One among London’s most recognizable and in style points of interest is the London Eye.
This monumental remark 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 actual fact, it is among the UK’s hottest paid points of interest.
We’ve ridden the London Eye quite a few instances on varied visits to London. The primary time was in 2015 and most lately in 2022. In the present day we’re going to share all the pieces it is advisable know to assist plan your go to.
We’ll cowl all the pieces from the best way to purchase tickets, the totally different experiences accessible on the London Eye, the best way to save money and time, and the best way to get one of the best pictures out of your go to.
London Eye Information
Earlier than we get into planning your London Eye go to, let’s cowl some historical past and details about this well-known London landmark.
What’s the London Eye?
The London Eye is a cantilevered remark wheel, or Ferris wheel. It’s 135 metres (443ft tall) and when it was constructed it was the tallest Ferris wheel on the earth.
Not like a daily Ferris wheel which usually seats 2 to 4 folks, the London Eye options 32 giant 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 affords guests improbable views from its remark pods.
Why was the London Eye Constructed?
The London Eye was constructed to mark the Millenium, and it was initially referred to as the Millenium Wheel.
It was function constructed as a vacationer attraction, and very like 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 present owned by Merlin Entertainments. It has partnered with quite a few corporations in sponsorship offers, which have included British Airways and Coca-Cola. The present sponsor is lastminute.com.
Attention-grabbing Information concerning the London Eye
The London Eye is the world’s tallest cantilevered remark wheel. There are bigger Ferris wheels, however none with a cantilevered design.
There may be actually some debate as as to whether 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 fantastic to discuss with it as such.
For those who have been questioning, a cantilevered design implies that it’s supported solely from one aspect, not like extra conventional Ferris Wheel designs which have helps on either side.
This design implies that it’s really suspended over the River Thames itself.
The London Eye was designed by husband-and-wife workforce 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 skin 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. Which means that 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 think about 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. Annually the London Eye rotates virtually 8,000 instances, overlaying over 2,000 miles!
From the highest, you may see as much as 40km (25 miles) on a transparent day, that means you may see all the way in which to Windsor Fortress in case you are fortunate.
The London Eye is a well-liked location for marriage ceremony proposals, with over 5,000 proposals to this point. Over 500 {couples} have even gotten married on board!
The London Eye can be no stranger to the silver display screen, 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 recognize extra concerning the London Eye, let’s have a look at some helpful info that will help 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 deal with 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 places in London.
In case you are already in central London, then it is likely to 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 simple 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 preferred 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.
You can too attain the London Eye by bicycle. There may be free cycle parking proper subsequent to the bottom of the London Eye right here.
We’d advocate in opposition to driving to the London Eye as a consequence of site visitors and the congestion cost. Nonetheless, in the event you do drive, the closest automotive parks are on the Q-Park in Westminster and on the Southbank Centre.
Typically the London Eye affords parking reductions at close by automotive parks, verify their web site right here for extra info.
When is the London Eye Open?
The London Eye is at present open from 11am till 6pm. These are the instances of the primary and final boarding home windows.
It’s open day-after-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 it’s best to verify the official web site for the most recent opening dates and instances.
How Lengthy is the London Eye Journey?
Formally, the London Eye journey lasts for half-hour. Nonetheless, your journey is likely to be barely longer or barely shorter than this. It’s because typically the journey 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 journey 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 journey time of half-hour might be correct.
What Are you able to See from the London Eye?
If you journey the London Eye you’ll attain a most peak of round 135 metres (443ft). This peak 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 after all rely upon the climate circumstances and air readability, however on a transparent day you may see as much as 25 miles (40km) from the highest.
Clearly, which means you may see rather a lot, nonetheless, the principle highlights that you will note will embody:
In fact, you may see much more as all of central London shall 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.
In order for you a information to assist clarify what you might be seeing, we advocate selecting up the 360-degree viewing information which is on the market for a small price (2 or 3 kilos once we visited) within the reward store earlier than your journey. It was included as a part of the VIP Champagne expertise journey once we did that.
There may be 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 ebook a ticket for a particular 15-minute window, which is the time you might be allowed to affix the queue, not the time your journey will begin.
