How to Visit the London Eye
Whether you're a first time visitor or a longtime Londoner, there's no more thrilling way to see Britain's most fascinating city than by taking a ride on the London Eye. Built to commemorate the millennium in 2000, this 450-foot high observation wheel offers panoramic views of London landmarks, the busy River Thames and the surrounding countryside. Take these tips to make your visit to the London Eye memorable.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
-
-
1
Book your tickets in advance. The London Eye is a hugely popular attraction, especially during the peak summer tourist months, so purchase tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. You can book online at the London website, or call 011 (+44) 870 5000 600. Ticket prices vary depending on the type of flight you choose and there are discounts for children (under 5 ride free), seniors and people with disabilities as well as for booking online.
-
2
Choose a standard flight for a slow-motion, 30-minute circuit in an air-conditioned observation capsule with bench seats for 25. The fast-track option, for an additional cost, allows you to skip the long line (or "queue" as the Brits say) and show up 15 minutes ahead of your scheduled ride for priority boarding; this option also includes souvenir guides for adults and kids' packs with mini-binoculars. Ask about other options, such as rides with a tour guide, romantic champagne rides and even a Spooky Ride near Halloween. The London Eye runs daily from 10 am to 8 pm (9 pm from June through September).
-
3
Make your way to the London Eye. Located at the geographical midpoint of the city, on the South Bank of the Thames on the Jubilee Embankment opposite the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye is an easy 10 minute walk from the South Bank station of the Waterloo Tube, as well as other underground, rail and bus stops. Tour buses include the London Eye on their routes-and its height makes this attraction impossible to miss. Arrive at least an hour early to queue up if you haven't made fast-track boarding arrangements.
-
4
Start at the County Hall, the building located next to the London Eye. If you have prebooked tickets, you can claim them by swiping your credit or debit card (for ID only) through the ticket machine. Check in here for fast-track, special ride and group bookings. You can buy tickets here, too, if your visit is a last-minute one and the day's flights are not sold out.
-
5
Climb aboard for your amazing 40-km panoramic view of London. Look for easily identifiable landmarks across the Thames like the Houses of Parliament with Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London. Take pictures or video.
-
6
Return to the County Hall after your flight to visit the souvenir shop or get refreshments at the Cafe Manga, which has both interior and patio locations. Extend your trip by booking a London Eye Thames cruise or visit other nearby South Bank attractions such as the Tate Modern museum or the replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
You can carry most regular tourist items, including backpacks and collapsible baby strollers, onboard the London Eye. If you have larger items such as suitcases, you'll need to check them in the left luggage lockers at the Waterloo Tube station. There are no storage facilities at County Hall except temporary storage space for strollers or baby carriages that cannot be collapsed.
The London Eye is fully accessible for disabled persons, including the restrooms at County Hall. Each disabled person who purchases a ticket at the discounted price is entitled to bring one companion or attendant along on the ride at no cost.
For special events, including weddings and corporate parties, you can book one or more private observation capsules. Inquire about rates.
On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 am, guided tour flights are available in French, Spanish or German. Book these and English language guided flights (available once an hour from 10:30 to 4:30 every day) in advance, at a slightly higher cost.
Don't attempt to drive to the London Eye. Parking lots are few and located relatively far away from the attraction and the South Bank of London falls into a special traffic-congestion-control district that makes public parking very expensive and limited. The Eye is accessible by bus, rail and Underground and is an easy walk across the Thames bridges from other London tourist attractions.
