Information to Visiting the London Eye in 2023

One in every of London’s most recognizable and common points of interest is the London Eye.

This monumental remark wheel has been offering guests with fantastic views throughout London for the reason that flip of the millennium, and is simply as common at the moment because it was then. Actually, it is likely one of the UK’s hottest paid points of interest.

We’ve ridden the London Eye a variety of occasions on varied visits to London. The primary time was in 2015 and most just lately in 2022. Right this moment we’re going to share all the things it’s worthwhile to know to assist plan your go to.

We’ll cowl all the things from methods to purchase tickets, the totally different experiences out there on the London Eye, methods to save money and time, and methods to get the perfect pictures out of your go to.

London Eye Info

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 remark wheel, or Ferris wheel. It’s 135 metres (443ft tall) and when it was constructed it was the tallest Ferris wheel on the planet.

In contrast to a daily Ferris wheel which usually seats 2 to 4 individuals, the London Eye options 32 massive pods, every of which may 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 presents guests implausible views from its remark pods.

 

Why was the London Eye Constructed?

The London Eye was constructed to mark the Millenium, and it was initially referred to as the Millenium Wheel.

It was function constructed as a vacationer attraction, and very similar to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, it was not truly meant to be a everlasting set up.

Nonetheless, as a consequence of its reputation, it was given everlasting standing in July 2002, solely two years after it began working.

The London Eye is at the moment owned by Merlin Entertainments. It has partnered with a variety of corporations in sponsorship offers, which have included British Airways and Coca-Cola. The present sponsor is lastminute.com.

 

Attention-grabbing Info in regards to the London Eye

The London Eye is the world’s tallest cantilevered remark wheel. There are bigger Ferris wheels, however none with a cantilevered design.

There may be in reality 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 predict it’s nice to check with it as such.

In case you have been questioning, a cantilevered design implies that it’s supported solely from one facet, in contrast to extra conventional Ferris Wheel designs which have helps on either side.

This design implies 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 by way of a customer attraction.

The passenger capsules, or pods, are positioned on the surface circumference of the wheel somewhat than inside. Because the wheel rotates, these additionally rotate, so the capsules all the time stay degree.

There are 32 capsules, every of which may maintain as much as 25 passengers. Because of this as much as 800 individuals will 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 (apart from particular conditions), so that you get on and off as it’s transferring. Annually the London Eye rotates virtually 8,000 occasions, overlaying over 2,000 miles!

From the highest, you may see as much as 40km (25 miles) on a transparent day, that means you may see all the way in which to Windsor Fort if you’re fortunate.

The London Eye is a well-liked location for marriage ceremony proposals, with over 5,000 proposals up to now. Over 500 {couples} have even gotten married on board!

The London Eye can be no stranger to the silver display, 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 understand extra in regards to the London Eye, let’s take a look at some helpful data that can assist 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 deal with is Riverside Constructing, County Corridor, London, SE1 7PB.

The London Eye is a few five-minute stroll from Westminster Bridge, and 10 minutes from the Homes of Parliament.

 

How you can Get to the London Eye?

The London Eye could be very centrally positioned and is simple to get to from most places in London.

If you’re already in central London, then it is likely to be 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 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 traces, in addition to by varied overland practice providers.

From Waterloo practice station it’s round a 5-minute stroll to the London Eye.

The London Eye can be a preferred cease for many Hop on Hop off buses in London, with buses stopping a few couple minutes’ stroll from the London Eye.

If you’re touring by river, the London Eye is correct subsequent to a cease, the London Eye Waterloo Pier. That is served by each commuter and hop on hop off sightseeing cruises.

You may also 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 advocate towards driving to the London Eye as a consequence of visitors and the congestion cost. Nonetheless, in case you do drive, the closest automotive parks are on the Q-Park in Westminster and on the Southbank Centre.

Generally the London Eye presents parking reductions at close by automotive parks, verify their web site right here for extra data.

 

When is the London Eye Open?

Opening occasions for the London Eye range relying on the time of 12 months.

• For February and March 2023, it’s open from 11am till 6pm. These are the occasions of the primary and final boarding home windows.
• From April 2023 onwards opening occasions range. On weekends it’s usually open from 10am – 8.30pm. In the course of the week, opening occasions range, both from 11am to 6pm or from 10am – 8.30pm.

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 verify the official web site for the newest opening dates and occasions.

 

How Lengthy is the London Eye Journey?

