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Aim High on the London Eye
Published by Kory Kilmer, Writer
Country: United Kingdom 
The Experience
Rising high above the River Thames, and set against iconic architecture that has stood for centuries, the London Eye has provided spectacular panoramic views of London for over a decade. With 3.5 million riders boarding its thirty-two capsules annually, “The Eye” has established itself as the UK’s most popular paid tourist attraction.
Situated in Jubilee Park in the South Bank area, the London Eye Ferris Wheel was built as part of London's millennium celebrations. Truly European in construction, the London Eye used mechanical contributions from six countries. Electrical components came from the UK, as was the steel (although it was fabricated in The Netherlands). The cables and glass came from Italy; bearings from Germany; spindle and hub were cast in the Czech Republic; and the capsules were made by Poma in France.
Much of the most dramatic London Eye construction came from large sections of the wheel floating on barges along the Thames, where they were assembled on a large temporary platform on the river. The 1700-ton Eye was then erected to 65°, where it remained suspended, dangling over the Thames while awaiting the final stages of its construction.
At 135 meters (443 ft) tall, the London Eye ranks fourth as London’s tallest structure, towering above neighboring notables such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, Victoria Tower, and the Tower Bridge. The London Eye does, however, contain the highest public viewing point in London. Many famous landmarks are clearly visible, including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and many of the bridges that cross the Thames. On a clear day, riders can see around 40 km (25 miles) in every direction, allowing for a view as far away as Windsor Castle.
When former Prime Minister Tony Blair opened the “Millennium Wheel” on December 31, 1999, the London Eye was by far the world's tallest Ferris wheel. It was later surpassed by the Star of Nanchang in 2006. The London Eye now ranks third, after the Singapore Flyer opened as the new tallest Ferris wheel in 2008 (but will fall to fourth when Beijing’s Great Wheel opens in 2010 at 208 meters (682ft)).
The London Eye can accommodate up to 800 passengers at any time per revolution. Thrill seekers need not apply here however, as each rotation takes about 30 minutes. With a circumference of 424 metres (1,392 ft), this hard math translates into each capsule travelling at a less-than-blistering pace of 26 cm per second, or 0.9 km (0.6 miles) per hour. This is twice as fast as a tortoise sprinting and allows passengers to step on and off without the wheel having to stop; though it will stop occasionally to assist the loading and unloading of disabled passengers and others who may need assistance.
Often referred to as London’s version of the Eiffel Tower, the London Eye has quickly become one of the most important symbols of the city. Since 2005, London’s New Year’s celebrations have revolved around the 10-minute fireworks display that is launched off the wheel itself. Organizers have announced that the Olympic Emblem will be displayed on the Eye for the duration of the 2012 Summer Games.
Situated in Jubilee Park in the South Bank area, the London Eye Ferris Wheel was built as part of London's millennium celebrations. Truly European in construction, the London Eye used mechanical contributions from six countries. Electrical components came from the UK, as was the steel (although it was fabricated in The Netherlands). The cables and glass came from Italy; bearings from Germany; spindle and hub were cast in the Czech Republic; and the capsules were made by Poma in France.
Much of the most dramatic London Eye construction came from large sections of the wheel floating on barges along the Thames, where they were assembled on a large temporary platform on the river. The 1700-ton Eye was then erected to 65°, where it remained suspended, dangling over the Thames while awaiting the final stages of its construction.
At 135 meters (443 ft) tall, the London Eye ranks fourth as London’s tallest structure, towering above neighboring notables such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, Victoria Tower, and the Tower Bridge. The London Eye does, however, contain the highest public viewing point in London. Many famous landmarks are clearly visible, including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and many of the bridges that cross the Thames. On a clear day, riders can see around 40 km (25 miles) in every direction, allowing for a view as far away as Windsor Castle.