Even with the timed entry system, you’ll nonetheless be a part of a line for safety and boarding.
Youngsters beneath 3 get free rides on the London Eye, however they nonetheless want a legitimate ticket to journey.
The place to Purchase London Eye Tickets
The best manner 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 it’s also possible to save by reserving on-line prematurely.
When reserving a ticket on-line, you may select to print your ticket at dwelling, accumulate it in individual from the self-service kiosks, or save your ticket to your cellular machine for show.
You can too purchase identical 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 workers have knowledgeable me which you could solely buy full worth identical day tickets on-site. So if you wish to save by reserving prematurely, or need to ebook prematurely normally, you will want to ebook on-line.
You can too purchase London Eye tickets by way of third social gathering websites corresponding to GetYourGuide right here. These are usually simply the usual and fast-track tickets and there isn’t the total vary of experiences. They do typically have the benefit of free cancellation as much as 24 hours prematurely of your go to.
Be aware that when shopping for a ticket by way of a third-party website, you don’t get an precise ticket you may journey with, as an alternative you get a reserving quantity. This must be exchanged for an official London Eye ticket on website, both on the ticket desk or on the self-service kiosk. Remember to give your self some further time to gather your ticket in the event you select this selection.
How A lot Does the London Eye Value?
Ticket costs for the London Eye differ. Usually, identical day tickets, and tickets for in style days (corresponding to weekends and holidays) are dearer in comparison with tickets booked prematurely and for much less in style days corresponding to weekdays.
There are three predominant ticket choices for the overall London Eye expertise. These are the usual ticket, the household ticket and the fast-track ticket.
There are additionally further premium experiences you may ebook for the London Eye, which we cowl in a separate part.
As you will note, in the event you ebook your ticket on-line at the least a day prematurely, you usually save round 10% in your ticket costs, aside from peak days.
No matter whether or not you might be visiting on a peak or off-peak day although, we nonetheless advocate reserving on-line prematurely right here as you’ll keep away from the frustration of turning up and discovering there is no such thing as a availability.
Value under are right as of September 2022, however do verify the official web site for the freshest pricing info and ticket choices.
Customary London Eye Ticket Value
The customary ticket is the fundamental ticket for the London Eye and grants you one 30-minute journey on the London Eye.
The entry is timed, with the ticket granting you entry to the London Eye customary queue on the timeslot you select.
You will need to keep in mind that your ticket time shouldn’t be your journey time, however the time you might be allowed to affix the road/queue.
So when planning your time in London, make sure you think about the queue time as effectively.
Customary identical day and peak day particular person entry for the London Eye is:
- £36 for adults (16+).
- £32.50 for youngsters ages 3-15.
- Free for youngsters beneath 3.
For those who ebook on-line prematurely, costs for non-peak days are as follows:
- £32.50 for adults (16+).
- £29.50 for youngsters ages 3-15.
- Free for youngsters beneath 3.
As famous, there are some exceptions for busier instances, when the costs would be the identical on-line and if reserving in individual.
Peak days differ, so you will want to verify costs on the web site to see in case your chosen day is a peak day. We’d nonetheless advocate reserving on-line to keep away from disappointment on the day.
Quick-Observe London Eye Ticket Value
The fast-track ticket affords the identical journey expertise as the usual ticket, however has the benefit of providing 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 ebook these tickets. The journey expertise is similar as customary ticket holders, and also you share the identical capsules. The one distinction is you’ll in all probability stand in line for much less time.
As with the usual ticket, the time you ebook is the time you may be a part of the road, not the time of your precise journey, which can differ relying on the size of the road.
Quick-track costs additionally differ relying on the day you go to and once you ebook.
Identical day and peak day fast-track entry for the London Eye is:
- £51 for adults (16+).
- £46 for youngsters ages 3-15.
- Free for youngsters beneath 3.
Advance fast-track tickets for non-peak days value as follows:
- £46 for adults (16+).
- £41.50 for youngsters ages 3-15.
- Free for youngsters beneath 3.
