash on sightseeing.
- We now have a information to getting round London, and a information to utilizing the Oyster card in London.
- If you happen to’re flying into one in every of London’s six airports, see our information to attending to London from the airport.
- We now have an in depth information to what to pack for London, that can assist you put together in your journey to London.
- We put collectively some recommendations on discovering the finest Pictures Places in London
- For the Harry Potter followers amongst you, check out our information to discovering Harry Potter in London
- 8 Issues to Do in Kensington, London, in case you wished to focus extra on a particular area of the town
- If you happen to get pleasure from navy museums, check out our information to London’s finest navy museums and memorial. Additionally see our Winston Churchill in London information.
- Recommendations on spending Two Weeks within the UK, must you need to have London as the beginning of a much bigger journey
- For price range planning, see our information to how a lot it prices to journey within the UK
- Our expertise taking a full day strolling tour of London, in case you want the thought of a completely guided day
- Ideas on visiting Stonehenge from London as a day journey
- Different good day journeys from London embrace Oxford and Cambridge. See our information to Oxford in a day in addition to issues to do in Cambridge for concepts.
- Heading additional north? We now have a great deal of content material on Scotland, together with a 2 Day Edinburgh itinerary, guides to the North Coast 500 and a 2 Day Glasgow itinerary
- How about heading to Paris from London? We now have an in depth information to the finest technique to get from London to Paris that can assist you plan
- The Eyewitness Journey Information to London, which has all kinds of data inside, together with extra itineraries and concepts in your journey
- Rick Steve’s London information, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK journey guides, and all the time a wonderful supply of related data
And that’s it! We hope you discovered our information to visiting the London Eye useful, and as all the time, if in case you have any questions, simply pop them within the feedback and we’ll reply them as quickly as we are able to!
So you understand: On one in every of our rides, the corporate gave us a pair of complimentary normal tickets for the London Eye to expertise the usual experience as media. We paid for all of our different London Eye rides, together with the Champagne Expertise, in addition to our transport and lodging in London.