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Considered one of London’s most recognizable and standard points of interest is the London Eye.
This huge commentary wheel has been offering guests with great views throughout London because the flip of the millennium, and is simply as standard as we speak because it was then. In truth, it is without doubt one of 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 just lately in 2022. In the present day we’re going to share all the things it’s good to know to assist plan your go to.
We’ll cowl all the things from the best way to purchase tickets, the totally different experiences obtainable 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 commentary wheel, or Ferris wheel. It’s 135 metres (443ft tall) and when it was constructed it was the tallest Ferris wheel on this planet.
Not like a daily Ferris wheel which usually seats 2 to 4 folks, the London Eye options 32 giant pods, every of which might 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 provides guests incredible 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 function constructed as a vacationer attraction, and very like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, it was not truly meant to be a everlasting set up.
Nevertheless, resulting from its recognition, it was given everlasting standing in July 2002, solely two years after it began working.
The London Eye is presently 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 commentary wheel. There are bigger Ferris wheels, however none with a cantilevered design.
There may be the truth is some debate as as to if or not the cantilevered design truly 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 nice to confer with it as such.
In the event you had 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 each side.
This design signifies that it’s truly suspended over the River Thames itself.
The London Eye was designed by husband-and-wife staff 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 when it comes to 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 at all times stay degree.
There are 32 capsules, every of which might maintain as much as 25 passengers. Because of this as much as 800 folks may be on the London Eye at anyone time, or 1,600 per hour. Capsules are numbered from 1-33, with no capsule numbered 13 as some would take into account 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, that means you possibly can see all the way in which to Windsor Citadel in case you are fortunate.
The London Eye is a well-liked location for marriage ceremony proposals, with over 5,000 proposals so far. Over 500 {couples} have even gotten married on board!
The London Eye can also 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 realize 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 handle is Riverside Constructing, County Corridor, London, SE1 7PB.
The London Eye is a couple of five-minute stroll from Westminster Bridge, and 10 minutes from the Homes of Parliament.
The right way to Get to the London Eye?
The London Eye may be very centrally positioned and is straightforward to get to from most areas in London.
If you’re already in central London, then it is perhaps 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 also be simple to achieve 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 companies.
From Waterloo practice station it’s round a 5-minute stroll to the London Eye.
The London Eye can also be a preferred cease for many Hop on Hop off buses in London, with buses stopping a couple of couple minutes’ stroll from the London Eye.
If you’re 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 suggest towards driving to the London Eye resulting from visitors and the congestion cost. Nevertheless, when you do drive, the closest automotive parks are on the Q-Park in Westminster and on the Southbank Centre.
Typically the London Eye provides parking reductions at close by automotive parks, test their web site right here for extra info.
When is the London Eye Open?
The London Eye is presently open from 11am till 6pm. These are the instances of the primary and final boarding home windows.
It’s open daily 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 is best to test the official web site for the newest opening dates and instances.
Word: As a result of dying of Her Majesty the Queen, the London Eye will probably be closed on the nineteenth September 2022, the date of the state funeral.
How Lengthy is the London Eye Experience?
Formally, the London Eye experience lasts for half-hour. Nevertheless, your experience is perhaps barely longer or barely shorter than this. It’s because typically the experience pauses, particularly when serving to these with accessibility wants on and off the capsules.
On a current 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 median 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’ll get an unbelievable view of nearly all of London.
How far it is possible for you to to see will in fact rely upon the climate circumstances and air readability, however on a transparent day you possibly can see as much as 25 miles (40km) from the highest.
Clearly, which means you possibly can see so much, nonetheless, 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 have the ability to see.
A few notable London landmarks that you just received’t have the ability to 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 suggest choosing up the 360-degree viewing information which is accessible for a small charge (2 or 3 kilos once we visited) within the reward store earlier than your experience. It was included as a part of the VIP Champagne expertise experience once we did that.
There may be nothing contained in the capsule when it comes to indicators or audio to stipulate the view. In earlier years there was an app however that is not obtainable.