The London Eye additionally affords what is called a flexi quick monitor ticket. This lets you flip up at any time in your chosen day, providing you with extra flexibility over once you journey.
These tickets value £55 for adults, £48.50 for youngsters aged 3-15 and are free for youngsters beneath 3. These tickets can solely be booked on-line.
Household London Eye Customary Ticket
The household London Eye ticket affords the identical expertise as the usual ticket, in that you just be a part of the usual ticket queue. Nonetheless, it affords households a less expensive possibility.
In case you are visiting with at the least two kids aged 3-15, this ticket possibility will possible prevent cash. The household tickets value as follows:
- £26 per grownup (minimal of 1 grownup)
- £26 per baby (3-15) (minimal of two kids on this age vary)
- Free for youngsters beneath 3.
These costs are at present the identical when reserving on-line for each identical day and future dates, and for each peak and off-peak, though after all 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 possibility. For those who have been visiting with 2 adults and a pair of kids ages 3-15, you’ll save £20 on the entire off-peak worth, and much more if visiting peak or identical day.
Be aware that typically the London Eye household ticket reserving window doesn’t have the choice so as to add a toddler beneath 3, regardless of the web site stating that they want a ticket.
On this case, you will want to go to this web page to ebook a timeslot for the London Eye. Right here you can be offered with the choice to ebook a timeslot for a person, or for a kid beneath 3. Barely confusingly, at this level it is advisable ebook for a person as once we final checked the web site didn’t enable for reserving a timeslot for an beneath 3 on their very own.
I confirmed with the London Eye that that is the right process for including a toddler beneath three to a household ticket if it doesn’t present on the household ticket web page.
VIP London Eye Experiences
In addition to the overall tickets, there are usually quite a few premium experiences which you could ebook on the London Eye.
These are the Champagne Expertise, the Non-public Pod, and the Cupid Pod.
We’ll undergo every of those and canopy what they value and what they embody.
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 chill out 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 (smooth drinks additionally accessible, and served to these beneath 18).
- quick monitor boarding by way of 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.
Be aware that the pod shouldn’t be shared with common ticket holders, so if reserving as a bunch be sure to all get the identical ticket sorts with the intention to journey collectively. An individual with a normal 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 beneath 3. Simply you should definitely ebook them a free ticket once you ebook your champagne expertise.
We actually loved the champagne expertise once we did it, and it was by far our favorite London Eye expertise.
We additionally suppose it affords good worth particularly in comparison with the fast-track ticket possibility because it consists of fast-track and a hosted expertise in addition to a glass of Champagne.
Non-public Pod
You’ll be able to rent a complete personal pod for between 2 and 25 folks. This might make for a enjoyable group celebration possibility, and for bigger teams particularly it’s fairly a cheap possibility. A non-public pod consists of:
- unique entry to a pod for two – 25 folks
- fast-track boarding
- the choice to order foods and drinks (further price applies)
You aren’t allowed to carry your personal alcohol onto the pod. A non-public pod on the London Eye prices £625 for a bunch. Teams should have a minimal of two friends over 18, however can in any other case include adults and kids.
If there are solely two of you, a extra enjoyable and cost-effective possibility although can be the Cupid Pod.
Cupid Pod
In case you are in search of the last word romantic London Eye expertise for 2, think about reserving the Cupid’s Pod bundle. This can be a couple’s expertise, and consists of:
- a non-public pod for 2 friends (should be 18 or older)
- A bottle of champagne
- A field of luxurious chocolate
- A private host on your rotation
- Precedence boarding
A Cupid Pod bundle prices £470, which we expect makes it a very good worth possibility in comparison with the personal pod possibility if there are solely two of you. This might positively be a good selection for a special day.
Are you able to Cancel or Reschedule a London Eye Ticket?
Tickets for the London Eye bought by way of the official web site are non-refundable.
For those who would favor to buy a refundable ticket, these are usually accessible on GetYourGuide right here, though do verify the circumstances earlier than buying to make sure.
Be aware that when shopping for a ticket by way of a 3rd social gathering these have to be exchanged for an official London Eye ticket on website, both on the ticket desk or on the self-service kiosk, so you should definitely give your self loads of time in the event you select this selection.