Formally, the London Eye trip lasts for half-hour. Nonetheless, your trip is likely to be barely longer or barely shorter than this. It’s because typically the trip pauses, particularly when serving to these with accessibility wants on and off the capsules.

On a latest go to to the London Eye we timed our trip 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 trip time of half-hour might be correct.

 

What Are you able to See from the London Eye?

Whenever you trip the London Eye you’ll attain a most peak of round 135 metres (443ft). This peak makes the London Eye one of many tallest buildings within the surrounding space, and means you’re going to get an unbelievable view of nearly all of London.

How far it is possible for you to to see will after all depend upon the climate circumstances and air readability, however on a transparent day you may see as much as 25 miles (40km) from the highest.

Clearly, meaning you may see so much, nonetheless, the primary highlights that you will note will embody:

After all, you may see much more as all of central London shall be at your toes, however the above are a few of London’s extra recognizable landmarks that you simply’ll be capable to see.

A few notable London landmarks that you simply gained’t be capable 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 advocate 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 trip. It was included as a part of the VIP Champagne expertise trip once we did that.

There may be nothing contained in the capsule by way of indicators or audio to stipulate the view. In earlier years there was an app however that is now not out there.

 

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 particular 15-minute window, which is the time you might be allowed to affix the queue, not the time your trip will begin.

Even with the timed entry system, you’ll nonetheless be a 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 trip.

 

The place to Purchase London Eye Tickets

The best means 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 can too save by reserving on-line upfront.

When reserving a ticket on-line, you may select to print your ticket at house, gather it in individual from the self-service kiosks, or save your ticket to your cellular gadget for show.

You may also 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.

Nonetheless, London Eye workers have knowledgeable me that you may solely buy full worth identical day tickets on-site. So if you wish to save by reserving upfront, or need to ebook upfront typically, you have to to ebook on-line.

You may also purchase London Eye tickets by way of third celebration websites corresponding to GetYourGuide right here. These are usually simply the usual and fast-track tickets and there isn’t the complete vary of experiences. They do typically have the benefit of free cancellation as much as 24 hours upfront of your go to.

Observe that when shopping for a ticket by way of a third-party web site, you don’t get an precise ticket you may trip with, as a substitute you get a reserving quantity. This must be exchanged for an official London Eye ticket on web site, both on the ticket desk or on the self-service kiosk. You should definitely give your self some additional time to gather your ticket in case you select this selection.

 

How A lot Does the London Eye Value?

Ticket costs for the London Eye range. Usually, identical day tickets, and tickets for common days (corresponding to weekends and holidays) are costlier in comparison with tickets booked upfront and for much less common days corresponding to weekdays.

There are three most important ticket choices for the overall London Eye expertise. These are the usual ticket, the household ticket and the fast-track ticket.

There are additionally extra premium experiences you may ebook for the London Eye, which we cowl in a separate part.

As you will note, in case you ebook your ticket on-line a minimum of a day upfront, you usually save in your ticket costs.

No matter whether or not you might be visiting on a peak or off-peak day although, we nonetheless advocate reserving on-line upfront right here as you’ll keep away from the frustration of turning up and discovering there isn’t a availability.

Value under are right as of March 2023, however do verify the official web site for the freshest pricing data and ticket choices.

 

Customary London Eye Ticket Value

The normal ticket is the essential ticket for the London Eye and grants you one 30-minute trip 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.

It is very important do not forget that your ticket time shouldn’t be your trip 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 properly.

Pricing for the London Eye varies relying on the day you go to, in addition to the time of day you go to. The perfect costs are usually out there in case you ebook on-line for much less busy (off-peak) days a minimum of three days upfront. As a basic thought, pricing for traditional tickets is as follows:

• £30.50 – £40 for adults (16+), most tickets are round £38 in our expertise
• £27.50 – £36 for kids ages 3-15.
• Free for kids beneath 3.

If you’ll be able to ebook at quieter occasions, it is possible for you to to benefit from higher pricing. Nonetheless, extra common occasions corresponding to rides on the weekend, throughout faculty holidays and rides round sundown carry a premium.

Peak days range, so you have to to verify costs on the web site to see in case your chosen day is a peak day. We’d nonetheless advocate reserving on-line to keep away from disappointment on the day. 

 

Quick-Observe London Eye Ticket Value

The fast-track ticket presents the identical trip expertise as the usual ticket, however has the benefit of providing you with entry to the devoted fast-track ticket line on the time you select.