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 selected 15-minute window, which is the time you might be 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 beneath 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 best approach to purchase London Eye tickets is on-line on the official web site right here. This web site has your best option of tickets, and you may also save by reserving on-line upfront.
When reserving a ticket on-line, you possibly can select to print your ticket at dwelling, accumulate it in individual from the self-service kiosks, or save your ticket to your cell 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.
Nevertheless, London Eye workers have knowledgeable me which you can solely buy full worth identical day tickets on-site. So if you wish to save by reserving upfront, or need to ebook upfront basically, you will have to ebook on-line.
You can too purchase London Eye tickets through third occasion 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 upfront of your go to.
Word that when shopping for a ticket through a third-party website, you don’t get an precise ticket you possibly can experience with, as a substitute 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. You should definitely give your self some additional time to gather your ticket when 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 standard days (corresponding to weekends and holidays) are dearer in comparison with tickets booked upfront and for much less standard days corresponding to weekdays.
There are three major 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 ebook for the London Eye, which we cowl in a separate part.
As you will notice, when you ebook your ticket on-line a minimum of a day upfront, you usually save round 10% in your ticket costs, apart from peak days.
No matter whether or not you might be 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.
Value under are appropriate as of September 2022, however do test the official web site for the freshest pricing info and ticket choices.
Normal London Eye Ticket Value
The usual ticket is the essential 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.
You will need to do not forget that your ticket time will not be your experience time, however the time you might be allowed to affix the road/queue.
So when planning your time in London, make sure you take into account the queue time as nicely.
Normal 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.
In the event you ebook on-line upfront, 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 have to test 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-Monitor London Eye Ticket Value
The fast-track ticket provides 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 provides you entry to a quicker ticket line as usually fewer folks ebook these tickets. The experience expertise is similar 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 ebook is the time you possibly can be part of the road, not the time of your precise experience, which can differ relying on the size of the road.
Quick-track costs additionally differ relying on the day you go to and if 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 price as follows:
- £46 for adults (16+).
- £41.50 for youngsters ages 3-15.
- Free for youngsters beneath 3.
The London Eye additionally provides 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 if you experience.
These tickets price £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 Normal Ticket
The household London Eye ticket provides the identical expertise as the usual ticket, in that you just be part of the usual ticket queue. Nevertheless, it provides households a more cost effective choice.
If you’re visiting with a minimum of 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 baby (3-15) (minimal of two kids on this age vary)
- Free for youngsters beneath 3.
These costs are presently the identical when reserving on-line for each identical day and future dates, and for each peak and off-peak, though in fact pricing can change so at all times test the web site.
If you’re visiting with a household that meet the above standards, it is a excellent worth choice. In the event you had been visiting with 2 adults and a couple of kids ages 3-15, you’d save £20 on the whole off-peak worth, and much more if visiting peak or identical day.
Word that typically the London Eye household ticket reserving window doesn’t have the choice so as to add a baby beneath 3, regardless of the web site stating that they want a ticket.
On this case, you will have to go to this web page to ebook a timeslot for the London Eye. Right here you can be introduced with the choice to ebook a timeslot for a person, or for a kid beneath 3. Barely confusingly, at this level it’s good to ebook for a person as once we final checked the web site didn’t permit 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 baby 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 final tickets, there are usually quite a few premium experiences which you can ebook 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 value noting that sometimes there are further experiences and pods obtainable. For instance, there was a pub themed pod and a tennis themed pod. So do test the official web site to see the newest experiences on supply.
Champagne Expertise
The Champagne Expertise is a hosted expertise and it contains:
- VIP check-in and time to loosen up 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 obtainable, and served to these beneath 18).
- quick monitor boarding by 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.
Word that the pod will not be shared with normal ticket holders, so if reserving as a bunch ensure you all get the identical ticket sorts with the intention 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 beneath 3. Simply make sure to ebook them a free ticket if 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 provides good worth particularly in comparison with the fast-track ticket choice because it contains fast-track and a hosted expertise in addition to a glass of Champagne.