If you are going to buy a normal, quick monitor or household ticket by way of the official web site, you may change the time on-line after reserving, as much as 24 hours earlier than your journey.
For those who ebook a premium expertise corresponding to a Non-public Pod or Champagne Expertise, these can’t be managed on-line. If it is advisable change these bookings, you will want to contact customer support.
Are you able to Improve a London Eye Ticket?
Sure, it’s doable to improve some London Eye tickets.
If you find yourself onsite you may improve from a normal ticket to a fast-track ticket. After we checked in 2022, the value of this improve was £10. To do that, you will want to go to the ticket workplace.
This improve really works out barely cheaper than simply reserving a fast-track ticket on-line, nonetheless there’s a threat of there not being availability, so we’d not advocate counting on this.
You can too do a refund and rebook of a normal ticket to a quick monitor ticket, whereby you might be refunded the total quantity of the usual ticket and also you then pay for a fast-track ticket. You are able to do this prematurely of your go to by contacting customer support.
If you wish to improve to the Champagne Expertise from a normal or quick monitor ticket, that is additionally doable nonetheless it additionally includes refunding the unique ticket and shopping for a brand new ticket. This may be executed on-site or on-line with customer support.
All ticket upgrades are topic to availability after all. We’d typically advocate simply reserving the ticket kind you might be most excited about 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 differ relying on the time of yr and the time of day. The official web site states that queue instances for normal entry might be as much as 45 minutes, while quick monitor is round quarter-hour.
When we’ve visited, we’ve usually not queued for greater than 15 to twenty minutes for normal entry, and usually solely 5 to 10 minutes for quick monitor. Nonetheless we’ve not visited in the course of the busiest instances when the strains might be for much longer.
Can You Skip the Line on the London Eye?
In case you have not purchased a ticket, or have purchased a ticket from a 3rd social gathering, 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 workers.
So as to skip the ticket line we advocate reserving your ticket on-line prematurely from the official website right here.
After getting your precise boarding ticket, you may be a 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; nonetheless, the fast-track ticket line is sort of all the time sooner as fewer folks have these tickets. In fact, you might 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 is likely to be questioning if there are discounted tickets accessible for the London Eye.
First, you may usually get monetary savings by reserving on-line prematurely on the official web site right here. Typically, these tickets are one of the best worth possibility. Households can even save with the household ticket.
One other manner it can save you is in case you are visiting London by practice, and you’ll reap the benefits of the 2FOR1 provide from Nationwide Rail. This may permit you to ebook two customary grownup tickets for a complete of £36, or the equal of £18 every. Verify the web site for phrases and circumstances, in addition to exclusions.
In case you are a scholar, it can save you as much as 35% with the London Eye scholar low cost. Data is on the market right here on how to do this.
One other manner it can save you on London Eye tickets is to purchase a multi-attraction ticket or move which incorporates the London Eye. That is solely a good suggestion in the event you have been already planning to go to the opposite points of interest. In that case, you may positively save by shopping for in a bundle.
For instance, you may ebook:
We cowl the passes that embody the London Eye within the subsequent part.
Passes which embody the London Eye
For those who plan on visiting quite a few sights when in London, you then would possibly be capable of get monetary savings with a multi-attraction move. These usually embody quite a few points of interest, and the value of the move is often lower than shopping for particular person entry.
In fact, these passes will solely prevent cash in the event you go to the included points of interest. It’s additionally essential to verify precisely what they embody, the best way to use the passes and if there are any exclusions prior to buy.
The principle passes we’re conscious of which embody the London Eye are the next.
- Large Metropolis Saver Cross. This move is on the market in quite a few variations, overlaying as much as 5 premium points of interest in London. These points of interest embody Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, London Dungeon, Shrek’s Journey, and naturally the London Eye.
- London Metropolis Cross. This move consists of the Tower of London, London Eye, 24 hour hop on hop off river cruise, and a London strolling tour audioguide.