This ticket offers you entry to a sooner ticket line as usually fewer individuals ebook these tickets. The trip expertise is identical 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 may be a part of the road, not the time of your precise trip, which can range relying on the size of the road.

Quick-track costs additionally range relying on the day you go to and once you ebook.

Typically, fast-track pricing is as follows:

• £42.5-£55 for adults (16+).
• £38.5 – £51 for kids ages 3-15.
• Free for kids beneath 3.

The London Eye additionally presents what is called a flexi fast-track ticket. This lets you flip up at any time in your chosen day, providing you with extra flexibility over once you trip.

These tickets price £58 for adults, £52 for kids aged 3-15 and are free for kids beneath 3. These tickets can solely be booked on-line.

 

Household London Eye Customary Ticket

The household London Eye ticket presents the identical expertise as the usual ticket, in that you simply be a part of the usual ticket queue. Nonetheless, it presents households a less expensive possibility.

If you’re visiting with a minimum of two youngsters aged 3-15, this ticket possibility will probably prevent cash. The household tickets price as follows:

• £28 per grownup (minimal of 1 grownup)
• £28 per youngster (3-15) (minimal of two youngsters on this age vary)
• Free for kids beneath 3.

These costs are at the moment the identical when reserving on-line for each identical day and future dates, and for each peak and off-peak, though after all pricing can change so all the time verify the web site.

If you’re visiting with a household that meet the above standards, it is a excellent worth possibility. In case you have been visiting with 2 adults and a pair of youngsters ages 3-15, you’d save as much as £40 relying on the time of day and 12 months you go to.

Observe 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 have to to go to this web page to ebook a timeslot for the London Eye. Right here you’ll be offered with the choice to ebook a timeslot for a person, or for a kid beneath 3. Barely confusingly, at this level it’s worthwhile 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 proper 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 overall tickets, there are usually a variety of premium experiences that you may 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 embody.

It’s additionally value noting that once in a while there are extra experiences and pods out there. For instance, there was a pub themed pod and a tennis themed pod. So do verify the official web site to see the newest experiences on supply.

 

Champagne Expertise

The Champagne Expertise is a hosted expertise and it consists of:

• VIP check-in and time to loosen up within the London Eye lounge earlier than boarding
• a number who will lead you thru safety and to your pod
• a glass of Champagne for every grownup (tender drinks additionally out there, and served to these beneath 18).
• quick monitor boarding by way of 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 individuals per pod.

Observe that the pod shouldn’t be shared with basic ticket holders, so if reserving as a gaggle be sure to all get the identical ticket sorts with the intention to trip collectively. An individual with a typical or quick monitor ticket can not share a pod with a Champagne Expertise ticket holder.

The Champagne Expertise prices £60 for ages 3+, and is free for these beneath 3. Simply be sure you ebook them a free ticket once 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 presents good worth particularly in comparison with the fast-track ticket possibility because it consists of fast-track and a hosted expertise in addition to a glass of Champagne.

 

Personal Pod

You may rent a whole personal pod for between 2 and 25 individuals. This could make for a enjoyable group celebration possibility, and for bigger teams particularly it’s fairly an economical possibility. A non-public pod consists of:

• unique entry to a pod for two – 25 individuals
• fast-track boarding
• the choice to order food and drinks (extra charge applies)

You aren’t allowed to carry your personal alcohol onto the pod. A non-public pod on the London Eye prices £675 for a gaggle. Teams should have a minimal of two friends over 18, however can in any other case encompass adults and kids.

If there are solely two of you, a extra enjoyable and cost-effective possibility although can be the Cupid Pod.

 

Cupid Pod

If you’re on the lookout for the final word romantic London Eye expertise for 2, take into account reserving the Cupid’s Pod bundle. This can be a couple’s expertise, and consists of:

• a personal pod for 2 friends (have to be 18 or older)
• A bottle of champagne
• A field of luxurious chocolate
• A private host on your rotation
• Precedence boarding

A Cupid Pod bundle prices £550, which we predict makes it worth possibility in comparison with the personal pod possibility if there are solely two of you. This could positively 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 by way of the official web site are non-refundable.

In case you would favor to buy a refundable ticket, these are usually out there on GetYourGuide right here, though do verify the circumstances earlier than buying to make certain.

Observe that when shopping for a ticket by way of a 3rd celebration these must be exchanged for an official London Eye ticket on web site, both on the ticket desk or on the self-service kiosk, so be sure you give your self loads of time in case you select this selection.