Personal Pod
You’ll be able to rent a whole non-public pod for between 2 and 25 folks. This might make for a enjoyable group celebration choice, and for bigger teams particularly it’s fairly an economical choice. A personal pod contains:
- unique entry to a pod for two – 25 folks
- fast-track boarding
- the choice to order food and drinks (further charge applies)
You aren’t allowed to carry your personal alcohol onto the pod. A personal pod on the London Eye prices £625 for a bunch. Teams should have a minimal of two visitors over 18, however can in any other case encompass adults and youngsters.
If there are solely two of you, a extra enjoyable and cost-effective choice although could be the Cupid Pod.
Cupid Pod
If you’re on the lookout for the last word romantic London Eye expertise for 2, take into account reserving the Cupid’s Pod bundle. It is a couple’s expertise, and contains:
- a non-public pod for 2 visitors (have to be 18 or older)
- A bottle of champagne
- A field of luxurious chocolate
- A private host to your rotation
- Precedence boarding
A Cupid Pod bundle prices £470, which we expect makes it a great worth choice in comparison with the non-public pod choice if there are solely two of you. This might undoubtedly be a good selection for an important day.
Are you able to Cancel or Reschedule a London Eye Ticket?
Tickets for the London Eye bought through the official web site are non-refundable.
In the event you would like to buy a refundable ticket, these are usually obtainable on GetYourGuide right here, though do test the circumstances earlier than buying to make sure.
Word that when shopping for a ticket through a 3rd occasion these must be exchanged for an official London Eye ticket on website, both on the ticket desk or on the self-service kiosk, so make sure to give your self loads of time when you select this selection.
If you are going to buy an ordinary, quick monitor or household ticket by the official web site, you possibly can change the time on-line after reserving, as much as 24 hours earlier than your experience.
In the event you ebook a premium expertise corresponding to a Personal Pod or Champagne Expertise, these can’t be managed on-line. If it’s good to change these bookings, you will have to contact customer support.
Are you able to Improve a London Eye Ticket?
Sure, it’s doable to improve some London Eye tickets.
When 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 will have to go to the ticket workplace.
This improve truly 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 might not suggest counting on this.
You can too do a refund and rebook of an ordinary 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 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 doable nonetheless it additionally includes refunding the unique ticket and shopping for a brand new ticket. This may be completed on-site or on-line with customer support.
All ticket upgrades are topic to availability in fact. We’d usually suggest simply reserving the ticket sort 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 may 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 normal entry, and usually solely 5 to 10 minutes for quick monitor. Nevertheless we have now not visited through the busiest instances when the strains may be for much longer.
Can You Skip the Line on the London Eye?
When you have not purchased a ticket, or have purchased a ticket from a 3rd occasion, 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.
In an effort to skip the ticket line we suggest reserving your ticket on-line upfront from the official website right here.
After you have 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 not skip the safety and entry line; nonetheless, the fast-track ticket line is sort of at all times quicker as fewer folks have these tickets. In fact, chances are you’ll 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 test 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 perhaps questioning if there are discounted tickets obtainable for the London Eye.
First, you possibly can usually get monetary savings by reserving on-line upfront on the official web site right here. Typically, these tickets are one of the best worth choice. Households may also save with the household ticket.
One other approach it can save you is in case you are visiting London by practice, and you may reap the benefits of the 2FOR1 supply from Nationwide Rail. This can let you ebook two normal 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.
If you’re a scholar, it can save you as much as 35% with the London Eye scholar low cost. Data is accessible 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 cross which incorporates the London Eye. That is solely a good suggestion when you had been already planning to go to the opposite points of interest. In that case, you possibly can undoubtedly save by shopping for in a bundle.
For instance, you possibly can ebook:
We cowl the passes that embrace the London Eye within the subsequent part.
Passes which embrace the London Eye
In the event you plan on visiting quite a few sights when in London, then you definitely would possibly have the ability to get monetary savings with a multi-attraction cross. These usually embrace quite a few points of interest, and the worth of the cross is often lower than shopping for particular person entry.
In fact, these passes will solely prevent cash when you go to the included points of interest. It’s additionally vital to test precisely what they embrace, the best way to use the passes and if there are any exclusions prior to buy.
