The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel located on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. Opened in March 2000 it is also known as the Millennium Wheel.
Take A Journey Across London’s Skyline
Built to celebrate the millennium, since 2000 the London Eye has taken multimillions of people on a journey across London’s skyline. Wave hello to Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and St Paul’s Cathedral on the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel at 135 metres high.
The London Eye Key Facts
The London Eye reaches a height of 135 metres (443 feet). When it was first erected in 1999 it held the record of the Worlds tallest Ferris wheel. Its height has now been surpassed by a number of other Ferris wheels around the world. The London Eye still holds the record of the UK’s tallest Ferris wheel and is one of the highest public viewing points in the city of London. You can also enjoy great views of the city from The Shard and 20 Fenchurch Street (often referred to as The Sky Garden).
A Major Tourist Attraction
The London Eye is the most popular paid tourist attraction in the UK, and no wonder, it’s a totally different way to take in the city. It’s London’s only moving view and you can see for 20 miles from the pods, that’s as far as Windsor Castle on a clear day.
Wave hello to Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and St Paul’s Cathedral on the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel at 135 metres high. Each year over 3.75 million people take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel. Located in the London Borough of Lambeth The London Eye adjoins the western end of Jubilee Gardens.
Construction of The London Eye
Designed by architects Frank Anatole, Nic Bailey, Steve Chilton, Malcolm Cook, Mark Sparrowhawk, and the husband-and-wife team of Julia Barfied and David Marks. The rim of the Eye is supported by high-tension steel cables and resembles a giant bicycle wheel. The LED lighting installed in 2006 is digitally controlled.
The wheel was constructed in sections that were floated up the river Thames on barges. The sections were then assembled whilst laid flat on piled platforms in the river. When the wheel was complete it was lifted into an upright position by a stand jack system.
The Passenger Capsules
There are 32 air-conditioned passenger capsules attached to the external circumference of the wheel. The capsules are rotated by electric motors. Each of the 10-tonne capsules holds up to 25 people. Seating is provided but passengers are free to walk around inside the capsule often switching sides to take in the breathtaking views of the city. The wheel rotates at 26cm per second and one revolution takes about 30 minutes. The wheel doesn’t stop to take on passengers, instead, the rotation rate is slow enough to allow passengers to walk on and off the moving capsules at ground level.
Fast Track Tickets
Jump the queue with a Fast Track ticket and board your capsule more quickly via a dedicated entrance.
Buy Now
Admission Prices and Offers
The London Eye is part of the Merlin Entertainments group of attractions, meaning that vouchers are regularly available offering 2 for 1 entry. You can also pre-purchase your entry tickets using Tesco Clubcard points. Merlin Annual pass holders get free entry to The London Eye in addition to a number of other Merlin attractions.
You can purchase tickets in advance from the Official Website and you can also get great value tickets from Attractiontix.
Travelling to The London Eye
The London Eye is located on the South Bank of the River Thames opposite the Houses of Parliament. The ticket office is located inside County Hall, which is the building directly next to the London Eye. The attraction is just over Westminster Bridge from Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament. There are a variety of ways to get to The London Eye. Public Transport is recommended, but if travelling by car The Q-Park Westminster car park is located just a short distance from The London Eye. Please be aware of the central London Congestion Charge, which typically runs from Monday-Friday. The information line for the Congestion Charge is 0845 900 1234. Alternatively, visit the Congestion Charge Zone Website.
Travelling by Train
The nearest train station to The London Eye is Waterloo. From Waterloo Station follow the exit signs for the South Bank and walk towards The London Eye.
Charing Cross train station is also near to The London Eye. From Charing Cross take the exit next to platform 1 and go over Hungerford Bridge. Search for your train tickets using Raileasy.
London Underground
The nearest tube stations are Westminster and Waterloo. Westminster tube is on the Circle, Jubilee and District lines. From Westminster, exit onto Westminster Bridge (Exit 1) and then cross over the Bridge. The London Eye is visible from the bridge. Waterloo tube is on the Northern, Bakerloo, Waterloo & City lines. From Waterloo follow the exit signs for the South Bank (Exit 6) and walk towards The London Eye.
Travelling by Coach
There are a large number of bus services which stop in the vicinity of Waterloo or Westminster Bridge Road (both accessible to The London Eye.) and all the London sightseeing buses also pick up and drop off at these points.
Visit National Express if you want to travel by coach to London.
Nearby Accommodation
There are lots of places to stay in Central London. Find hotel accommodation at Hotels.com or Travelodge are always a good option for budget hotel accommodation.
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