If you buy a typical, quick monitor or household ticket by way of the official web site, you may change the time on-line after reserving, as much as 24 hours earlier than your trip.

In case you ebook a premium expertise corresponding to a Personal Pod or Champagne Expertise, these can’t be managed on-line. If it’s worthwhile to change these bookings, you have to to contact customer support.

 

Are you able to Improve a London Eye Ticket?

Sure, it’s attainable to improve some London Eye tickets.

When you find yourself onsite you may improve from a typical ticket to a fast-track ticket. Once we checked in 2023, the worth of this improve was £10. To do that, you have to 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 danger of there not being availability, so we’d not advocate counting on this.

You may also do a refund and rebook of a typical ticket to a quick monitor ticket, whereby you might be refunded the complete 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 a typical or quick monitor ticket, that is additionally attainable nonetheless it additionally entails refunding the unique ticket and shopping for a brand new ticket. This may be achieved on-site or on-line with customer support.

All ticket upgrades are topic to availability after all. We’d typically advocate simply reserving the ticket kind you might be most fascinated about from the start to keep away from later disappointment.

That is particularly the case for costlier experiences as these have restricted availability.

 

How Lengthy are the Queues on the London Eye?

Queue occasions on the London Eye range relying on the time of 12 months and the time of day. The official web site states that queue occasions for traditional entry will be as much as 45 minutes, while quick monitor is round quarter-hour.

When we now have visited, we now have usually not queued for greater than 15 to twenty minutes for traditional entry, and usually solely 5 to 10 minutes for quick monitor. Nonetheless we now have not visited in the course of the busiest occasions when the traces will be for much longer.

 

Can You Skip the Line on the London Eye?

If in case you have not purchased a ticket, or have purchased a ticket from a 3rd celebration, 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.

With a view to skip the ticket line we advocate reserving your ticket on-line upfront from the official web site right here.

After getting your precise boarding ticket, you may be a part of the entry line on the time specified by your ticket. There are two entry traces on the London Eye, the usual line and the fast-track ticket line.

You can’t skip the safety and entry line; nonetheless, the fast-track ticket line is sort of all the time sooner as fewer individuals have these tickets. After all, chances are you’ll be fortunate and go to when neither line is busy, by which case each traces will take the identical period of time.

Each traces have a safety verify 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 likely to be questioning if there are discounted tickets out there for the London Eye.

First, you may usually lower your expenses by reserving on-line upfront on the official web site right here. Typically, these tickets are the perfect worth possibility. Households can even save with the household ticket.

One other means it can save you is if you’re visiting London by practice, and you may benefit from the 2FOR1 supply from Nationwide Rail. This can permit you to ebook two normal grownup tickets for a complete of £36, or the equal of £18 every. Examine 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 do this.

One other means it can save you on London Eye tickets is to purchase a multi-attraction ticket or go which incorporates the London Eye. That is solely a good suggestion in case you have been already planning to go to the opposite points of interest. If that’s the case, you may positively save by shopping for in a bundle.

For instance, you may ebook:

We cowl the passes that embody the London Eye within the subsequent part.

 

Passes which embody the London Eye

In case you plan on visiting a variety of sights when in London, then you definitely would possibly be capable to lower your expenses with a multi-attraction go. These usually embody a variety of points of interest, and the worth of the go is normally lower than shopping for particular person entry.

After all, these passes will solely prevent cash in case you go to the included points of interest. It’s additionally essential to verify precisely what they embody, methods to use the passes and if there are any exclusions prior to buy.

The primary passes we’re conscious of which embody the London Eye are the next.

• Massive Metropolis Saver Go. This go is accessible in a variety of variations, overlaying as much as 5 premium points of interest in London. These points of interest embody Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, London Dungeon, Shrek’s Journey, and naturally the London Eye.
• London Metropolis Go. This go consists of the Tower of London, London Eye, 24 hour hop on hop off river cruise, and a London strolling tour audioguide.
• Merlin Annual Go – In case you plan on visiting a variety of points of interest throughout the UK, then the Merlin Annual Go is likely to be possibility. This consists of almost 30 points of interest, together with the London Eye, Alton Towers, Legoland, London Dungeon, and Warwick Fort. That is most likely finest suited for individuals who stay within the UK.

Observe that the London Go, which is certainly one of our favorite passes for London, doesn’t at the moment embody the London Eye.