The principle passes we’re conscious of which embrace the London Eye are the next.
- Large Metropolis Saver Move. This cross is accessible in quite a few 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 Move. This cross contains the Tower of London, London Eye, 24 hour hop on hop off river cruise, and a London strolling tour audioguide.
- Merlin Annual Move – In the event you plan on visiting quite a few points of interest throughout the UK, then the Merlin Annual Move is perhaps a great choice. This contains practically 30 points of interest, together with the London Eye, Alton Towers, Legoland, London Dungeon, and Warwick Citadel. That is most likely greatest suited for individuals who dwell within the UK.
Word that the London Move, which is one among our favorite passes for London, doesn’t presently embrace the London Eye.
Is the London Eye Value It?
The London Eye is definitely a premium attraction in London, so that you would possibly ask whether it is value it. We really feel that the expertise is unquestionably value 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 Monitor London Eye Choice Value It?
You is perhaps questioning whether it is value shopping for the quick monitor London Eye ticket. The reply to this comes down to non-public selection and the way a lot you worth your time.
If you’re visiting the London Eye at a busy time, corresponding to through the summer season season, faculty holidays. public holidays or weekends, then you’ll most certainly save fairly a little bit of time with a quick monitor cross, most likely a minimum of half an hour if no more.
Nevertheless, in case you are visiting at a quieter time of yr, then the distinction in queue time might be not value it in our opinion.
One factor to say is that in case you are already contemplating the quick monitor choice, then you definitely would possibly as a substitute take into account the Champagne Expertise. This isn’t much more costly, however comes with quite a few further advantages that we expect makes it value contemplating.
Is the London Eye Champagne Expertise Value It?
Now we have ridden the London Eye quite a few instances, and our favorite experience so far was undoubtedly the Champagne Expertise.
While that is dearer than the usual and fast-track choices, it undoubtedly felt extra particular.
One of many major causes for this was that it was a hosted expertise. Our host met us within the London Eye lounge, escorted us by the fast-track space, and rode with us on the experience.
In addition to the advantages of fast-track entry, we additionally acquired to take pleasure in a glass of champagne, and our host was capable of inform us issues concerning the London Eye and what we had been seeing. He was additionally very joyful to take pictures of us.
General, we extremely suggest contemplating the Champagne Expertise in case your finances stretches to it, particularly when you had been already contemplating the fast-track expertise.
Amenities on the London Eye
The London Eye has the next amenities obtainable on-site:
- Child altering amenities
- Bathrooms (together with accessible bogs)
- 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’t 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 test inside baggage and use a safety wand to scan your physique. Nevertheless, safety practices can change over time so this may increasingly differ.
They’re usually on the lookout for sharp objects like knives that are clearly not permitted on board. The complete checklist of prohibited gadgets may be discovered right here, and contains:
- 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 frequent sense restrictions we really feel, however it’s value being conscious of what’s and isn’t allowed to make sure you don’t get caught out.
We suggest not bringing a whole lot of stuff with you when you will 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 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 totally 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 supplied for boarding and disembarking the pods. The London Eye fully 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 must ebook a selected wheelchair slot along with reserving their normal ticket.
Reserving the wheelchair slot is free and may be completed right here. This enables the London Eye to make sure no-one is upset on the day as a result of limitation on the variety of wheelchairs per pod. Wheelchair customers may also ebook a free carer ticket right here.
All customers need to queue to board the London Eye. Nevertheless when you have restricted mobility or issue standing you possibly can request assisted boarding with the onsite staff if you arrive.
There are additionally totally accessible bogs inside the principle constructing the place the ticket workplace is positioned. There aren’t any bogs on board any of the London Eye pods.
Baggage Storage on the London Eye
There is no such thing as a official baggage storage on the London Eye, and enormous baggage, suitcases, and different outsized gadgets are usually not permitted on board.
There are a variety 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 resort of their safe baggage space if doable.
What Time of Day is Greatest for Visiting the London Eye?
One of the best 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.
Nevertheless, it will differ relying on the day and time of yr, so we might not suggest basing your go to time totally on these observations!