- Merlin Annual Cross – For those who plan on visiting quite a few points of interest throughout the UK, then the Merlin Annual Cross is likely to be a very good possibility. This consists of practically 30 points of interest, together with the London Eye, Alton Towers, Legoland, London Dungeon, and Warwick Fortress. That is in all probability finest suited for individuals who stay within the UK.
Be aware that the London Cross, which is one among our favorite passes for London, doesn’t at present embody the London Eye.
Is the London Eye Value It?
The London Eye is actually a premium attraction in London, so that you would possibly 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 Possibility Value It?
You is likely to 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, corresponding to in the course of the summer time season, faculty holidays. public holidays or weekends, then you’ll more than likely save fairly a little bit of time with a quick monitor move, in all probability at the least half an hour if no more.
Nonetheless, in case you are 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 in case you are already contemplating the quick monitor possibility, you then would possibly as an alternative think about the Champagne Expertise. This isn’t much more costly, however comes with quite a few further advantages that we expect makes it price contemplating.
Is the London Eye Champagne Expertise Value It?
We’ve ridden the London Eye quite a few instances, and our favorite journey to this point was positively the Champagne Expertise.
While that is dearer than the usual and fast-track choices, it positively felt extra particular.
One of many predominant causes for this was that it was a hosted expertise. Our host met us within the London Eye lounge, escorted us by way of the fast-track space, and rode with us on the journey.
In addition to the advantages of fast-track entry, we additionally obtained to get pleasure from a glass of champagne, and our host was capable of inform us issues concerning the London Eye and what we have been seeing. He was additionally very glad to take photographs of us.
General, we extremely advocate contemplating the Champagne Expertise in case your finances stretches to it, particularly in the event you have been already contemplating the fast-track expertise.
Amenities on the London Eye
The London Eye has the next amenities accessible on-site:
- Child altering amenities
- Bogs (together with accessible bathrooms)
- Free WiFi
- Reward 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 customary ticket holders.
When we’ve visited, they usually verify inside baggage and use a safety wand to scan your physique. Nonetheless, safety practices can change over time so this will likely differ.
They’re typically in search of sharp objects like knives that are clearly not permitted on board. The complete listing of prohibited objects might be discovered right here, and consists of:
- giant baggage 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 widespread sense restrictions we really feel, however it’s price being conscious of what’s and isn’t allowed to make sure you don’t get caught out.
We advocate not bringing lots of stuff with you in the event you may also help it to make sure that safety goes as shortly and easily as doable.
Pushchairs and strollers that may be accomplished folded down are allowed contained in the pods. However they have to 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 entry on their web site right here.
There may be step-free entry to the London Eye, and ramps are offered 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 ebook a particular wheelchair slot along with reserving their customary ticket.
Reserving the wheelchair slot is free and might be executed right here. This permits the London Eye to make sure no-one is disillusioned on the day because of the limitation on the variety of wheelchairs per pod. Wheelchair customers can even ebook a free carer ticket right here.
All customers should queue to board the London Eye. Nonetheless you probably have restricted mobility or problem standing you may request assisted boarding with the onsite workforce 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 huge baggage, suitcases, and different outsized objects aren’t 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 advocate not bringing your baggage to the London Eye, and leaving it along with your resort of their safe baggage space if doable.
What Time of Day is Greatest 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’ve visited we’ve observed that the London Eye is busier within the mornings and fewer busy within the afternoons.
Nonetheless, this can differ relying on the day and time of yr, so we’d not advocate basing your go to time completely on these observations!
What we really feel is extra essential to think about is when to go to primarily based on one of the best circumstances for getting one of the best views and photographs.
Clearly, you do want to think about the climate circumstances, because the views are finest when it’s sunny. So if the forecast is for rain within the morning and solar within the afternoon, you then would possibly need to ebook for the afternoon.
In fact, climate forecasts aren’t all the time correct, and once you ebook prematurely you won’t know what the climate goes to be like.
Our total suggestion is that the morning or late afternoon are one of the best instances to go to the London Eye. The perfect time will rely upon the time of yr, and likewise the opening hours.
For those who go to within the morning, then the solar shall 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.