 

Is the London Eye Price 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 certainly 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 Observe London Eye Possibility Price It?

You is likely to be questioning whether it is value shopping for the quick monitor London Eye ticket. The reply to this comes down to private selection and the way a lot you worth your time.

If you’re visiting the London Eye at a busy time, corresponding to in the course of the summer season season, faculty holidays. public holidays or weekends, then you’ll almost certainly save fairly a little bit of time with a quick monitor go, most likely a minimum of half an hour if no more.

Nonetheless, if you’re visiting at a quieter time of 12 months, then the distinction in queue time might be not value it in our opinion.

One factor to say is that if you’re already contemplating the quick monitor possibility, then you definitely would possibly as a substitute take into account the Champagne Expertise. This isn’t much more costly, however comes with a variety of extra advantages that we predict makes it value contemplating.

 

Is the London Eye Champagne Expertise Price It?

We’ve ridden the London Eye a variety of occasions, and our favorite trip up to now was positively the Champagne Expertise.

While that is costlier than the usual and fast-track choices, it positively felt extra particular.

One of many most important causes for this was that it was a hosted expertise. Our host met us within the London Eye lounge, escorted us by way of the fast-track space, and rode with us on the trip.

In addition to the advantages of fast-track entry, we additionally acquired to get pleasure from a glass of champagne, and our host was capable of inform us issues in regards to the London Eye and what we have been seeing. He was additionally very joyful to take pictures of us.

General, we extremely advocate contemplating the Champagne Expertise in case your finances stretches to it, particularly in case you have been already contemplating the fast-track expertise.

 

Services on the London Eye

The London Eye has the next services out there on-site:

• Child altering services
• Bogs (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 not 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 now have visited, they usually verify inside baggage and use a safety wand to scan your physique. Nonetheless, safety practices can change over time so this will range.

They’re typically on the lookout for sharp objects like knives that are clearly not permitted on board. The total checklist of prohibited objects will be discovered right here, and consists of:

• massive 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 certain you don’t get caught out.

We advocate not bringing loads of stuff with you in case you will help it to make sure that safety goes as shortly and easily as attainable.

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 absolutely accessible, and there’s a lot of detailed details about accessibility which you’ll be able to entry on their web site right here.

There may be step-free entry to the London Eye, and ramps are offered 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 particular wheelchair slot along with reserving their normal ticket.

Reserving the wheelchair slot is free and will be achieved right here. This enables the London Eye to make sure no-one is disenchanted on the day as a result of limitation on the variety of wheelchairs per pod. Wheelchair customers can even ebook a free carer ticket right here.

All customers must queue to board the London Eye. Nonetheless when you’ve got restricted mobility or issue standing you may request assisted boarding with the onsite staff once you arrive.

There are additionally absolutely accessible bogs inside the primary 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 isn’t any official baggage storage on the London Eye, and huge baggage, suitcases, and different outsized objects usually are not permitted on board.

There are a selection of close by baggage storage services within the neighborhood, together with at Waterloo and Charing Cross practice stations.

Ideally although, we’d advocate not bringing your baggage to the London Eye, and leaving it along with your resort of their safe baggage space if attainable.

 

What Time of Day is Greatest for Visiting the London Eye?

The perfect time to go to the London Eye will depend upon what your goals are.

From a queuing perspective, when we now have visited we now have observed that the London Eye is busier within the mornings and fewer busy within the afternoons.

Nonetheless, this can range relying on the day and time of 12 months, so we’d not advocate basing your go to time fully on these observations!

What we really feel is extra essential to think about is when to go to primarily based on the perfect circumstances for getting the perfect views and pictures.

Clearly, you do want to think about the climate circumstances, because the views are finest 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.

After all, climate forecasts usually are not all the time correct, and once you ebook upfront you may not know what the climate goes to be like.

Our general advice is that the morning or late afternoon are the perfect occasions to go to the London Eye. The perfect time will depend upon the time of 12 months, and in addition the opening hours.

In case you go to within the morning, then the solar shall be to the east of the London Eye. This implies you’re going to get higher mild on the river Thames and Homes of Parliament, and gained’t be taking pictures into the solar.

In case you go to within the afternoon, then you will have an opportunity to expertise the sundown from the London Eye. The solar units within the west, which implies it is going to set throughout the Thames within the route of Westminster. A sundown from the London Eye is a very stunning expertise if you’re fortunate to get one.