What we really feel is extra vital to contemplate is when to go to primarily based on one of the best circumstances for getting one of the best views and pictures.
Clearly, you do want to contemplate the climate circumstances, because the views are greatest when it’s sunny. So if the forecast is for rain within the morning and solar within the afternoon, then you definitely would possibly need to ebook for the afternoon.
In fact, climate forecasts are usually not at all times correct, and if you ebook upfront you won’t know what the climate goes to be like.
Our total advice is that the morning or late afternoon are one of the best instances to go to the London Eye. One of the best time will rely upon the time of yr, and likewise the opening hours.
In the event you go to within the morning, then the solar will probably be to the east of the London Eye. This implies you’ll get higher gentle on the river Thames and Homes of Parliament, and received’t be capturing into the solar.
In the event you 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 course of Westminster. A sundown from the London Eye is a very lovely expertise in case you are fortunate to get a great one.
In fact, sundown instances within the UK differ, 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 doable. On this case, we’d suggest a morning go to for one of the best gentle.
You’ll be able to test 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.
Nevertheless, the road for the London Eye will not be enclosed, and solely a small a part of it’s coated. So it would be best to gown appropriately for the climate as chances are you’ll want to face outdoor for a time period while in line.
Can I take Meals and Drink on the London Eye?
Foods and drinks will not be permitted on the London Eye, apart from bottled water. Consuming or ingesting on the pods will not be permitted.
In the event you ebook the Champagne Expertise, it will embrace Champagne or a tender drink, as does the Cupid’s Pod expertise.
In the event you ebook a non-public pod expertise, you possibly can pay additional for food and drinks as nicely. Particulars of the choices will probably 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 are usually not.
In the event you want to do promotional filming, permission have to be sought upfront.
Word that two pictures 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 truth, there are a variety of different standard points of interest that are simply accessible from the London Eye, which might 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 possibly can 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 at all times had enjoyable. Tickets may be purchased individually or it can save you with a multi-attraction Large Metropolis Saver Move which might 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 youngsters as much as 11 years previous. It’s free to go to.
- Shrek’s Journey London. This standard interactive household attraction is 2 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye. Tickets may be purchased individually or it can save you with a multi-attraction Large Metropolis Saver Move which might embrace the London Eye.
- SEA Life Centre London Aquarium. Additionally simply a few minutes’ stroll from the London Eye, this aquarium provides a spread of aquatic reveals. Tickets may be purchased individually or it can save you with a multi-attraction Large Metropolis Saver Move which might embrace the London Eye.
- Hop on Hop off bus. A great way to get round London which comes with an audio tour. Tickets may be purchased individually or it can save you with a multi-attraction Large Metropolis Saver Move which might 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 charge 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 through the Covid-19 pandemic within the UK. Free to go to.
- The Graffiti Tunnel – avenue 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, retailers, 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 couple of 10-minute stroll away.
- Westminster Abbey – round quarter-hour’ stroll from the London Eye, this historic cathedral is open for guests and an entrance charge 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 battle. About quarter-hour’ stroll from the London Eye and there’s an entrance charge to go to.
In fact, there are various extra points of interest inside simple attain of the London Eye. For extra planning concepts, try 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 is perhaps questioning if there are any options to the London Eye. In all honesty, there is no such thing as a good direct substitute for the London Eye. Definitely there is no such thing as a different large commentary wheel expertise, which provides you views from the underside to the highest of your journey.
There’s additionally nothing equal within the close by space that may offer you such sweeping views up and down the River Thames and of the Homes of Parliament.
Nevertheless, when you wished some various views of London, then take into account 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. Now we have visited and might undoubtedly 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 ground. It provides wonderful sundown views particularly. Nevertheless, it is extremely standard 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 provides 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 beautiful views of the town of London and alongside the river. An entrance charge 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 nicely definitely worth the go to!
The place to Keep Close to the London Eye
The London Eye may be very central, and there are various accommodations inside simple strolling distance of it. We’d suggest studying our full information to the place to remain in London for some ideas. Nevertheless, some close by accommodations we suggest 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 provides each shared and personal lodging. There’s additionally a shared kitchen, bar, and free WiFi.