For those who 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 suggests it is going to set throughout the Thames within the path of Westminster. A sundown from the London Eye is a very stunning expertise in case you are fortunate to get a very good one.
In fact, sundown instances within the UK differ, from round 9.30pm in summer time 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 doable. On this case, we’d advocate a morning go to for one of the best 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 time.
Nonetheless, the road for the London Eye shouldn’t be enclosed, and solely a small a part of it’s lined. So you’ll want to gown appropriately for the climate as you might want to face open air 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, aside from bottled water. Consuming or consuming on the pods shouldn’t be permitted.
For those who ebook the Champagne Expertise, this can embody Champagne or a smooth drink, as does the Cupid’s Pod expertise.
For those who ebook a non-public pod expertise, you may pay further for foods and drinks as effectively. Particulars of the choices shall be despatched to you after reserving.
Is Pictures Allowed on the London Eye?
Sure, images is allowed on the London Eye for private use. Cameras and smartphones are permitted, however tripods {and professional} video cameras aren’t.
For those who want to do promotional filming, permission should be sought prematurely.
Be aware that two photographs 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 preferred attraction, however there’s tons extra to do in London.
In actual fact, 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 beneath the London Eye. It can save you by shopping for a mix ticket that features the London Eye, or you may ebook 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 Large Metropolis Saver Cross which may embody 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 youngsters 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 Large Metropolis Saver Cross which may embody the London Eye.
- SEA Life Centre London Aquarium. Additionally simply a few minutes’ stroll from the London Eye, this aquarium affords a spread of aquatic displays. Tickets might be purchased individually or it can save you with a multi-attraction Large Metropolis Saver Cross which may embody 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 Large Metropolis Saver Cross which may embody 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 recent nursing. There’s a small price 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 in the course of 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 referred to as 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 historical cathedral is open for guests and an entrance price applies for vacationer visits
- Churchill Battle Rooms – throughout World Battle 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’s an entrance price to go to.
In fact, there are numerous extra points of interest inside simple 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.
Options to the London Eye
You is likely to be questioning if there are any options to the London Eye. In all honesty, there is no such thing as a good direct alternative for the London Eye. Definitely there is no such thing as a different large remark wheel expertise, which affords you views from the underside to the highest of your journey.
There’s additionally nothing equal within the close by space that might provide you with such sweeping views up and down the River Thames and of the Homes of Parliament.
Nonetheless, in the event you needed some different views of London, then think about the next:
- The Shard. The tallest constructing within the UK, with an remark 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’ve visited and might positively advocate for the good metropolis views. You want a ticket to go to.
- Sky Backyard. Virtually immediately reverse the Shard on the north aspect of the river Thames, the Sky Backyard is an efficient free viewing platform on the forty third ground. It affords wonderful sundown views particularly. Nonetheless, it is extremely in style and the free tickets go very quick
- Tate Trendy. 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 ground which affords 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 price applies.
As you may see, there are fairly just a few places for getting a view, however in our opinion, the London Eye is effectively definitely worth the go to!
The place to Keep Close to the London Eye
The London Eye could be very central, and there are numerous inns inside simple strolling distance of it. We’d advocate studying our full information to the place to remain in London for some ideas. Nonetheless, some close by inns we advocate are the next.
These are all inside a 10-15 minute stroll of the London Eye, and are ordered roughly by finances from low to excessive.
- Walrus Bar and Hostel – simply 8 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye, this hostel affords each shared and personal lodging. There’s additionally a shared kitchen, bar, and free WiFi.
- Level A Lodge London – This finances resort is a 10-minute stroll from the London Eye. We’ve stayed right here; the rooms are tiny however clear and it’s a fantastic finances possibility, with air-conditioned rooms, black out curtains, and free WiFi.
- Park Plaza County Corridor – this can be a well-priced resort simply 6 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye. We’ve stayed right here lately and located the rooms snug and the workers environment friendly and pleasant. A number 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 resort is a 13-minute stroll to the London Eye. En-suite air-conditioned rooms are of a very good 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* resort 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 Lodge County Corridor – it might be laborious to discover a resort nearer to the London Eye than this Marriott – among the pods move inside metres of the rooms right here (so you should definitely draw curtains once you need privateness)! In addition to superb proximity to the London Eye, many rooms enable for pretty views of the Homes of Parliament and an expensive 5* expertise
- The Savoy – this world well-known 5* resort affords true luxurious, and it’s simply 13 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye. En-suite rooms characteristic marble loos, air con and tea/espresso making amenities. There are additionally top-rated eating places on website.