After all, sundown occasions within the UK range, from round 9.30pm in summer season to simply earlier than 4pm in winter. So relying on the opening occasions of the London Eye and the time of 12 months you go to, viewing the sundown from the London Eye may not be attainable. On this case, we’d advocate a morning go to for the perfect mild.

You may verify sundown occasions 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.

Nonetheless, the road for the London Eye shouldn’t be enclosed, and solely a small a part of it’s coated. So it would be best to costume 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?

Food and drinks shouldn’t be permitted on the London Eye, except for bottled water. Consuming or consuming on the pods shouldn’t be permitted.

In case you ebook the Champagne Expertise, this can embody Champagne or a tender drink, as does the Cupid’s Pod expertise.

In case you ebook a personal pod expertise, you may pay additional for food and drinks as properly. Particulars of the choices shall be despatched to you after reserving.

 

Is Pictures Allowed on the London Eye?

Sure, pictures is allowed on the London Eye for private use. Cameras and smartphones are permitted, however tripods {and professional} video cameras usually are not.

In case you want to do promotional filming, permission have to be sought upfront.

Observe 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 may be heaps extra to do in London.

Actually, there are a selection of different common points of interest that are simply accessible from the London Eye, which may 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 mixture ticket that features the London Eye, or you may ebook it individually.
• The London Dungeon. An entertaining and barely scary attraction which is correct subsequent to the London Eye. We’ve visited different Dungeon points of interest and all the time had enjoyable. Tickets will be purchased individually or it can save you with a multi-attraction Massive Metropolis Saver Go which may embody the London Eye.
• Jubilee Park & Backyard. This small backyard is correct subsequent to the London Eye and options some good inexperienced areas in addition to an journey park for kids as much as 11 years outdated. It’s free to go to.
• Shrek’s Journey London. This common interactive household attraction is 2 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye. Tickets will be purchased individually or it can save you with a multi-attraction Massive Metropolis Saver Go which may embody the London Eye.
• SEA Life Centre London Aquarium. Additionally simply a few minutes’ stroll from the London Eye, this aquarium presents a variety of aquatic displays. Tickets will be purchased individually or it can save you with a multi-attraction Massive Metropolis Saver Go which may embody the London Eye.
• Hop on Hop off bus. A great way to get round London which comes with an audio tour. Tickets will be purchased individually or it can save you with a multi-attraction Massive Metropolis Saver Go which may embody 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 recent 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 in the course of the Covid-19 pandemic within the UK. Free to go to.
• The Graffiti Tunnel – road 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 few 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 Struggle Rooms – throughout World Struggle 2, this was the key underground headquarters from the place then Prime Minister Winston Churchill directed the warfare. About quarter-hour’ stroll from the London Eye and there may be an entrance charge to go to.

After all, there are lots of 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 likely to be questioning if there are any options to the London Eye. In all honesty, there isn’t a good direct alternative for the London Eye. Definitely there isn’t a different large remark wheel expertise, which presents you views from the underside to the highest of your journey.

There’s additionally nothing equal within the close by space that might offer you such sweeping views up and down the River Thames and of the Homes of Parliament.

Nonetheless, in case you needed some different views of London, then take into account the next:

• The Shard. The tallest constructing within the UK, with an remark 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 an alternative, you get good views of the Tower of London and Metropolis of London. We’ve visited and may positively advocate 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 effective free viewing platform on the forty third flooring. It presents glorious sundown views particularly. Nonetheless, it is rather common 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 flooring which presents 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 may see, there are fairly just a few places for getting a view, however in our opinion, the London Eye is properly well worth the go to!

 

The place to Keep Close to the London Eye

The London Eye could be very central, and there are lots of resorts inside simple strolling distance of it. We’d advocate studying our full information to the place to remain in London for some suggestions. Nonetheless, some close by resorts we advocate 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 presents each shared and personal lodging. There’s additionally a shared kitchen, bar, and free WiFi.
• Level A Lodge 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 important finances possibility, 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 snug and the workers environment friendly and pleasant. A few 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 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 Lodge County Corridor – it could be laborious to discover a resort nearer to the London Eye than this Marriott – a number of the pods go inside metres of the rooms right here (so be sure you draw curtains once you need privateness)! In addition to wonderful proximity to the London Eye, many rooms permit for beautiful views of the Homes of Parliament and an expensive 5* expertise
• The Savoy – this world well-known 5* resort presents 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 services. There are additionally top-rated eating places on web site.