- Level A Resort 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 an ideal finances choice, with air-conditioned rooms, black out curtains, and free WiFi.
- Park Plaza County Corridor – it is a well-priced resort simply 6 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye. We’ve stayed right here just lately and located the rooms comfy and the workers environment friendly and pleasant. A number of the rooms supply 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 great measurement and a few supply 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 Resort County Corridor – it might be arduous to discover a resort nearer to the London Eye than this Marriott – among the pods cross inside metres of the rooms right here (so make sure to draw curtains if you need privateness)! In addition to superb proximity to the London Eye, many rooms permit for beautiful views of the Homes of Parliament and an opulent 5* expertise
- The Savoy – this world well-known 5* resort provides 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 website.
As you possibly can see there are many choices! You’ll be able to try much more accommodations close to the London Eye on reserving.com right here.
London Eye Pictures Ideas
As knowledgeable photographer I wished to share some ideas for taking pictures, each at and of the London Eye. Hopefully these show you how to get some beautiful pictures to recollect your go to.
Pictures from the London Eye
The London Eye provides great images alternatives throughout most of central London.
The principle 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 doable, which can minimise reflections.
In order for you a extra superior resolution, there are lens hoods obtainable for telephones and cameras which go up towards the glass and take away the reflections fully.
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 the flatter components of the glass. This will likely require you to kneel right 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 may be photographed all through the rotation, however in the direction of the top of the experience you can be nearer to them. If you’re on the lookout for a pleasant selfie or photograph of these you might be using with, I’d recommend the Homes of Parliament make a great backdrop.
Usually when taking pictures 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 doable.
In the event you occur to experience the London Eye when it’s getting darkish or already darkish, then be sure to disable your digital camera flash if capturing topics outdoors the capsule. It’s going to simply replicate again from the capsule glass and break the photograph, and it’s not going to have ample energy to light up the world outdoors anyway!
The place to {Photograph} the London Eye From
In addition to making for an ideal location to take pictures from, the London Eye itself makes for a photogenic images topic.
There are a couple of areas the place I’d suggest taking pictures of the London Eye from.
First, on the financial institution of the River Thames immediately reverse the London Eye, you will get a beautiful straight-on picture. It is a good location at each sundown and dawn, in addition to at night time when the attention is illuminated.
This may work nicely with lengthy publicity images because the motion of the Eye could make some good gentle trails.
In order for you extra up shut pictures of the London Eye, then one of the best place is probably going proper subsequent to it. Photographs of the assist construction are additionally fairly fascinating, with the main strains taking your eye naturally alongside the assist cables to the principle physique of the wheel.
One other good location for images of the London Eye is Westminster Bridge. This provides a facet on view of the Eye, and you may transfer forwards and backwards throughout the bridge relying on how a lot of an angle you need. This can be a great alternative to border the London Eye with a crimson bus for instance, one other iconic London sight.
In the event you plan on taking a River Thames cruise, these all cross by the London Eye and supply nice views.
Lastly, when you occur to ebook a close-by resort to the London Eye, this may additionally work as a great choice for views. Good examples embrace the rooftop suites of the close by Park Plaza County Corridor and Park Plaza Westminster Bridge. Simply remember that their rooms with London Eye views are priced greater than their different rooms.
Our Expertise Visiting the London Eye
Now that it is best to know all the things it’s good to know to plan your go to to the London Eye, I’m going to briefly share our experiences visiting the London Eye.
Now we have truly 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 normal entry.
Normal Entry Expertise
We’ve completed the usual entry on the London Eye twice. Each experiences had 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 had been allowed to affix the road round 11:08am.
Once 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 undoubtedly 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 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 an ideal 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 offers beautiful 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 pictures as you’d think about, and earlier than you knew it our experience was coming to the top. Close to the top of the experience your photograph is taken by an automatic digital camera setup.
That is introduced clearly previous to it occurring, 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 had been a bit frightened about being late as we had been coming into London by practice, however truly arrived fairly early, at 4:00pm.