As you may see there are many choices! You’ll be able to take a look at much more inns close to the London Eye on reserving.com right here.
London Eye Pictures Suggestions
As an expert photographer I needed to share some ideas for taking photographs, each at and of the London Eye. Hopefully these allow you to get some pretty photographs to recollect your go to.
Pictures from the London Eye
The London Eye affords fantastic images alternatives throughout most of central London.
The principle problem you should 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 digicam lens as near the glass as doable, which can minimise reflections.
In order for you a extra superior resolution, there are lens hoods accessible for telephones and cameras which go up in opposition to 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 could cause distortions in your pictures, so ideally attempt to shoot by way of the flatter components of the glass. This will likely require you to kneel all the way down to the decrease components of the capsules.
By way of images 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 the direction of the top of the journey you can be nearer to them. In case you are in search of a pleasant selfie or photograph of these you might be driving with, I’d recommend the Homes of Parliament make a very good backdrop.
Usually when taking photographs of your self I’d advocate 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 doable.
For those who occur to journey the London Eye when it’s getting darkish or already darkish, then be sure to disable your digicam flash if capturing topics outdoors the capsule. It’s going to simply mirror again from the capsule glass and spoil the photograph, and it isn’t going to have adequate energy to light up the world outdoors anyway!
The place to {Photograph} the London Eye From
In addition to making for a fantastic location to take pictures from, the London Eye itself makes for a photogenic images topic.
There are just a few places the place I’d advocate taking photographs 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. This can be a good location at each sundown and dawn, in addition to at night time when the attention is illuminated.
This could work effectively with lengthy publicity images because the motion of the Eye could make some good mild trails.
In order for you extra up shut photographs of the London Eye, then one of the best place is probably going proper subsequent to it. Photographs of the help construction are additionally fairly fascinating, with the main strains taking your eye naturally alongside the help cables to the principle physique of the wheel.
One other good location for images of the London Eye is Westminster Bridge. This affords a aspect 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 will also be a very good alternative to border the London Eye with a crimson bus for instance, one other iconic London sight.
For those who plan on taking a River Thames cruise, these all move by the London Eye and provide nice views.
Lastly, in the event you occur to ebook a close-by resort to the London Eye, this may additionally work as a very good possibility for views. Good examples embody 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 increased than their different rooms.
Our Expertise Visiting the London Eye
Now that it’s best to know all the pieces it is advisable know to plan your go to to the London Eye, I’m going to briefly share our experiences visiting the London Eye.
We’ve really visited the London Eye on quite a few events, doing each the usual entry and the champagne expertise. I’ll cowl each, beginning with our most up-to-date customary entry.
Customary Entry Expertise
We’ve executed 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 website 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.
After we arrived, there was a reasonably brief 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 may see from the photographs, are very spacious. You by no means really feel crowded and there’s loads of room to maneuver round and for everybody to get a fantastic view. There may be additionally seating within the centre of the pod space.
The Eye rotates counter-clockwise (as you have 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 easy, 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 provides pretty views of the Homes of Parliament, in addition to upriver to places 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 photographs as you’ll think about, and earlier than you knew it our journey was coming to the top. Close to the top of the journey your photograph is taken by an automatic digicam setup.
That is introduced clearly previous to it occurring, and there are places 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 journey 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 slightly totally different, as you must check-in on the particular VIP experiences desk. We did this, our names have been checked in opposition to a listing, 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 journey 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 which you could buy when you are ready.
Within the lounge we met our host Arnie and we chatted a bit with him. We requested just a few questions concerning 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 by way of 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 stated that sometimes folks did flip up with a mixture of tickets, and the consequence was disappointment that they weren’t capable of journey collectively. So when reserving tickets, we positively advocate 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 besides, and actually helped to create a enjoyable and relaxed surroundings on board. He additionally set to work pouring Champagne into glasses. He additionally provided everybody the choice to have juice or soda as an alternative in the event that they most well-liked.
