The LastMinute.com London Eye can hardly be missed, right in the centre of London overlooking the River Thames. A trip on the wheel is an extraordinary experience whether you are five or 105.
Is the London Eye Suitable for Children? Recommended for children over the age of five and all those who still think they are children, up to the age of 105. Soar high in the sky and see London from a different angle on the London Eye.
A unique experience on the south bank of the River Thames, the LastMinute.com London Eye is an icon of the city, despite only originally being installed on a temporary basis.
Top Attractions at The London Eye
- Breath-taking views of London
- Plenty of photo opportunities
- 32 air-conditioned capsules
- A 4D film
- Seating in the capsules
- The ‘Flight’ takes 30 minutes
All About The London Eye
| THE LONDON EYE | |
|---|---|
| KIDS FRIENDLY? | Age 5+ |
| HOURS | Time vary day by day, but generally from 11:00am until mid-evening. Closed for two weeks in January for maintenance |
| LOCATION | County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB 0871 781 3000 |
| WHAT'S THERE | Europe's largest big wheel and all the sights of London from the top |
| UNDERGROUND | Westminster (Circle & District) Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern) Train : Charing Cross, Waterloo |
| BUS | Westminster Bridge Road |
| TRAIN | Charing Cross, Waterloo |
| VISIT TIME | Allow one hour |
| ENTRY COST | From: £27 |
| SAVINGS | Advance booking. Part of The London Pass Add one or two specific attractions to also save |
| FEATURED ACTIVITIES | A 4D film as you wait in line and then up you go! |
| GUIDED TOURS | Daily at 3:00 pm |
| SELFIE TIME | From high-up, choose your background sight and click away |
| QUEUE JUMPING | The school summer holidays are busy. Fast-tracks tickets are available |
| WHEELCHAIRS | There is wheelchair access to the wheel. The carer travels free. |
| FACILITIES | Shop There is a toilet at County Hall |
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Is The London Eye Just a Big Ferris Wheel?
Well, yes, sort of.
The London Eye is a cantilevered observation wheel fitted with glass-sided and topped gondolas. Over 3.75 million people visit each year, making the London Eye the most popular visitor attraction in the United Kingdom.
The wheel has a diameter of 120 metres/394 feet and was first opened to the public in 2000. During construction, the wheel was floated up the River Thames in several sections. These were joined together while still over the river and then hauled in to place by cables. The wheel weighs 2,100 tonnes and cost over £70 million.
Originally, the wheel was due to be in place for five years and then removed. However, due to the immense popularity, the lease was extended and it now has a permanent status at the edge of the river.
The capsules, or gondolas number 32 in all and are mounted on the outside of the wheel. They are sealed and air-conditioned and offer unparalleled views of London as you ascend and descend during the ‘flight’. Each capsule weighs 1o tonnes and holds up to 25 people and there is seating to take a break from walking around.
One revolution takes about 30 minutes and it doesn’t stop to take on passengers, so you do that at a walking pace. However, the Eye will stop to take on disabled passengers, wheelchairs, and elderly passengers. The wheel moves at a speed of about 26 cm /1 0 inches a second and is slow enough for passengers to easily walk on.
The London Eye has been branded over the years by British Airways, Merlin Entertainment, Coca-Cola, and currently by LastMinute.com.
ON a clear day, the visibility is some 25 miles as far as Windsor Castle and Wembley Stadium.
The London Eye is used as a platform for fireworks on New Year’s Eve and for other special occasions and provides a spectacular show.
Joint tickets can be bought that also cover other attractions, such as Madame Tussauds, the London Dungeon, and the Sea Life London Aquarium and are valid for up to 90 days.
There are limits on what can be carried into the gondolas. Small briefcases, laptops, baby bags, and drinking water are fine. You won’t be able to take on items such as suitcases, large rucksacks, or camera tripods.
For that special occasion, private gondola hire is available.
What is There for Children to Do?
The London Eye is best enjoyed by children over the age of five. Once onboard, there is no jumping off, so children need to understand they are committed to the whole loop.
Selfies and Pictures
The London skyline is at your beck and call. There is so much to see and picture, make sure your batteries are fully charged. Note, that you won’t be allowed to take a camera tripod on-board, except with prior agreement.
Food and Drink
Drinking water is fine, but no other drinks are allowed.
There are some cafes close by, before or after the trip.
Disabled Facilities
Wheelchair access is available and it is wise to book in advance for a ‘flight’ time. The Eye can be stopped for boarding wheelchairs. The carer travels at no cost.
How to get to the . . .
The London Eye is on the south bank of the River Thames, close to the Sea Life London Aquarium. Public transport is recommended, as car parking is limited in the area.
By train, London Waterloo is closest. Charing Cross is just north of the river. By underground, the nearest stations are Waterloo and Westminster.
There is car parking at Q-Park Westminster. There is a flat route from the car park to the Eye. Remember, with a car, that the Congestion Surcharge is in place.
WHAT IS CLOSE TO THE LONDON EYE?
London Dungeon
Sea Life London Aquarium
Southbank Centre
Thames Rockets
* Entry costs are an indication and may change.