As you may see there are many choices! You may try much more resorts close to the London Eye on reserving.com right here.

 

London Eye Pictures Ideas

As an expert photographer I needed to share some suggestions 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 presents fantastic pictures alternatives throughout most of central London.

The primary problem you should have as a photographer is that the clear glass partitions of the pods can have reflections in them. To resolve this, attempt to maintain the digital camera lens as near the glass as attainable, which can minimise reflections.

In order for you a extra superior resolution, there are lens hoods out there 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 may cause distortions in your pictures, so ideally attempt to shoot by way of the flatter components of the glass. This may increasingly require you to kneel right down to the decrease components of the capsules.

By way of pictures alternatives, the Homes of Parliament are fairly an iconic sight and are one of many closest landmarks. These will be photographed all through the rotation, however in direction of the top of the trip you’ll be nearer to them. If you’re on the lookout for a pleasant selfie or photograph of these you might be driving with, I’d counsel the Homes of Parliament make backdrop.

Usually when taking pictures of your self I’d advocate utilizing a tripod, however these aren’t allowed on the London Eye. So I’d counsel asking another person on board to take your photograph if attainable.

In case you occur to trip the London Eye when it’s getting darkish or already darkish, then be certain that to disable your digital camera flash if taking pictures topics outdoors the capsule. It can simply mirror again from the capsule glass and damage the photograph, and it’s not going to have enough energy to light up the world outdoors anyway!

 

The place to {Photograph} the London Eye From

In addition to making for an important location to take pictures from, the London Eye itself makes for a photogenic pictures topic.

There are just a few places the place I’d advocate taking pictures of the London Eye from.

First, on the financial institution of the River Thames immediately reverse the London Eye, you may get a beautiful straight-on picture. This can be a good location at each sundown and dawn, in addition to at evening when the attention is illuminated.

This will work properly with lengthy publicity pictures because the motion of the Eye could make some good mild trails.

In order for you extra up shut pictures of the London Eye, then the perfect place is probably going proper subsequent to it. Photographs of the help construction are additionally fairly attention-grabbing, with the main traces taking your eye naturally alongside the help cables to the primary physique of the wheel.

One other good location for pictures of the London Eye is Westminster Bridge. This presents 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 may also be alternative to border the London Eye with a pink bus for instance, one other iconic London sight.

In case you plan on taking a River Thames cruise, these all go by the London Eye and supply nice views.

Lastly, in case you occur to ebook a close-by resort to the London Eye, this may additionally work as possibility for views. Good examples embody the rooftop suites of the close by Park Plaza County Corridor and Park Plaza Westminster Bridge. Simply bear in mind 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 worthwhile to know to plan your go to to the London Eye, I’m going to briefly share our experiences visiting the London Eye.

We’ve truly visited the London Eye on a variety of events, doing each the usual entry and the champagne expertise. I’ll cowl each, beginning with our most up-to-date normal entry.

Customary Entry Expertise

We’ve achieved the usual entry on the London Eye twice. Each experiences have been fairly comparable. 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 web site and printed out our tickets at house earlier than our go to to London. It was not very busy and we have 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 individuals on board. We additionally counted the pod after ours, and that had 18 individuals on board. So the quantity positively varies relying on how the queues are transferring because the pods don’t cease transferring.

The pods themselves, as you may see from the photographs, are very spacious. You by no means really feel crowded and there may be loads of room to maneuver round and for everybody to get an important view. There may be additionally seating within the centre of the pod space.

The Eye rotates counter-clockwise (as you take 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 occasions as we rotated, this usually occurs when individuals 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 provides beautiful views of the Homes of Parliament, in addition to upriver to places such because the MI6 headquarters, house 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 trip was coming to the top. Close to the top of the trip your photograph is taken by an automatic digital camera setup.

That is introduced clearly previous to it occurring, and there are places 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 trip 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 have been a bit anxious about being late as we have been coming into London by practice, however truly arrived fairly early, at 4:00pm.

The method for the champagne expertise is slightly totally different, as it’s important to check-in on the particular VIP experiences desk. We did this, our names have been checked towards a listing, and we got the chance to go upstairs to attend within the London Eye lounge.

We have been additionally given a 360-degree viewing information, which got here in very helpful on the London Eye trip to assist us know what we have been seeing, and was a pleasant contact. These are additionally out there 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 sentimental drinks and alcoholic drinks that you may buy when you are ready.