When former Prime Minister Tony Blair opened the “Millennium Wheel” on December 31, 1999, the London Eye was by far the world's tallest Ferris wheel. It was later surpassed by the Star of Nanchang in 2006. The London Eye now ranks third, after the Singapore Flyer opened as the new tallest Ferris wheel in 2008 (but will fall to fourth when Beijing’s Great Wheel opens in 2010 at 208 meters (682ft)).
The London Eye can accommodate up to 800 passengers at any time per revolution. Thrill seekers need not apply here however, as each rotation takes about 30 minutes. With a circumference of 424 metres (1,392 ft), this hard math translates into each capsule travelling at a less-than-blistering pace of 26 cm per second, or 0.9 km (0.6 miles) per hour. This is twice as fast as a tortoise sprinting and allows passengers to step on and off without the wheel having to stop; though it will stop occasionally to assist the loading and unloading of disabled passengers and others who may need assistance.
Often referred to as London’s version of the Eiffel Tower, the London Eye has quickly become one of the most important symbols of the city. Since 2005, London’s New Year’s celebrations have revolved around the 10-minute fireworks display that is launched off the wheel itself. Organizers have announced that the Olympic Emblem will be displayed on the Eye for the duration of the 2012 Summer Games.
When to Go to London Eye
London Eye tickets range in price from UK$14 to UK$18 for regular admission. If you book online you can get London Eye discounted tickets for 20% off. There are also many special London Eye offers, including tickets that let you ride the Ferris Wheel and then hop onto a London Eye river cruise along the Thames. Since 2009, a London Eye visit includes a pre-ride 3D film accompanied by in-theater wind, bubbles and mist for a “4D experience” all contained in the cost of the London Eye ticket. Although in operation year round, in general a good time to visit London is in the spring, before peak tourist season in the summer.
The London Eye hours of operation are:
October to March, daily 10.00 a.m. - 8.00 p.m.
April, daily 10.00 a.m. - 9.00 p.m.
May and June, Sundays to Thursday 10.00 a.m. - 9.00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 10.00am - 9.30pm
July and August, daily 10.00 a.m. - 9.30 p.m.
September, daily 10.00 a.m. - 9.00 p.m.
By Tube:
The London Eye is located within easy walking distance from several London Underground stations: Waterloo, Embankment, Charing Cross and Westminster. Waterloo is the closest tube station to the London Eye; about five minutes walking distance. Exit the station and follow signs for the South Bank. Embankment and Charing Cross stations are close together on the north side of the River Thames. Both tube stations are a ten to fifteen minute walk away from the London Eye.
By Bus:
Buses to the London Eye include the 211, 77 and 381. The London Eye is on most London sightseeing bus tours and on the RV1 route that connects the London Eye to the Tate Modern and Covent Garden.
The London Eye hours of operation are:
October to March, daily 10.00 a.m. - 8.00 p.m.
April, daily 10.00 a.m. - 9.00 p.m.
May and June, Sundays to Thursday 10.00 a.m. - 9.00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 10.00am - 9.30pm
July and August, daily 10.00 a.m. - 9.30 p.m.
September, daily 10.00 a.m. - 9.00 p.m.
By Tube:
The London Eye is located within easy walking distance from several London Underground stations: Waterloo, Embankment, Charing Cross and Westminster. Waterloo is the closest tube station to the London Eye; about five minutes walking distance. Exit the station and follow signs for the South Bank. Embankment and Charing Cross stations are close together on the north side of the River Thames. Both tube stations are a ten to fifteen minute walk away from the London Eye.
By Bus:
Buses to the London Eye include the 211, 77 and 381. The London Eye is on most London sightseeing bus tours and on the RV1 route that connects the London Eye to the Tate Modern and Covent Garden.
Odds n' Ends
Items that can be taken on board The London Eye Ferris Wheel include briefcases, laptops, small day size rucksacks and bags (maximum size 18" x 13" x 8" or 46 cm x 33 cm x 20 cm), baby bags, buggies and pushchairs (must be folded down before joining the boarding queue), and drinking water.