Because the London Eye began to rise and folk began to take a lot of photographs, Arnie additionally identified what we have been seeing, and handed out Champagne. He additionally provided to take photographs of everybody, and actually went above and past to make sure everybody obtained a fantastic photograph.
The climate was fantastic for our journey, with sunshine and delightful blue skies. We have been pleasantly shocked because it had been grey and overcast once we had arrived earlier.
The journey itself lasted just below half-hour, however it felt a lot shorter. The climate was fairly heat once we visited, however fortunately the pods local weather management meant it was very snug.
On the finish of the journey we thanked Arnie for his wonderful internet hosting, and disembarked.
General we actually loved the Champagne Expertise. We hadn’t fairly recognized what to anticipate, and the mix of the wonderful host, comparatively small group, and private consideration made it really feel actually particular. The glass of Champagne actually helped too!
London Eye Suggestions for Visiting
We’ve famous quite a few ideas and items of recommendation all through the article. I simply needed to listing right here among the extra essential ideas so as to benefit from your go to to the London Eye.
- E book prematurely immediately on-line right here to economize and for one of the best availability
- Be sure that everybody in your group books the identical sort of ticket to make sure it is possible for you to to journey collectively in the identical pod
- If touring with a toddler age 3 or youthful, they’ll journey free of charge however you continue to have to ebook them a ticket
- For those who 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 Large Metropolis Saver move
- Keep in mind that the time in your ticket is the time try to be there to affix the road. It’s NOT your boarding time. So you should definitely enable sufficient time in your itinerary to attend in line and the half-hour for the journey itself.
- Remember to verify the safety restrictions and to go away your baggage and any restricted objects at your resort to keep away from slowdowns and having objects confiscated by safety.
- There isn’t a commentary or signage on the pods themselves. For these wanting extra details about what you might be seeing in the course of the journey, you would possibly think about buying a viewing wheel from the reward store earlier than your journey or utilizing a mapping app in your telephone
- We advocate reserving on a day with a very good climate forecast if doable. This offers you one of the best views and photographs from the pods.
- Get pleasure from your self and take a lot of photographs!
Additional Studying for Visiting London
That’s it for our full information to visiting the London Eye! We hope you discovered it helpful that will help you determine on one of the best property on your journey to the town.
We’ve additionally obtained quite a few different assets that will help you plan your journey to London and the UK normally which we expect you’ll discover helpful.
- We’ve detailed itineraries for 1 day in London, 2 days in London, 3 days in London and 6 days in London
- We’ve 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 the event you’re right here for greater than a day. See our information to the place to remain in London for some recommendations throughout all budgets.
- For those who plan on doing a lot sightseeing within the metropolis, you’ll possible get monetary savings with a London Cross. See our full London Cross overview right here to see if this would possibly prevent cash on sightseeing.
- We’ve a information to getting round London, and a information to utilizing the Oyster card in London.
- For those who’re flying into one among London’s six airports, see our information to attending to London from the airport.
- We’ve an in depth information to what to pack for London, that will help you put together on 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 needed to focus extra on a particular area of the town
- For those who get pleasure from army museums, check out our information to London’s finest army 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 an even bigger journey
- For finances 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 concept of a totally guided day
- Ideas on visiting Stonehenge from London as a day journey
- Different good day journeys from London embody 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’ve 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’ve an in depth information to the finest option to get from London to Paris that will help you plan
- The Eyewitness Journey Information to London, which has all types of knowledge inside, together with extra itineraries and concepts on your journey
- Rick Steve’s London information, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK journey guides, and all the time a superb supply of related info
And that’s it! We hope you discovered our information to visiting the London Eye useful, and as all the time, you probably have any questions, simply pop them within the feedback and we’ll reply them as quickly as we are able to!
So you recognize: On one among our rides, the corporate gave us a pair of complimentary customary tickets for the London Eye to expertise the usual journey 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.