Within the lounge we met our host Arnie and we chatted a bit with him. We requested just a few questions in regards to the expertise, and learnt that it’s restricted to 18 individuals per pod though in his expertise, on common, there are usually 12 – 15 individuals. He additionally shared that he’s ridden the wheel over 1,000 occasions so we figured he knew what he was doing!

As soon as the remainder of our group arrived, a complete of 15 individuals, 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 way of 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 mentioned that sometimes individuals did flip up with a mixture of tickets, and the consequence was disappointment that they weren’t capable of trip collectively. So when reserving tickets, we positively advocate everybody books the identical kind 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 supplied everybody the choice to have juice or soda as a substitute in the event that they most well-liked.

Because the London Eye began to rise and folk began to take a lot of pictures, Arnie additionally identified what we have been seeing, and handed out Champagne. He additionally supplied to take pictures of everybody, and actually went above and past to make sure everybody acquired an important photograph.

The climate was fantastic for our trip, with sunshine and exquisite blue skies. We have been pleasantly stunned because it had been grey and overcast once we had arrived earlier.

The trip 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 snug.

On the finish of the trip we thanked Arnie for his glorious internet hosting, and disembarked.

General we actually loved the Champagne Expertise. We hadn’t fairly identified what to anticipate, and the mix 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

We’ve famous a variety of suggestions and items of recommendation all through the article. I simply needed to checklist right here a number of the extra essential suggestions in an effort to take advantage of your go to to the London Eye.

• Guide upfront immediately on-line right here to save cash and for the perfect availability
• Be sure that everybody in your group books the identical sort of ticket to make sure it is possible for you to to trip collectively in the identical pod
• If touring with a baby age 3 or youthful, they’ll trip at no cost however you continue to must ebook them a ticket
• In case 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 Massive Metropolis Saver go
• Do not forget 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 be sure you permit sufficient time in your itinerary to attend in line and the half-hour for the trip itself.
• You should definitely verify the safety restrictions and to depart your baggage and any restricted objects at your resort to keep away from slowdowns and having objects confiscated by safety.
• There isn’t any commentary or signage on the pods themselves. For these wanting extra details about what you might be seeing in the course of the trip, you would possibly take into account buying a viewing wheel from the reward store earlier than your trip or utilizing a mapping app in your cellphone
• We advocate reserving on a day with climate forecast if attainable. This provides you with the perfect views and pictures from the pods.
• Take pleasure in 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.

We’ve additionally acquired a variety of different sources that can assist you plan your journey to London and the UK typically which we predict you’ll discover helpful.

• We’ve detailed itineraries for 1 day in London, 2 days in London, 3 days in London and 6 days in London
• We’ve an in depth information to visiting the Tower of London, one other iconic London attraction
• You’ll want someplace to remain within the metropolis in case you’re right here for greater than a day. See our information to the place to remain in London for some options throughout all budgets.
• In case you plan on doing a lot sightseeing within the metropolis, you’ll probably lower your expenses with a London Go. See our full London Go overview right here to see if this would possibly prevent cash on sightseeing.
• We’ve a information to getting round London, and a information to utilizing the Oyster card in London.
• In case you’re flying into certainly one of London’s six airports, see our information to attending to London from the airport.
• We’ve an in depth information to what to pack for London, that can assist you put together on your journey to London.
• We put collectively some tips about discovering the finest Pictures Places 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 needed to focus extra on a particular area of the town
• In case you get pleasure from navy museums, check out our information to London’s finest navy museums and memorial. Additionally see our Winston Churchill in London information.
• Recommendations on 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 completely guided day
• Ideas on visiting Stonehenge from London as a day journey
• Different good day journeys from London embody Oxford and Cambridge. See our information to Oxford in a day in addition to issues to do in Cambridge for concepts.
• Heading additional north? We’ve 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? We’ve an in depth information to the finest method to get from London to Paris that can assist you plan
• The Eyewitness Journey Information to London, which has all kinds of data inside, together with extra itineraries and concepts on your journey
• Rick Steve’s London information, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK journey guides, and all the time a superb supply of related data

And that’s it! We hope you discovered our information to visiting the London Eye useful, and as all the time, when you’ve got any questions, simply pop them within the feedback and we’ll reply them as quickly as we are able to!

So you understand: On certainly one of our rides, the corporate gave us a pair of complimentary normal tickets for the London Eye to expertise the usual trip 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.