The method for the champagne expertise is a bit of totally different, as you must check-in on the particular VIP experiences desk. We did this, our names had been checked towards an inventory, and we got the chance to go upstairs to attend within the London Eye lounge.
We had been additionally given a 360-degree viewing information, which got here in very useful on the London Eye experience to assist us know what we had been seeing, and was a pleasant contact. These are additionally obtainable 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 soppy drinks and alcoholic drinks which you can buy if you are ready.
Within the lounge we met our host Arnie and we chatted a bit with him. We requested a couple of 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 significantly 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 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 often folks did flip up with a mixture of tickets, and the outcome was disappointment that they weren’t capable of experience collectively. So when reserving tickets, we undoubtedly suggest everybody books the identical sort 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 surroundings on board. He additionally set to work pouring Champagne into glasses. He additionally provided everybody the choice to have juice or soda as a substitute in the event that they most popular.
Because the London Eye began to rise and people began to take a lot of pictures, Arnie additionally identified what we had been seeing, and handed out Champagne. He additionally provided to take pictures of everybody, and actually went above and past to make sure everybody acquired an ideal photograph.
The climate was great for our experience, with sunshine and exquisite blue skies. We had been pleasantly shocked because it had been grey and overcast once we had arrived earlier.
The experience itself lasted slightly below half-hour, nevertheless it felt a lot shorter. The climate was fairly heat once 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 wonderful internet hosting, and disembarked.
General we actually loved the Champagne Expertise. We hadn’t fairly identified what to anticipate, and the mixture of the wonderful host, comparatively small group, and private consideration made it really feel actually particular. The glass of Champagne definitely helped too!
London Eye Ideas for Visiting
Now we have famous quite a few ideas and items of recommendation all through the article. I simply wished to checklist right here among the extra vital ideas with the intention to benefit from your go to to the London Eye.
- E book upfront immediately on-line right here to economize and for one of the best availability
- Be sure that everybody in your group books the identical type 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 at no cost however you continue to must ebook them a ticket
- In the event you 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 cross
- Keep in mind that the time in your ticket is the time you have to be there to affix the road. It’s NOT your boarding time. So make sure to permit sufficient time in your itinerary to attend in line and the half-hour for the experience itself.
- You should definitely test the safety restrictions and to depart your baggage and any restricted gadgets at your resort to keep away from slowdowns and having gadgets confiscated by safety.
- There is no such thing as a commentary or signage on the pods themselves. For these wanting extra details about what you might be seeing through the experience, you would possibly take into account 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 a great climate forecast if doable. This will provide you with one of the best views and pictures from the pods.
- Get pleasure from your self and take a lot of pictures!
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 resolve on one of the best property to your journey to the town.
We’ve additionally acquired quite a few different assets that will help you plan your journey to London and the UK basically which we expect you’ll discover helpful.
- Now we have detailed itineraries for 1 day in London, 2 days in London, 3 days in London and 6 days in London
- Now we 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 when 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.
- In the event you plan on doing a lot sightseeing within the metropolis, you’ll seemingly get monetary savings with a London Move. See our full London Move assessment right here to see if this would possibly prevent cash on sightseeing.
- Now we have a information to getting round London, and a information to utilizing the Oyster card in London.
- In the event you’re flying into one among London’s six airports, see our information to attending to London from the airport.
- Now we have an in depth information to what to pack for London, that will help you put together to your journey to London.
- We put collectively some tips about discovering the greatest Pictures Areas 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 selected area of the town
- In the event you take pleasure in navy museums, check out our information to London’s greatest navy museums and memorial. Additionally see our Winston Churchill in London information.
- Tips about spending Two Weeks within the UK, do you have to 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 thought of a totally 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? Now we 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? Now we have an in depth information to the greatest technique 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 to your journey
- Rick Steve’s London information, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK journey guides, and at all times a superb supply of related info
And that’s it! We hope you discovered our information to visiting the London Eye useful, and as at all times, when you have any questions, simply pop them within the feedback and we’ll reply them as quickly as we are able to!
So you realize: On one among 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.
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