The London Eye has become one of London’s most recognisable landmarks.
It was only supposed to be a temporary attraction too (a bit like the Eiffel Tower in Paris).
Is it worth buying a ticket for the London Eye?
The view isn’t that great in my opinion due to it’s location and therefore I don’t think going on the London Eye is worth it. It no longer offers the highest public viewing platform in London (now The Shard). I still haven’t been to The Shard (tickets are £25 which seems quite expensive for a view), but you can get a pretty great view from the Sky Garden at the Walkie Talkie building for free. Marble Arch Mound was recently branded London’s worst attraction. I think the London Eye is one of the most overrated attractions in London.
Here’s what you can see from the London Eye.
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Here are some facts about the London Eye
How long is the London Eye?
The London Eye takes 30 minutes (15 minutes to reach the top) to perform one revolution. For me, it felt too long and slow and could have been done in half the time. Once I reached the top, I wanted to get off.
My nephew’s interest was also waning and began to make a game of stepping on my feet to cure his boredom…How tall is the London Eye?135 metres (443 ft) tall and the wheel has a diameter of 120 metres (394 ft). When it opened it was the world’s tallest Ferris wheel. Although, technically it’s not a Ferris wheel, but instead the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel.
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How much is the London Eye?
But if you’re sightseeing and have time, it’s probably worth paying a little extra for a London Eye ticket and another attraction or two which includes The London Dungeon, Shrek’s Adventure (which I can thoroughly recommend) or the aquarium (SEA LIFE London). Or Madame Tussauds (if taking selfies with wax works is your thing).
Tickets cost £38 (£63 when bought individually) for 1 additional attraction and £48 for (£93 when bought individually) for two additional attractions.
You can visit the other attraction 90 days from the date you visit the London Eye (although London Dungeon, Shrek’s Adventure and SEA LIFE London are a stone’s throw away from London Eye so it would make more sense to visit both attractions in the same day.
And if you’re celebrating a special occasion, there is also the London Eye Champagne Experience which costs £42 on the day and £37.80 online.
You can see all the various packages and buy you’re tickets from the official site here.
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When was the London Eye built?
When did the London Eye open?
What time does the London Eye close?
How many pods are on the London Eye?
Each pod represents the 32 London boroughs. But there is no number 13 (due to superstition)
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History of The London Eye
The London Eye is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the UK and the tallest cantilevered observation wheel in Europe. Originally conceived by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield in 1993, it was built to celebrate the new millennium and opened to the public in March 2000. At 135 metres tall, it was the world’s tallest Ferris wheel at the time and quickly became a symbol of modern London.
Constructed with parts from across Europe, the wheel was assembled flat on barges in the Thames before being raised upright. Though initially intended as a temporary structure, its popularity led to permanent status in 2002. The Eye offers panoramic views of up to 40 kilometres on clear days, showcasing landmarks like Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Windsor Castle. Today, it remains the UK’s most visited paid attraction and a focal point for New Year’s Eve celebrations, lighting displays, and cultural events.
10 Interesting Facts About The London Eye
- The London Eye was originally called the Millennium Wheel.
- It was built using components from six different countries, including steel from the UK and glass from Italy.
- The wheel rotates at 0.6 mph, slow enough for passengers to board without stopping.
- There are 32 capsules, numbered 1–33 (skipping 13 for superstition).
- Each capsule represents one of London’s boroughs and holds up to 25 people.
- The Eye was the world’s tallest Ferris wheel until 2006.
- It has hosted over 85 million passengers since opening.
- One capsule is named the Coronation Capsule, honouring Queen Elizabeth II.
- The structure is supported by an A-frame on one side only, making it cantilevered.
- It has been lit in different colours to mark events like royal weddings, Pride, and New Year’s Eve.
Things to See and Do at The London Eye
- Ride the Observation Wheel
Enjoy a 30-minute rotation with 360° views of London’s skyline. On clear days, you can see as far as Windsor Castle. - Spot Iconic Landmarks
From your capsule, look out for Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, The Shard, Tower Bridge, and the River Thames winding through the city. - Experience the 4D Cinema
Included with your ticket, this short film combines aerial footage, wind, bubbles, and mist to bring London to life. - Book a Private Capsule
Celebrate birthdays, proposals, or anniversaries with a private pod. Options include champagne experiences and themed decor. - Visit the Eye Lounge
Enjoy a glass of bubbly before or after your ride in a stylish lounge with views of the Thames. - Join a River Cruise
Combine your visit with a 40-minute Thames cruise departing from the pier below the Eye, with live commentary. - Attend Seasonal Events
Look out for themed capsules, light shows, and special experiences during holidays and festivals. - Take Photos at Jubilee Gardens
Capture the wheel from below in this riverside park, ideal for relaxing before or after your ride. - Explore Nearby Attractions
Walk to the Southbank Centre, SEA LIFE Aquarium, London Dungeon, or cross Westminster Bridge to Big Ben and Parliament. - Browse the Gift Shop
Pick up London Eye souvenirs, books, and locally themed gifts at the on-site shop.
Practical Information For Visiting The London Eye
- Location: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB
- Opening times: Daily, typically 11:00 am – 6:00 pm; extended hours during holidays and summer
- Entry: Adults from £29.50; fast-track and experience packages available
- Tickets: Book online in advance for best prices and guaranteed time slots
- Parking: Paid parking nearby; public transport recommended (Waterloo Station is closest)
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible; assistance available; lifts and ramps throughout
- Dogs: Assistance dogs only
- Food: Nearby cafés, restaurants, and food stalls along the South Bank
- Toilets: Available, including accessible facilities
- Nearby: Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Jubilee Gardens, Southbank Centre, London Dungeon
- Official website: The London Eye
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