The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, is the most popular paid attraction in the United Kingdom. In fact, over three million visit it every year.
It was built in 1999 on the South Bank of the river Thames in London. It’s near the London Aquarium and the London Dungeons.
During its opening in 2000, it was the world’s tallest Ferris wheel. It has been surpassed since then by other Ferris wheels across the globe like the Star of Nanchang, Singapore Flyer, and High Roller (Las Vegas).
Still, it’s Europe’s tallest cantilevered (supported on only one side) observation wheel. It stands at 135 metres (443 ft) tall with a diameter of 120 metres (394 ft).
If you want to get a panoramic bird’s-eye view of London that reaches up to 25 kilometres in all directions, the London Eye is definitely worth a visit. You can also get to see other attractions like the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace from this vantage point.
In this article, we answer a lot of frequently asked questions about this attraction. So if you’re planning to visit this attraction, here’s everything you need to know.
What’s the history of the London Eye?
The London Eye was built in 1999 to celebrate the new millennium. It was then opened on the 31st of December in 1999 by then Prime Minister, Tony Blair.
The idea for the London Eye was actually an entry in a competition in 1993 suggesting a new landmark to commemorate the turn of the century.
How long does a ride at the London Eye take?
The ride takes 30 minutes. The London Eye operates at a speed of 0.6 miles per hour.
How long do you have to wait in line?
Do take note that you may have to queue for around 45 minutes if you’re a Standard ticket holder, and 20 minutes if you avail of the Fast Track ticket. So make sure to be near the area at least an hour before your scheduled time.
How much does it cost for a ticket to the London Eye?
Here are the prices of tickets for your reference:
| Ticket | Price |
| Standard Ticket | £36.00 |
| Fast Track Ticket | £51.00 |
| Family Standard Ticket | £26.00 |
| London Eye + River Cruise | £43.00 |
| London Eye + Madame Tussauds | £50.00 |
For booking tickets, go here.
What do we do if we have pre-booked tickets but suddenly can’t make it?
You can re-validate tickets so you can visit on another date. Their booking guarantee allows you to do this up to five times, with the flexibility to move bookings up to 24 hours before your visit.
You can change your ticket via the London Eye’s booking portal. You can access that here.
Can you just turn up to the London Eye?
You can, however you may have to pay more for your ticket and you might succumb to long waiting times.
What is the age limit for the London Eye?
Do take note that children 15 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 years or older when going for a ride at the London Eye. Children aged 2 and under can also be on board free of charge.
Just make sure to get a ticket for entry that can be collected from the Ticket Office.
What is the experience like?
You’ll experience the wonderful 360 degree view of London and its famous landmarks. It’s one of the best tourist experiences in the city for a reason.
You’ll enjoy the gradual rotation of the glass pod as it gives you an ever changing perspective of the city.
If you’re scared of heights, aeroplanes, glass elevators, or glass floors, it may seem daunting to be up at the London Eye. However, a lot of people claim that once you’re inside one of the capsules, you’ll feel very secure and safe.
What can you see from the London Eye?
If you go on the London Eye, you’ll see the following landmarks and attractions. See this list below:
- Big Ben
- Buckingham Palace
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Houses of Parliament
- Westminster Abbey
- The Tate Museum
- Tower Bridge
- The Shard
- Thames River
- Jubilee Garden
What can I bring with me to the London Eye?
If you’re wondering what you’re allowed to take with you as you go on board the London Eye, here’s a list for your reference:
- Small day size rucksacks and bags (maximum size 18″ x 13″ x 8″ or 46cm x 33cm x 20cm)
- Briefcases
- Baby bags
- Laptops
- Buggies and pushchairs provided that they’re folded prior to boarding
- Drinking water
- Cameras (Take note: Recording devices and tripods are not allowed.)
What am I not allowed to bring with me to the London Eye?
Now, here’s a list of the things you shouldn’t bring with you when you go to the London Eye.
- Baby buggies that cannot be folded down
- Tripods
- Sharp objects such as penknives, scissors, metal nail files, toy or replica guns
- Knives
- Explosives such as fireworks
- Tasers
- Baseball bats
- Guns
- Alcohol (Unless provided by Management)
- Pepper sprays
- Screwdrivers and spanners
- Pets (Unless a service animal)
- Prams
- Bicycles
- Skateboards
- Scooters
Are you allowed to bring food to the London Eye?
Bottled water is allowed onto the London Eye. You’re not allowed to have food however.
Alcohol is also not allowed unless you are partaking in the Champagne Experience, which is one the programs the London Eye has.
You also have to be with one of their Champagne hosts at the time.
If you’re not allowed to eat on the London Eye, where should you eat beforehand?
Since you can’t eat on the London Eye, we listed down some of the best restaurants you can check out near the attraction. You can have a bite to eat there before your scheduled time or enjoy a meal after.
- All Bar One Waterloo – This is a modern chain bar serving some cocktails, beer, wine, and sharing plates.
- Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar- This is an old-world hotel restaurant serving steak and alcohol.
- La Cucina Di Mamma- This is a continental bar style restaurant serving pizza and pasta.
- Troia Southbank Charcoal Kebab Kitchen- In the mood for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine? This place is for you.
- Okan South Bank- This charming Japanese restaurant is a must-visit for sure. Its laid back interior will make you want to relax as you eat.
- The Library at County Hall- This is for light bites and afternoon tea.
- Tokyo Bakery- This is another good place if you’re in the mood for Japanese food.
- Bao Fa Garden Restaurant and Bar– This is a fantastic Chinese restaurant with a beautiful view of the river serving great food from Beijing.
- Neds Noodle Bar- If you’re craving for Thai takeaway or different sauces over noodles, this lovable restaurant is a good bet.
How many glass capsules does the London Eye have?
In total, there are 32 capsules on the London Eye. They represent the 32 London Boroughs.
Weighing around 10-tonnes, each of these capsules can hold up to 25 people. The glass capsules are air-conditioned.
Each of the capsules are numbered from 1-12 and 14-32. There is no number 13 for superstitious reasons.
Does the London Eye have seats?
There is a provided bench in the centre of the pod. However seating is available on a first come first served basis.
Does the London Eye wobble?
The London Eye rotates around like a bicycle wheel, but take note that it’s motorised. Given that, there might be a slight wobble but there’s nothing to worry about.
Does the London Eye have glass floors?
No, it has solid floors so you can’t see through them. However the glass does come down to floor level.
Is the London Eye heated?
The glass pods are enclosed and climate controlled so you can enjoy it no matter what the weather is.
Does the London Eye light up at night?
Yes, it lights up at night. The lights are mostly red because it’s sponsored by Coca-Cola but it does change colours.
Do people propose at the London Eye?
More than 5000 people have gotten engaged at the London Eye since its opening in 2000. You can also do the same if ever.
If you want to propose in a private capsule, it will cost around £360, and it comes with champagne.
That concludes our article on everything you want to know about visiting the London Eye. We hope we were able to help tourists, foreign exchange students, and even immigrants as they travel across London.
Did we miss out on anything? If you have any questions, let us know in the comments below!
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