Items that can not be taken on board The London Eye include large bags/suitcases or rucksacks, motorcycle helmets, skateboards and rollerblades, tripods (unless agreed in advance with the London Eye press office team), baby buggies which are fixed and can not be folded down (they can be left at the “buggy area” facility in the ticket hall for the duration of the ride).
Prohibited items include sharp objects or anything which may be considered a security risk, including penknives, scissors, metal nail files, and toy or replica guns. If such objects are found or declared they will be checked in and returned to you after your flight providing the item is legal in the UK.
Food and drink that is not provided by the London Eye. Restrictions apply to some types of film and photography equipment. Check out the official website for further London Eye information.
Items that can not be taken on board The London Eye include large bags/suitcases or rucksacks, motorcycle helmets, skateboards and rollerblades, tripods (unless agreed in advance with the London Eye press office team), baby buggies which are fixed and can not be folded down (they can be left at the “buggy area” facility in the ticket hall for the duration of the ride).
Prohibited items include sharp objects or anything which may be considered a security risk, including penknives, scissors, metal nail files, and toy or replica guns. If such objects are found or declared they will be checked in and returned to you after your flight providing the item is legal in the UK.
Food and drink that is not provided by the London Eye. Restrictions apply to some types of film and photography equipment. Check out the official website for further London Eye information.
Places to Eat
- Canteen
- The menu here reads like a comforting childhood reminiscence with some sophisticated bunting thrown on top. Devilled kidneys on toast, followed by an excellent slow-roast belly of pork, crowned by the apple crumble and custard would be a typical trail through the large and delightfully time-consuming menu. Canteen isn't just for full-on dining though; wake up to a bacon sandwich or relax in the afternoon with a pot of tea and some freshly baked biscuits. Cutting to the chase - there's a different roast every day - either lamb, beef, pork or chicken - served with a toothsome garnish of roast potatoes and veg, all bathed in lashings of thick, meaty gravy. The restaurant is - as the name suggests - set out in the canteen style, so beloved by the restaurateurs of the capital over the last few years. It's got an atmosphere for breakfast, gets bustling at lunchtime, remaining busy in the evening. The enthusiastic staff do an admirable job at keeping it ticking over, although sometimes you do have to wait a while for your food. A great place to bask in culinary nostalgia, or for visitors to uncover what traditional English cuisine is really made of - all at really affordable prices.
- Giraffe
- If you happen to be with the kids on the South Bank this summer this is a great little eatery in which to recharge their batteries. Located by the Royal Festival Hall, the restaurant is incredibly spacious and the whole place beams with warmth, colour and cheerfulness. They extend a gracious welcome to youngsters so this small chain is very popular among folk in search of child-friendly establishments. Flexible and generous opening hours mean busy parents can drop in for coffee, brunch or cocktails as well as meals. They've put together a special menu just for kids. Your ravenous tots can choose from fried or scrambled eggs, beans, veggie or pork sausages, chicken and fries or mash. They even throw in a juice and some yummy ice cream and only charge you £5.25 for the whole meal. It's very refreshing. If that doesn't take their fancy the restaurant has a mouth-watering selection of starters that make perfect meals for youngsters. The spicy chicken wings and the vegetarian mezze starter are particularly good options. However, the white chocolate and crushed Toblerone cheesecake is the real winner. The delicious dessert is made especially to suit the sensitive tastebuds of tots and teens.
Recommended Places to Stay
- The Mad-Hatter Hotel
- This city-center property is located in London, close to Royal National Theatre, Blackfriars Bridge, and Tate Modern. Also nearby are London Eye and Globe Theatre. The Mad Hatter Hotel has a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and a poolside bar. The property offers wireless Internet access. The staff can arrange wedding services and dry cleaning/laundry services. Additional amenities include a concierge desk, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and air conditioning in public areas. Amenities featured in guestrooms include coffee/tea makers and televisions. Business-friendly amenities include desks. Bathrooms provide shower/tub combos and hair dryers.
Additional Places to Stay Nearby
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London Eye The British Airways London Eye is the world's tallest observation wheel, with views over London from more than 442 feet (135 meters) in ...
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